AGMC opens state-of-the-art Rolls-Royce showroom

AGMC, which was appointed the Dubai, Sharjah and Northern Emirates authorised Rolls-Royce dealer in 2003, has invested in state-of-the-art showrooms, situated next to AGMC's land mark MINI and BMW Group showrooms on the Sheikh Zayed Road, in Dubai and in Sharjah.

"We at AGMC are proud to be the partners of Rolls-Royce in Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates. We look forward to this partnership moving the Rolls-Royce brand into a new era, one that will strengthen Rolls-Royce's position as the leading luxury car manufacturer in the Middle East," said Stathis I Stathis, General Manager of AGMC.

"Our mission, as indeed it is of every Rolls-Royce dealer in the region, is to provide our customers with a total high quality ownership experience that consistently satisfies each individual's needs and exceeds their expectations in a comfortable, supportive environment.

"The new showroom will enable our customers to familiarise themselves with the stunning new Rolls-Royce Phantom in a purpose built, ultra modern facility that will also cater for all their after sales needs," Stathis added.

Howard Mosher, sales and marketing director of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, based at Goodwood in the UK, said, "Over the years a very special relationship has developed between Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and our customers in the Middle East, and the opening of such prestigious new premises can only serve to strengthen that bond in the future. We are delighted to support AGMC in this important market."

In addition to the new showroom, AGMC has invested in a fully equipped body shop, capable of carrying out any kind of paint and body repair and a full tyre service centre, equipped with the latest Rolls-Royce specification facilities tools and equipment.

To ensure the highest level of after sales service AGMC's dedicated Rolls-Royce technicians have had their skills enhanced at Rolls-Royce's training facilities in Goodwood, England.

The official opening of the showroom and the Phantom's debut in Dubai, Sharjah and Northern Emirates' was marked by an exclusive VIP reception held at the landmark Burj Al Arab, the only seven star hotel in the world. Themed as 'The Phantom of the Opera', the specially invited guests were entertained by two Opera singers specially flown in from Europe for this event.

The Middle East has traditionally been a strong market for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, and this trend looks set to continue with the new Phantom. There has already been strong interest from customers in the region. Rolls-Royce has said that it intends to sell an average of 1000 cars per year, over the lifecycle of the car. Of these it is anticipated that around 15 per cent will be sold in the Middle East.

Entirely new from the ground up, the Rolls-Royce Phantom captures the essence of the world's most famous car brand, interpreted in an utterly modern way. The result is a motor car which incorporates cutting edge engineering technology, unparalleled quality and the finest in hand-built craftsmanship. The Phantom has a light-weight aluminum space frame body, a V12 engine which develops tremendous power and torque and a style, inside and out, which is every inch a Rolls-Royce.

On the inside, the finest leather, Cashmere trim and fitted cabinetry have been used to create an atmosphere which is simple, yet of unquestionable quality. Access is via coach doors, which open from the centre of the car (the rear doors hinged at the back) reminiscent of the classic Rolls-Royce era and which have been chosen to give easy access to the rear. Combined with a flat floor they allow passengers simply to walk in to the rear, turn and sit down.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom is easy yet rewarding to drive. The high driving position gives an excellent view. Intuitive and effortless to drive, the Phantom is beautifully refined and precise in its responses. Self-levelling air springs, electronic dampers and multi-link rear, double wishbone front suspension combine with the long wheelbase and high profile tyres to give the perfect combination of ride and handling.

The large wheels and tyres have been specially developed for the Phantom: it is the first car in the world to feature the advanced PAX run-flat tyre system as standard, which allows the car to run for 100 miles at 50 mph after a puncture.

On the move, the purpose-designed 6.75-litre V12 engine provides huge reserves of power and torque. The Rolls-Royce Phantom will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds (0-100 kph 5.9 seconds) and on to a limited top speed of 149 mph (240 kph).

Behind the wheel, the low-down torque wafts the Phantom swiftly yet effortlessly from tick-over. Peak torque is 720 Nm (531 lb ft) at 3500 rpm, but more importantly 75 per cent of that total is developed at just 1000 rpm. Maximum power is 460 PS (338 kW).

The latest in combustion technology - variable valve lift, variable valve timing and direct fuel injection - helps produce excellent fuel economy for a motor car of the Phantom's size and power. On the EU extra urban cycle it returns 25.7 mpg (11.0 l/100 km) and a combined figure of 17.8 mpg (15.9 l/100 km).

As well as the main features of the Phantom, there are a number of delightful detail touches which help to make this such a special motor car - something in which Rolls-Royce has always taken pride. For example; the electrically retractable Spirit of Ecstasy, which can be lowered out of sight whenever the Phantom is parked; the wheel hub centres, bearing the interlinked double-R logo, which remain upright; and the umbrellas which will be found stowed within each rear door.

Rolls-Royce celebrates its Centenary in 2004, marking a significant point in automotive history when Henry Royce and Charles Rolls first met in Manchester, England and subsequently decided to go into business together. The result was an enduring business founded on the highest engineering principles and a brand which is simply one of the best-known around the world.