The Sony Creative Science Award 2006, the second edition of the community initiative of Modern Electronics Co. Ltd., Sony Gulf FZE and in joint coordination with the Jeddah Science and Technology Center (JSTC), was announced on Sunday. “Today, as we announce this award, hundreds of students will compete to be finalists, however, our end goal is not the prize, but to ignite the spark of scientific curiosity and creativity in the minds of our youth. For knowledge when caged in the classroom remains simply a transfer of information, yet education is much more than that, for it’s the opening up of new categories and frontiers,” Al-Faisaliah Group President Prince Mohammed K. Al-Faisal, told a press conference. JSTC Chairman Dr. Mohammed Abdul Yamani, and Modern Electronics Co.’s MD Mohammed Al-Segaih and GM Takuzo Fujimoto were among those present. The award, described as the first initiative of its kind in the Kingdom, aims to promote creativity among children and opens their minds to scientific curiosity.
GM
GM announced its plans for expanding its quick service center network, in Dubai on Sunday. The plan, which aims to build 15 additional facilities, comes in light of the success that the existing network has achieved in the past few years and aims to enhance the customer ownership experience across all of GM’s brands in the region - Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, Hummer, Saab and Opel. The quick service center concept, with its promise of “29 minutes or the next one free” was a completely novel idea to the region when the first facility was launched in Dammam in April 2004. Once a vehicle is logged into the center’s system for Lube, oil, and Filter special, a GM receptionist presents the customer with a 29-minute countdown timer, helping them monitor the progress of the service on the vehicle. Other services include a 15-point inspection, which is offered at a fixed price for most GM vehicles. “The need for more centers and faster, more advanced service comes largely due to our expanding business in the region,” says Joe Elenz, GM’s Middle East after-sales director.
Amiantit
Saudi Arabian Amiantit Company has announced the appointment of Ibrahim Fodah as general manager of AmiWater, an Amiantit Group holding company which oversees the operations of nine separate global companies operating in the Kingdom and abroad that are among the leading international specialists in water infrastructure projects for both the public and private sectors. Fodah, who was previously head of Saudi Exports Development at Jeddah Chamber of Commerce & Industry, brings a wealth of experience that will enhance the development of this important segment of Amiantit Group operations. AmiWater subsidiary companies cover different technical, commercial, operational and managerial areas in the water business sector and have the expertise, technology and engineering skills to provide complete systems solutions on a global scale. AmiWater companies are currently operating projects in Eastern Europe, Russia, Turkey, Greece, Africa, India, Indonesia and Thailand.
Volkswagen Touareg
The “Off-Road” magazine readers have selected the Volkswagen Touareg as the best luxury sports utility vehicle (SUV) in its class. It was “definitely a clear choice” by the magazine, as 20.4 percent of all participants voted for the Touareg in the luxury SUV category. It had a substantial lead over the Porsche Cayenne (13.8 percent) and Audi Q7 (13.1 percent), according to Volkswagen Middle East MD Andreas Prinz. Introduced in the Middle East in spring 2003 (global launch in autumn 2002), Volkswagen’s radical SUV is described as one of the most important new vehicle launches in Volkswagen history. The Touareg’s all-round performance capability is “nothing short of astonishing.” Besides it sports sedan-like body stiffness, the Touareg comes fully loaded with a wide range of standard features, essential for serious off-roading. It has a rich interior with gauges that are easy to read and controls that are easy to use. The Touareg now has more than two- dozen international prestigious prizes under its belt.
Showtime
Showtime, a pay-TV network in the Middle East and North Africa, has concluded a deal with Information Systems & Technology Company (IST), the main reseller of Mobily Sim & scratch cards, by which subscriptions to Showtime can be made at any one of the 70 IST retail outlets in the Kingdom. “IST is the fastest growing IT and telecommunications service provider in the Kingdom and we’re delighted to appoint them as an authorized Showtime dealer,” said Showtime Arabia President & CEO Peter Einstein. From now on, it will be much more convenient to subscribe to Showtime as availability at IST’s wide reaching retail network makes for a bigger number of locations with a broader reach across the Kingdom, he added. “By partnering with Showtime, we’re offering customers at existing locations and our new i-link stores the added attraction of being able to subscribe to Showtime services. It’s a win-win arrangement that benefits all our customers,” said IST Founder Majed Asaad.