FORD
Ford SUVs and passenger cars in the GCC enjoyed robust sales during the first quarter of this year posting an increase of 16 percent over the same period in 2006. Mondeo, Ford’s mid-size passenger car, proved to be the most popular as sales tripled reaching more than 200 percent. Mercury Grand Marquis followed with a 37 percent increase in volume, while the Ford Crown Victoria registered nearly 10 percent growth. Passenger cars sales were up almost 30 percent. Expedition SUV posted a 70 percent increase over the same period last year, mainly driven by the new 2007 model and introduction of the all-new extended EL model.
AL FOZAN
Abdullatif & Mohamed Al Fozan Company recently held a graduation ceremony in Alkhobar for the first group of trainees who completed their course for the National Certificate for Retail Sales Skills. The training includes development of personal and work skills of the traineess. Each group received intensive preparation in ethics and disciplines in sales, specialized English training, reinforcement of pro-activity and positive actions according to the national and global work standards, which include window dressing and product display, and knowledge of products, sales, office procedures, customer service.
HARDWARE & TOOLS
Organized by Messe Frankfurt, an organizer of premium exhibitions around the world, Hardware & Tools Middle East 2007, described as the region’s only dedicated event for power tools, hand tools, hardware, ironmongery, workshop and woodworking machinery is scheduled to be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center on May 13-15. There are three broad product areas at the show, reflecting the demand pattern of the market. Within these three sections — tools, machinery and hardware — there is a range of products and services that visitors will be looking to source. This year’s event will run in conjunction with other shows — ISH Kitchen and Bath, Light Middle East, Hometech Middle East.