JEDDAH, 13 September 2005 — A sizeable increase in automobile sales is expected this year and in the coming year, according to a leading car dealer.
Factors beneficial to the retail sector are this year’s strong oil prices and the Kingdom’s gesture in increasing the salaries of public sector employees by 15 percent. “Surely, cars and other consumer durables will largely benefit through increased sales,” Ali Alireza, director and general manager at Haji Husein Alireza & Co. Ltd. (HHA), said yesterday.
The small car or the entry-level segment is growing in popularity, especially in the past few years, because of the increasing number of young and college-going population. “Small cars are now being favored because they are more powerful than what they were in the past,” he told Arab News on the sidelines of the launch of the 2006 Mazda6 car at the company showroom yesterday.
A Japanese delegation representing the Mazda Motor Company was present at the introduction of three versions of Mazda6 — sedan, hatchback and station wagon. The team included Hiroki Choshi, general manager, Middle East & Africa sales department; Seiichi Ohmoto, manager at the program management division; and Kenji Sato of the Middle East & Africa sales department. “Mazda6 comprises one of the most extensive and impressive lineups in the midsize car category,” Alireza told a press conference.
Mazda6, which was first launched in this market three years ago, has proved to be a “great success at all levels, including technical, performance and design,” he added. The car has also won prestigious accolades like the “best car of the year” award in its category.
“We owe our big market share across the Kingdom to the splendid work of HHA. They have played an enormous role in placing Mazda vehicles on top in this market,” Choshi said.
“The new Mazda6, which has been given a facelift, is designed with an emphasis on the sports style in keeping with our ‘Zoom-Zoom’ image,” he added. The design has been enhanced through a body colored ‘sport’ grille, gray headlights, an aggressive looking front, dual round exhaust outlets, and a host of other improved features.
The brakes, suspension, body structure and powertrain have all been reworked. The car offers a choice of two newly-developed all-aluminum powerplants — the MZR 2.3 and the MZR 2.0. Each features a four-cylinder 16-valve DOHC layout, and both boast Mazda’s S-VT (sequential valve timing) and VIS (variable intake system). S-VT dynamically adjusts valve timing according to engine speed and air intake so the engine operates with greater efficiency at all revolutions. The result is higher power with lower fuel consumption and emissions.
All variants - sedan, sport and sport touring - have split-folding rear seats. The large cargo area becomes even more spacious when the rear seats are folded forward.
The new car has undergone various important modifications and improvements including six-speed manual transmission, five-speed automatic transmission, air-conditioning, power windows, mirrors and locks, anti-lock brakes and traction control. Also, newly introduced are standard 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Outside door handles are large for easy entry. The supportive front bucket seats have considerable maneuverability enabling four to five adults to enjoy the ride comfortably.
Choshi said the company might consider sponsoring sports events locally in cooperation with the HHA. “We’ve discontinued sponsoring sports internationally due to financial constraints, but once we regain our financial strength we’ll resume supporting sports activities worldwide,” he said.