JEDDAH, 30 March 2004 — The Saudi automobile market is marking a steady growth, according to a leading importer. “Last year, imports totaled 230,000 new cars and light trucks,” Ali Alireza, group general manager, Haji Husein Alireza and Co. Ltd. (HHA), told Arab News yesterday.
The Kingdom had marked a big growth in 2001-02, followed by a five percent increase in 2002-03. “2003 has been even better for automobiles,” Alireza said during the unveiling of “totally new” Mazda 3.
The launch of Mazda 3 in place of its older sibling 323 follows the introduction of Mazda 6 three years ago in place of the 626. While the Japanese giant discontinued the production of 323 in September last, the 626 was removed from the production lines three years ago. It was in 1993 that Mazda stopped the production of the bigger 929 model. “Depending on the success of the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6, we’ll consider introducing Mazda 9,” Keizo Okue, Mazda’s regional sales manager for the Middle East and Africa, said. The Japanese delegation, which also included Takeyoshi Ide and Asaba Yuzuru from Tokyo’s Itochu Corporation, said Mazda cars had a four percent share of the Gulf market.
Mazda’s partnership with HHA is 36 years old. “Both partners have walked side by side during long years of success and prosperity,” Okue said. “I’m sure HHA will make Mazda 3 the best and favored option for C-segment cars in the Kingdom,” he said.
Akira Tanioka, manager, platform and program management office of Mazda, in his presentation said Mazda 3 was introduced in US and European markets six months ago and its success internationally and in the domestic market was due to a new production concept adopted by the company. In addition to the sporty and new look, the new car is fully equipped with new technical systems. “This model will surely set new standards for C-segment cars and enhance Mazda’s ability to compete,” he said.
