UMA

Universal Motors Agencies (UMA), a major automobile General Motors (GM) dealership in Saudi Arabia, received a delegation of high-level officials from Australia, headed by Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs Kevin Rudd and accompanied by Australian ambassador to Saudi Arabia Kevin Magee, at its head office in Jeddah recently. UMA's Chairman Mohammed Salahuddin Abduljawad received them. The delegation toured UMA's various departments and was presented with the company's profile and an overview of the Kingdom's automotive market. "The interest shown by the Australian delegation reflects the rapidly expanding business and investment climate of Saudi Arabia," said Abduljawad. He said the visit was building up on the fact that Australia retains a big share of the Kingdom's car imports. GM's Chevrolet Caprice and Lumina, which enjoy high popularity, are in fact Australian made cars. Abduljawad added: "We, at UMA, are preparing ourselves for an exciting future with GM products. In addition to 16 SSS facilities UMA is in the process of adding two green field SSS mega facilities, one each in Jubail Industrial city and Baha, which will be operational toward May-end. UMA, described as the oldest and highly recognized GM dealerships in the Middle East, is a joint venture between Arabian Motors & Engineering Company (Ameco-Zahid) and General Machinery Agencies (GMA), two of the "oldest and most respected" GM dealers in Saudi Arabia. Today, UMA employs more than 1,600 staff in 16 branches spread across the Kingdom.
 
EWAAN

Ewaan Al-Fareeda signed an infrastructure contract for Al Fareeda Project (phases 1 & 2) with Al-Basaami Trading and Contracting Co. The deal marks the start of the first steps in executing and implementing the project. Ewaan CEO Fahed bin Mohammad Al-Moutawe and Saad Mohamad Al-Basami, representative of Al-Basaami Trading and Contracting Co., signed the agreement at Ewaan's headquarters in Jeddah. The project aims at establishing a modern residential environment with the latest services and advancements that would suite and comply with the needs and desires of middle-class members with medium income. Being located in the rapidly growing part of north Jeddah, the project will offer all the basic needs with an elegant style that will provide a social coherence in keeping with Saudi values and traditions. Al-Moutawe said: "The company, since its inception, pursues a vision to serve middle-class members by providing residential services at competitive prices. After all, middle-class members form a large percentage of the Saudi society and are always seeking a specialized company with products and services that meets their needs and the modern lifestyle they follow in providing added value services." Such residential projects will - and without any doubt - decrease the construction rush that the major cities are witnessing, especially by moving the crowds and traffic into nearby neighborhoods with up-to-date infrastructure, he added.
 
ALHAMRANI/INFINITI

Alhamrani company opened an "experimental" Infiniti showroom at Khurais street in Riyadh. Even as it prepares for the official opening of Infiniti Showroom and Service Center, the company claims to retain its leading position in the Kingdom's automotive sector. The new showroom offers the car owner a sense of individuality and distinctiveness, and forms part of the global expansion of the Infiniti brand, as well. The new showroom has been designed to provide a natural ambience full of classic beauties in every corner. A wide range of Infiniti models will be displayed there. The showroom combines luxurious designs, friendly work atmosphere and the innovative Infiniti identity. In its internal design, the identity and vision of Infiniti reassuring warmth and comfort were taken into consideration. Hisham Almoji, GM, Infiniti Alhamrani and Nissan Gulf, said: "Infiniti is characterized by its personal service and distinctive touch." "The Luxurious Power characterizes the basis for the Infiniti. In fact, it is the three-dimensional concept that is reflected currently at Infiniti showrooms in Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah during 2011." Jalal Asaad, Infiniti Marketing Manager in Saudi Arabia, said: "The new Infiniti showroom has been designed to provide the visitors with a warm and comfortable atmosphere from the moment they enter the reception area. Infiniti does not sell cars only, but also provides a "new luxury experience" that makes the customer feel at home."