JEDDAH, 6 December 2007 — Haji Husein Alireza & Co. Ltd., the exclusive Mazda dealer in Saudi Arabia, has launched the new Mazda CX-9 crossover SUV model in the Kingdom.
At a press conference held at the Laylati Hall on Tuesday, Amin Abulhassan, chairman of the company, said: “The launch of the new Mazda CX-9 crossover SUV car was a surprise to many automotive spectators due to the highly advanced features of the car in terms of external, internal fixtures and the technical performance of the engine. Mazda has been able to achieve, through this model, the hardest formula in the automotive industry, which is the ability to combine the most advanced technical characteristics and performance with higher maximum safety features.”
He added, “As for us in Haji Husein Alireza & Co. Ltd., since we got the dealership of Mazda 40 years ago, we always strive to present products that meet the requirements of our clients. We are proud of our partnership with Mazda which has proved successful over the years and resulted in high sales of all Mazda models since the launch of the new ‘Zoom Zoom’ concept.”
Yuji Nakamine, executive officer of Mazda Motor Corporation, who flew in here from Tokyo specially for the launch of Mazda CX-9, said Saudi Arabia is a star performer in the Middle East for Mazda. Mazda’s sales of 10,400 units, 2.3 times more from last year’s sales, are within reach in 2007.
He said: “Financially, Mazda is doing well. In fiscal 2006, we posted record sales and a full-year operating profit of 135 billion yen for our best financial results ever, adding that “this year we are aiming to set new records in both sales and operating profit by implementing the ‘Mazda Advancement Plan,’ our midterm plan covering the period through 2010.” Nakamine said “Zoom Zoom” is the essence of our brand, and it clearly differentiates the Mazda brand from others, creating an emotional connection with our customers around the world. Since 2002, we have been launching our new Zoom-Zoom product lineup, including the Mazda6, Mazda3, BT-50, Mazda MX-5 and the all-new Mazda CX-9.
The 2008 Mazda CX-9 received 10 awards from various competent bodies such as the 2008 Sport Utility of the Year Award from the Motor Trend magazine. The car also received the highest possible ratings in frontal and side impact crashes by the governments’ National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
In addition to receiving a five-star frontal and side impact crash-test rating, the CX-9 received four-star rollover resistance ratings. No other SUV on the market today has received ratings that are superior to the CX-9.
Presenting the features of the new Mazda CX-9, Shoaib H. Mayet, Mazda brand manager, said CX-9 rides on a 2,875mm wheelbase, one of the longest in the segment, providing easy access to its three-row seating. There’s ample room for adults in every position and sufficient cargo space to accommodate modern families. Under the sleek exterior is an interior that will impress demanding customers with its space, utility, versatility, and premium features.
The Mazda CX-9 launch was also attended by Toshimitsu Ishigure, consul general of Japan, along with David J. Goatley, general manager, Khalid H. Alireza, manager financial planning, Abdullah Ali Ageel, personnel & public relation manager, of Haji Husein Alireza & Co. Ltd., and Masao Harada, sales and marketing manager of Mazda Office Middle East, Dubai.
