HP
A ceremony for the 2011 HP awards was held to celebrate the outstanding achievements within the HP MEA network of distributors and retailers in Riyadh recently. “It was also an opportunity to thank those individuals and organizations who continue to support HP across Saudi Arabia,” an HP statement said, adding that VIPs and invited guests enjoyed a full entertainment show that was followed by prizes. Attending the event were CEOs, managers and marketing representatives from the HP MEMA network, as well as the HP PSG team totaling over a hundred participants. The HP PSG team organized the event. “The event slogan was partnership = success, which reflects how important are our business partners to HP Saudi Arabia and the key of success is only partnership,” Zakaria El-Sayed, HP’s channel manager in Saudi Arabia, said. HP awarded its retailers, resellers and distributors in Saudi Arabia for their partnerships, El-Sayed added. HP stated that it creates new possibilities for technology to have a meaningful impact on people, businesses, governments and society. Described as the world’s largest technology company, HP brings together a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure to solve customer problems.
AXIOM TELECOM
Axiom Telecom, a major mobile and smartphone retailer in the Middle East, has introduced a market first with its ‘1-Hour Express Service’ for BlackBerry smartphones. Under the repair program, customers buying a BlackBerry smartphone from Axiom Telecom stores will be able to have their handset repaired within one hour or Axiom Telecom will replace it. For BlackBerry smartphones purchased at retail stores other than Axiom Telecom but covered under the Axiom Telecom warranty, the handset will be repaired within 24 hours or replaced. The service is available to customers who have purchased a BlackBerry smartphone in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain on or after Jan. 21, 2011. “Providing differentiated and convenient services to our customers is at the heart of Axiom’s customer service promise. Extending that philosophy, we have introduced this unique repair program, which is an addition to the many value-added services we offer customers,” said Faisal Al-Bannai, CEO, Axiom Telecom. Axiom Telecom’s value-added services are based on its insights into customer’s service preferences, with a range of value added-services that include price protection guarantee, pick up and delivery, call and order, standby phone during repair, expert sales people and extended warranty. Axiom’s value-added benefits, as well as the terms and conditions on the 1-Hour Express Service for BlackBerry smartphones, can also be accessed on its dedicated website.
FAST AUTO/MASERATI
Fast Auto Technic, the sole dealer of Ferrari and Maserati in Saudi Arabia, opened its most advanced integrated center for Ferrari and Maserati cars in Jeddah recently. The company believes that this represents a large Ferrari and Maserati lifestyle hub. The new facility with a total surface of 3,700 square meters, four times more than the previous one, is a state of the art display for the current range of Ferrari and Maserati. The showroom that meets the new corporate identity of both brands is equipped to meet the highest standards including a reception hall, an after-sales service section and a large spare parts warehouse. The new Jeddah center is a complete service facility including sales, service, systems and spare parts, and has a two-level showroom for each brand. There is also a contemporary lounge with full facilities for Ferrari Owners Club and Maserati owners. Pietro Innocenti, GM, Ferrari Middle East & Africa, and Umberto Cini MD, Maserati Middle East & Africa were among those who attended the opening ceremony of the Jeddah showroom. Guests were given an opportunity to appreciate a variety of stunning Maserati and Ferrari models in the new showroom.
INFINITI
Alhamrani United Company this week launched the Infiniti M sedan, a luxury family car. “The 2011 Infiniti M, described in one word as ‘inspired’ embodies all of our best thinking, design and quality to date,” said Hisham Al-Mouji, GM, Infiniti Gulf. It builds on the strengths of the previous generation, delivering a luxury experience crafted to high standard, he said, adding that the Infiniti followed a strategy of independence from Nissan through a large network of exhibitions in the Kingdom starting with Infiniti Center in Riyadh, which will open soon followed by centers in Jeddah and Dammam. Saudi fashion designer Siraj Sanad interacted with guests and invitees as they were viewing the new Infiniti M sedan. Like the dramatic Infiniti Essence Concept, which served as a blueprint for the new M’s designers and engineers, this next-generation M embraces the essence of all things — style, performance, luxury, craftsmanship and technology. The 2011 Infiniti M will be offered in M37 and M56 model designations. The M37 features a refined 328hp 3.7-liter V6 engine with increased power and fuel economy (versus the previous generation M35’s 3.5-liter V6). The M56 also offers more power and better fuel economy from an all-new 402hp 5.6-liter V8 (versus the previous generation M45’s 4.5-liter V8). Both the M37 and M56 engines feature Infiniti’s advanced variable valve event and lift system, and all models are equipped with a standard 7-speed automatic transmission.
RANGE ROVER
The most luxurious Range Rover ever is set to debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The new Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate Edition, a hand-finished exclusive addition, adds a handcrafted luxury interior, using specially selected soft feel natural leathers, to an interior renowned for being one of the finest in the automotive world. Two stand alone electric rear seats enhance space and comfort for the rear passengers, making the Ultimate Edition — designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK — the definitive chauffeur vehicle. The addition of a rear console extension including a machined aluminum laptop table, and two Apple iPads as standard — “the first car to do so”— takes the Range Rover rear seat experience to new levels of luxury offering first class style accommodation to rear passengers. The luxury theme extends to the rear load space, with a super yacht inspired teak floor with metal and leather detailing. The interior story is completed with high-end semi-aniline leather seating and Oxford leather on the door casings, dashboard top and steering wheel. For the first time, Kalahari wood veneers are used on the facia and door top rolls, and unique interior color-ways of either dark cherry or Arabica are available. The new car comes with Land Rover’s award-winning ‘Terrain Response’ system, which optimizes the vehicle set-up for virtually all on-road or off-road driving situations, with five different settings to suit different terrains including new ‘Hill Start Assist’ and ‘Gradient Acceleration Control’.