PORSCHE

With every model in the Porsche range, the Porsche World Roadshow smoked off the line at the Jeddah Raceway on Sunday morning. Guests, by invitation only and contacted by the Porsche call center, are treated to a display of driving by the factory instructors as they demonstrate the outer limits of their cars abilities. “All the cars we produce have the Porsche DNA,” he said. “The SUVs — the Cayenne range — can be driven as family cars yet have the power and safety features of a performance car. This makes it extremely safe for family use yet allows the driver to use the potential when it is safe to do so,” said David Matta, general manager for Saudi Arabian Marketing and Agencies. Matta outlined the company’s commitment to safe driving and described the safety program that Porsche ran. “We take the program into schools and start introducing safe driving to children as young as eight years old to get them into the habit and culture of safe driving.” Jochen Albig, chief instructor of the Porsche Driving Experience, said “customers and potential future customers get behind the wheel and, under the professional guidance of our team of instructors, are encouraged to push the cars way beyond the limits the driver is used to.” Albig disclosed that about 90 percent of all Porsche cars ever made were still in use. The innovation and quality of their engineering and iconic status with car enthusiast made them investments as well as a perfectly usable car.

SHOWTIME

Showtime Arabia announced yesterday the launch of The Style Network exclusively on its network consistent with its on going strategy of delivering premium and targeted channels. Glamorous, trendy, and inspiring, The Style Network is the destination for all women who want to look and feel their very best. The programming specifically targets females18-49 with a passion for the best in inspiring lifestyle. With original series and specials featuring beauty, leisure, home, weddings and fashion, its lifestyle programming that is irresistible. Available only on Showtime, The Style Network is now a 24/7 source of information for the latest updates on the trends in high fashion, beauty, home and lifestyle balanced with realistic viewpoints on how today’s woman can apply those trends.

COCA-COLA

In line with Coca-Cola’s human relations strategy, Coca-Cola Middle East flew its leadership team to Barcelona, Spain, to take part in a leadership skill-training course. The trip was a gesture of appreciation to employees, said Rafik El-Toukhi, president, Middle East Business unit for Coca-Cola, who hosted the event. “It is the Coke way of life to enjoy what you do every day, we constantly look for ways to motivate people and to demonstrate our appreciation for their skill and dedication. Our people are the reason we are the most recognizable consumer brand in the world, and we believe in investing in people as much if not more than investing in infrastructure, technology or marketing. People are our main focus,” El Toukhi said. Coca-Cola Middle East is headquartered in Bahrain.

DIRECT MARKETING

On his recent trip to Jeddah, Ramesh A. Lakshmi-Ratan, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Direct Marketing Association in New York City, said “I am truly fascinated by the way Bridges is conducting its direct marketing services. There is a lot of promise in direct marketing in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere in the Middle East, and Bridges is going in the right direction.” Visiting the Bridges Direct Marketing and CRM offices in Bin Homran recently, he met with Essam Awad, chairman, and Khaled Yamak, Bridges’ managing director, and discussed the future of direct marketing in the Middle East.