The new Mercedes SLS AMG was launched in Jeddah on Wednesday. "Mercedes-Benz is presenting an exhilarating super sports car in the new SLS AMG, which is bound to set the pulses of all car enthusiasts racing that extra bit faster and is set to become one of the most alluring sports cars of our era," said Safi Kobeissi, GM, Juffali Automotive Company.

Of all the truly iconic mnemonics attached to individual car manufacturers the Parthenon radiator and gull-wing doors are probably widely known.

Mercedes introduced the gull-wing configuration in its 1954 300 Sport Leicht (SL) which was also the first petrol powered car with direct fuel injection into the combustion chamber. It was the fastest production car of its day. Available from March 1955 to 1957, the car quickly became a classic and the doors automotive history. Since then the Briklin SV1 from the 1970's, De Lorean in the 1980's and the UK's Bristol current Fighter range have used the configuration. Although officially called the SLS-AMG, it will inevitably be known, as its predecessor was, as the Gullwing.

Propelled by a 6.2 liter V8 that delivers 571 horsepower down a carbon-fiber drive shaft to the 7-speed rear mounted gearbox, Mercedes' first twin-clutch sequential-shift transmission. Each engine is assembled by its own technician at AMG's headquarters in Affalterbach, Germany. Final assembly of the car takes place at Mercedes' Sindelfingen factory. AMG has further modified the V-8 for the SLS. About 120 changes to the standard power plant include forged pistons, modified cams, a new exhaust system and a new dry sump system that helps lower the car's centre of gravity.

The aluminum and carbon fiber car weighs 1330 kg and with the power-weight ration that yields it sees off the zero-100 kph mark in something around 3.8 seconds and it trundles rapidly upwards to 320kph. Like it's forebear, the new SLS is certain to become a classic marque.
 

On Saturday for one hour starting at 8:30 p.m. IKEA stores in Riyadh, Jeddah and Dhahran will switch off their non-essential lights, for example, outside sign and parking spotlight in support of Earth Hour, which is a global World Wildlife Fund (WWF) climate change initiative. Individuals, businesses, governments and communities are invited to turn their lights off for one hour all at the same time to show their support for global action on climate change.

The event began in Sydney in 2007, when two million people switched off their lights. In 2008, more than 50 million people around the globe participated. Last year, about 1 billion people from more 4,000 cities and towns across 88 countries switched off their lights for one hour. Global landmarks that participated last year were London's Big Ben, the Sydney Opera House and the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur.

Estimates are that more than 100 countries will be participating this year. IKEA, which offers home furnishings with good design and function at low prices so that many people can afford them, incorporates environmentally friendly efforts into day to day business on a global level, and continually supports initiatives that benefit the environment and our children in the future. IKEA was founded in Sweden in 1943 and there are currently 271 IKEA stores in 25 countries of which most will participate in Earth Hour including Saudi Arabia.

IKEA and the WWF have co-operated on a global level since 2002 toward a decreased ecological footprint by promoting responsible and sustainable use of resources. Today the partnership includes projects on forestry, climate and sustainable cotton production on three continents.
 

Saudi Telecom Company (STC) has introduced an innovative new feature called Naqaa Net that allows customers to control network access by switching between the standard Internet network and a "pure" network, which is filtered by a specialized committee. Naqaa Net is designed to protect your children and other family members and costs only SR15 per month.

Users can control, switch and select between networks as and when required simply and easily via the portal www.m3com.com.sa or by sending an SMS to 907 with the following codes.

To switch from standard Internet to the pure network, send the code 6004 followed by a space then your Hatif number starting with the area code. To switch from the pure network to the standard network, send the code 6003 followed by a space then your Hatif number starting with the area code.

Now, wherever you are, even away from home, simply by sending an SMS or by going through the Internet portal you can switch from one connection to another. Naqaa Net offers the option of safe, pure Internet services for all AFAQ DSL Shamel customers, utilizing the most advanced technology to keep family members safe and comfortable while browsing the Internet.

A spokesperson for STC said: "In today's world we must analyze the privileges, risks and challenges which face our customers because of the openness of modern information technology. Some websites include materials that negatively affect our customs and traditions, which are based on noble Islamic values, and our concern in this respect emphasizes the role played by STC in serving society - especially children - by developing innovative solutions to protect our customers from the dangers of the Internet."
 
Nissan Patrol

The all-new 2010 version of Nissan's flagship Petrol SUV made is global debut at the ongoing Janadriya festival in Riyadh recently. This was the "First world premiere in the Middle East by Nissan Motors Company Ltd." There was a huge turnout of festival visitors and media representatives from all over Saudi Arabia as "The hero of all terrain" made its global debut, with Alhamrani United Company's COO Saleh Kaaki participating in the car revealing ceremony.

The event, which was marked by a cultural program, included a presentation about AUC and its long lasting and successful mutual relationship with NMC, and about the Patrol returning as an all-new seventh generation model, and the most prestigious large SUV four-wheel drive vehicle in the region, that enjoys the highest levels of Nissan's customers confidence in Saudi Arabia, Kaaki said.

Nissan Patrol is a name synonymous with ruggedness; a legendary off-road car capable of going anywhere, anytime. Meticulously honed for over five decades, the Patrol enjoys a rich heritage and passionate following in the Middle East that dates back to the 1950's. The Patrol enjoys highest levels of safety, performance and quality, which distinguishes Nissan trademark. We have given special attention to meeting the needs of drivers and passengers in the Gulf region."

The Patrol now returns as an all-new seventh generation model, building on its impressive history, but at the same time, incorporating a new platform, a radical new design direction, significantly enhanced interior comfort and luxury, powerful new V8 engines, a 7-speed automatic transmission and a new 4WD system.
 
TEMSA Global/Zahid

Zahid Tractor, a leader in the vehicle and heavy equipment sector of high quality trucks, tractors and buses, participated in the PMV Show 2010 as an event partner alongside SAGIA (Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority) and King Abdullah Economic City at the Jeddah Gate earlier this month. Zahid Tractor launched a unique transport collection of TEMSA Global, a pioneer in the manufacture of high-quality buses.

This follows an agreement appointing Zahid Tractor as the sole strategic agent and distributor of TEMSA buses in Saudi Arabia. Amr Khashoggi, VP corporate affairs, Zahid Group of Companies, said: "Our substantial sponsorship of the PMV Show is a natural continuation of our commitment to providing the best in class of products and services to the Saudi market and to supporting our projects and the investments of our valued customers in all sectors of business and commerce."

Khashoggi added: "Partnering with TEMSA Global lays the foundation to giving us the opportunity to provide a truly unique menu of the highest quality buses to the Saudi Market comprised of 16 different models, manufactured to the highest European standards of comfort, operation and safety. TEMSA name is coupled with a brand that symbolizes leading distinction, and we intend through our partnership to create awareness and recognition in the Saudi market."

Ayhan Dayoglu, GM, TEMSA Global in Egypt, said the Kingdom was one of the outstanding markets of the Middle East and Africa region, especially with the positive growth rates and various business and investment opportunities in this vast market. "Zahid Tractor possesses a strong and respectable name and reputation in the Saudi market, which makes us confident that all 'TEMSA Global' operations will witness vast developments."
 
Arab Roots

Arab Roots Group Co. Ltd., one of the largest companies in the field of production and distribution of construction materials, signed a long-term agreement with Swedish construction giant "Atlas Copco", under which Arab Roots is appointed as the sole distributor for its products and services in Syria.

The agreement was signed on behalf Arab Roots by Saleh Bin Laden, president, and on behalf of Atlas Copco by Great Volyn. Atlas Copco is one the world's largest companies with a working capital of $10.5 billion. Arab Roots is a multinational company operating in various countries including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Malaysia and China with a total work force of about 3,800 workers.

Arab Roots was founded in 1981 and became a leading company in manufacturing, wholesale, and retail sales in construction and building materials as well as other related services. Its main area of business is, but not limited to, building materials, metal works, fences, doors, iron nets, ceiling supports, adhesives, paint, coatings, water anti-leak textiles, electrical tools and mobile cranes.
 
Maserati GranCabrio

Fast Auto Technic Company (FATC) introduced the new Maserati GranCabrio at a ceremony in Jeddah recently. The GranCabrio - the Trident's third prong - completes Maserati's product line-up that now consists of three different families of models - Quattroporte, GranTurismo and GranCabrio.

The GranCabrio represents the very essence of Maserati in terms of open-top cars. It's a Maserati in the purest sense of the word - from the unmistakable style by Pininfarina to the spacious interior, from the craftsmanship of each detail to the driving pleasure and performance.

The Maserati GranCabrio enriches all five senses in a shared open-air experience, without sacrificing comfort and performance. A dream car designed and built for men and women who love to live life in an understated - though sophisticated - manner. Like all the made in Maserati open-top convertibles: Special cars aimed at refined connoisseurs. Mamdouh Khayyat, GM, FATC, hoped the new car would lay out new standards for the luxury sport cars category in the Kingdom. The GranCabrio is continuing the Maserati tradition in open-top fine automobiles, beginning with the 1950 A6G Frua Spyder, and continuing through a long list of significant and thrilling open air models.

However, in adding to this tradition, the GranCabrio opens a new chapter, because never before have four-seater top-down models ever been produced at the Viale Ciro Menotti Maserati factory in Modena. Four proper seats are provided, so that the rear passengers are not merely supporting actors, but co-stars of the journey. The GranCabrio is powered by a 4.7 liter V8, 323 kW engine and is the convertible with the longest wheelbase on the market (versus its direct competitors). The GranCabrio's roof is strictly canvas-made, emphasizing the link with the Maserati tradition.
 
MODON

Saudi Industrial Property Authority (MODON) organizes the annual marathon race each year with participation of factory workers in the industrial cities in order to spread the spirit of honest competition between the factory workers and create a distinctive social status spreading the spirit of fraternity among the workers.

The annual marathon race gained the utmost care and attention of MODON's Director General Tawfig Bin Fawzan Alrabiah, managers of the participating industrial cites and the Saudi Arabian Athletic Federation. For the last five years, MODON has been organizing the race on an annual basis in Al-Ahsa Industrial City. This year, the race is being held in five industrial cities. The first took place in Riyadh 2nd Industrial City on Friday (March 19).

The next venue is in Al-Ahsa Industrial City on Friday (March 26). The following races will be held in Dammam 2nd. Industrial City on April 9,  Jeddah 1st. Industrial City on April 30, and Asir Industrial City on May 21. Participation in the race is open for factories with any number of employees. The enrollment can be done till the day prior to the start of the race at the administrative offices of the industrial cities. The race distance will be 3 km and the one who reaches the finish line first, will be the first place winner. MODON will distribute awards to the winners.

There will be an arbitration committee to monitor the runners along the racetrack in cooperation with Saudi Arabian Athletic Federation, and Saudi Red Crescent Association, Civil Defense and Industrial Safety in the industrial cities.