JUBAIL: Nissan’s Saudi representative unveiled the redesigned 2009 Murano premium crossover vehicle last week with sleeker lines, a 3.5-liter V6 engine pumping out 256 horsepower, luxurious standard equipment and even more luxurious options.

Alhamrani United’s decision to unveil the new model in Jubail, although the company is headquartered in Jeddah, was not without significance. The company wanted to reinforce its association with Al-Jabr Trading Company, which is its authorized dealer in the Eastern Province. The unveiling ceremony took place at Al-Jabr’s plush showroom in Jubail in the presence of Usman Khizar Hayat, general manager of Alhamrani United’s national strategic marketing, and Abdul Salam Al-Jabr, deputy general manager of Al-Jabr Trading Company.

Alhamrani United boasts a large dealership network in the Kingdom, second only to Abdul Latif Jameel Co. Ltd.

Speaking to Arab News, Hayat discussed the new model, the Saudi auto business and the economy. “When it was launched four years ago, Murano had set a new trend — in terms of styling, in terms of design, in terms of uniqueness — it was a whole concept,” Hayat told Arab News.

“We don’t call it a luxury car; we call it a premium crossover. Saudi Arabia never had a premium crossover before Murano’s arrival. When we say luxury, we mean Lexus, BMW and Infinity. Nissan Murano 2009 is going to set another trend.”

He said despite the general downturn in world auto markets, Saudis weren’t likely to find automobile prices plunging. “Car prices are not coming down. In fact, we have increased the prices by SR2,000 to SR3,000 per car,” Hayat said. “Saudi Arabia is a price-dominated market. Bargaining is a norm here. Everybody will ask for a discount.

Maybe it is true that American and European auto companies set the prices, but this is not the case with Japanese car manufacturers. They make it a point to take on board the input of the market they are exporting their cars to. They always take our input when setting the price.” Hayat noted that although there are some effects locally for the global downturn, the biggest variable for the Kingdom seems to be consumer confidence. “It is not that people don’t have money here. If you go by the numbers in the last three months, they do indicate that people are holding back from going in for new things,” said Hayat.

“Our strategy is to make buying easy for our customers. We want to offer them good financial terms and conditions, and we want to maintain and sustain the current momentum,” Hayat said. “The launch of Nissan Murano 2009 edition stems from out-of-the-box thinking at Alhamrani United. It was part of what we call the ‘Nissan Value Plan,’ under which we regularly launch vibrant products in the market. Nissan Murano is part of that plan.”

Abdul Salam Al-Jabr said the new Murano would continue to appeal to customers who appreciate the fusion of the dynamic characteristics of a luxury sedan and the security, space and desirability of a sport utility vehicle (SUV). “However, it is now quicker, more economical to run, sportier yet more refined to drive, and boasts a sumptuous, contemporary interior clad in a more elegant, all-new exterior,” he said.