BMW to hold Security Driver Training at Qatar's Losail International Circuit

For the first time in the Middle East, the BMW Security Driver Training programme will be conducted in Qatar, bringing together two important and critical factors - the Security vehicle itself and the skills of the driver.

The Security Driver Training has been organised in association with Alfardan Automobiles, BMW AG exclusive importer in Qatar including BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce cars.

Qatar is considered to be a perfect venue for this event. Thanks to the forward thinking policies of Qatar's Emir, HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the country has developed into one of the most modern and dynamic centres in the region for hosting high profile events such as the WTO Doha conference 2001, the forthcoming Asian Games 2006, as well as other political, sport and business meetings, Qatar is underlining its international standing.

"We are extremely glad that BMW chose Qatar to host this event and asked Alfardan Automobiles, the exclusive importer of the brand, to organize it,"

said Ahmed Sorour, Senior Vice President and Director of Sales. "We are as a team doing our best to organize the event in the best way possible."

The event will witness the participation of numerous government authorities and embassies from all over the world due to its emphasis on security driving, especially with the current security situations around the world.

The BMW Security Driver Training will take place at the Losail International Circuit from March 11-23 2006. This world class circuit, that is the second longest track in the world, is perfectly equipped to host this special training, offering state of the art infrastructure on and off track. Participants will be trained on the BMW 7 Series High Security, BMW X5 Security as well as on the brand new BMW 5 Series Security.

The BMW 5 Series has already proved to be a class-leading saloon and things have been taken to a higher level with the introduction of the BMW 5 Series Security (ballistic protection level VR4).

The BMW 5 Series Security successfully rounds off BMW's existing range of Security vehicles consisting of the BMW 760Li / 745Li High Security and the BMW X5 Security. Both BMW 7 Series models are High Security vehicles complying with the requirements of the ballistic protection level VR6//VR7. The BMW X5 Security and the new BMW 5 Series Security meet the requirements of the ballistic protection level VR4.

With the BMW X5 Security, BMW successfully brought to market the first armoured SAV that has attracted many customers owing to its superior on- and off-road capabilities. With the launch of the 5 Series Security, BMW is now offering an armoured saloon in the premium segment of the upper midrange. Boasting sporting performance and motoring comfort combined with exclusive equipment options and state-of-the-art security technology, this Security vehicle caters for the needs of the most discerning customers worldwide.

"The Security Driver Training programme will be attended by professionals from BMW AG who will train drivers on how best to deal with situations and scenarios they could face in the real world, taking them through three different levels of training. The trainers will be offering insights, tips, and theories as well as practical demonstrations to the participants," said Robert Zarzor, Regional Manager, BMW Direct Sales in the Middle East and Africa.

The choice of Alfardan Automobiles to host this distinctive event comes from its exceptional performance in the region and its leading role in transporting VIP delegations during international conferences, held in Qatar, throughout the past ten years, in addition to it being among the best BMW dealerships in terms of customer satisfaction.