JEDDAH, 11 November 2007 — The Saudi market for sport utility vehicles (SUV) is on an expansion course. “The SUV in its various segments including their luxury versions is continuously growing in numbers across the Kingdom,” a senior executive at Abdul Latif Jameel-Toyota, said last night on the sidelines of the debut of the 2008 Land Cruiser. “The all-new 2008 Land Cruiser, a full-size luxury SUV, launched here is the same as is introduced worldwide,” Essam Talal Nawar, marketing general manager, product planning, ALJ, told a press conference.
The launch ceremony was held at the premises of ALJ, Toyota sole dealer in the Kingdom. Now in its 17th generation, the legendary Land Cruiser, labeled as the pride of the land, continues to carry its “incomparable reputation for quality, durability and reliability.” he added.
The car was unveiled by Walid Khalid Hambishi, Toyota marketing manager and Sadayoshi Koyari, Toyota Land Cruiser chief engineer. Mohammad Jameel, president of ALJ said that he was delighted that Toyota Land Cruiser was expanding its market presence in the Kingdom.” The introduction of this new model has already created a sensation in the automobile industry because of the vast experience of Land Cruiser cars that have met the ambitions of luxury car fans.
“The Land Cruiser, with its incredible reliability and capability, is the iconic vehicle that helped Toyota gain its first foothold in the world automobile market,” he said, adding that over the years, it has evolved from a basic four-wheel-drive utility vehicle into an upscale vehicle with the capability of the original Land Cruiser “with the comfort and convenience that would rival any luxury sedan.” The new Land Cruiser “takes those values several steps further than ever before.”