Samsung Electronics aims to increase the camcorder market share in the Middle East with the launch of two state-of-the-art camcorders — VP-D103i and VP-D303i. “With the launch of our latest camcorders, we offer a whole new world of digital entertainment,” said H.J. Park, senior manager, sales and marketing, Samsung Gulf Electronics (SGE). With a screen size of 2.5-inch high-resolution LCD monitor, consumers can capture sharper and brighter images through these camcorders. Multilanguage display feature in the camcorders allows consumers to choose from languages like English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch and Polish. The key features provided by both products include an Easy-Q/EZ Navigator, 800K Pixel CCD, 2.5-inch TFT color LCD monitor, slow shutter/night capture, power night capture, digital image stabilizer, playback zoom, photo mode, memory stick slot, built-in camera, MPEG4 movie clip, remote control, USB streaming and web camera. The products have a powerful optical zoom. “With these camcorders, consumers can shoot short movie clips and capture them on a PC or store them on a memory stick in MPEG4 format. The saved files can be conveniently sent via email or posted on the Internet,” said Ashraf Sajid, sales and marketing manger, SGE.
Chevrolet
Chevrolet is forecasting continued strong growth in Saudi Arabia over the coming months, following its record first quarter sales. “While new models have played their part in bolstering the figures across the region, the more established brands such as Caprice continue to underpin the encouraging growth in the Kingdom,” said Gerry Groenewegen, regional divisional marketing manager for Chevrolet. The Caprice has a huge following in the Kingdom since the first version appeared in the Middle East nearly 40 years ago, he said, adding that it continues to excel in the highly competitive market, fueled by strong demand from private buyers. “One of the main reasons for Caprice’s success is that it boasts one of the most complete lineups of luxury full-size family cars on the road today, offering unmatched style, comfort, performance and value for money,” he said. Degrees of luxury are the main differences in the caprice models, so buyers can tailor their budgets accordingly and still enjoy superlative motoring, irrespective of which model they opt for. Prices range from SR79,500, he said the introduction of a V6 engine version of the LTZ this year has enhanced the Caprice offering. “The smooth, quiet engine, which provides excellent fuel economy with a spirited performance, has quickly proven to be a big hit and as a consequence it will be introduced to more versions of the Caprice with the 2005 models due later this year.
Jotun Metallic
Jotun Saudia Company Ltd. (JSCL) recently conducted a roadshow for its Jotun Metallic paint in Dammam and Yanbu, following its show in Jeddah. The new product was unveiled in the presence of dealers and contractors at a ceremony in both cities. Metallic is one of the innovative products from Jotun paints, which gives a whole new concept in decorative effects by allowing to create an illusion of movement to the surfaces. “Jotun Metallic is yet another example of our innovative approach and expertise in paint technology. A surface that is coated with Jotun Metallic shimmers like colored starlight in response to a variety of light sources,” said Tor Johansen, managing director, JSCL.
Gulfood 2005
Gulfood 2005, claimed to be the largest, most comprehensive and representative show for the food, hotel & hospitality industry in the Middle East and North Africa region, has set its sights firmly on accelerated growth by building on its acknowledged track record as the premier regional platform for the industry. The show, which takes place from Feb. 20 to 23, 2005, capitalizes on the advantage of being at the hub of a high spending and rapidly growing target market, announced organizers Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC). The 10th edition of the biennial event, which will be held at the DWTC Complex, will offer an opportunity to food and hospitality industries to display the latest developments and technologies as well as network with fellow professionals located in a region which has recorded a spectacular growth in tourism and hospitality infrastructure and which as a result has become one of the key growth areas for both these sectors. Some 1,304 participants from 44 countries including 25 country pavilions took part in the show last year. The Middle East’s high disposable income, appetite and vision make it an increasingly important food and drinks consumer. The region is also heavily dependant on large-scale imports of food and food-related products, with more than 90 percent of its needs being met from overseas. This makes food and food related products in the Gulf a massively important sector for any international manufacturer, importer or trader. Gulfood facilitates the development of trade, tastes and trends by attracting key industry buyers from over 75 countries and its position is consolidated by Dubai’s key role as the region’s business and re-exporting hub, being located on the crossroads of three continents and the center of a potential market of more than two billion people.