Maurice Williams took over as president and managing director of GM Middle East operations as of Nov. 1, 2013 when he succeeded John Stadwick, who moved on to GM China.

Williams, however, is not new to the region as he managed Saudi Arabia, UAE and Omani markets prior to his current appointment.

Williams knows the Saudi market well and plans to expand customer service facilities to 115 points until 2015 from 100 points this year.

He gives Arab News some of his current impressions and views of the market and emphasizes GM’s care of customer services.

As for the Saudi market, he points out that “the Saudi consumer is at the core of everything we do.” On GM’s efforts in the Saudi market during 2013 and prospects for 2014:

“Saudi Arabia is General Motors’ biggest market. Our focus in 2013 was on eight major launches that will connect with our customers in the Kingdom. General Motors launched the upgraded Traverse, upgraded Acadia, upgraded Camaro, all-new Impala, all-new Silverado, all-new Sierra, all-new XTS and all-new ATS. We also took pivotal steps in customer care. We introduced Chevrolet Care; which is our promise to our customers’ peace of mind.”

He added: “The focus in 2014 will be on nine major launches, which include a trio of our all-new full-size SUVs. We believe that these launches will reinforce our profitable growth in Saudi Arabia thus the region.”

On best-selling models in the Saudi market and advantages over main competitors:

“We have a competitive edge in the SUV segment and pick-up segment. The introduction of the all-new Impala helps us enforce our position in the full-size sedan segment, offering a head-turning design, segment-leading comfort and safety features with best-in-class spaciousness. Cadillac also played a role in the luxury segment especially after the launch of the all-new ATS and the XTS.”

On plans to travel to Saudi Arabia and the focus in that market: “I was originally appointed as regional director for Saudi Arabia, UAE and Oman. I spent the majority of my time in the Middle East in the Saudi market to understand its business dynamics. My trips will continue to take place during the course of my current assignment due to the strategic importance of the Saudi market to General Motors.”

On the Saudi market’s position in the company’s regional strategy and expansion plans:

“The Saudi market plays a vital role in setting our strategy. It is our biggest market and the Saudi customer is in the core of everything we do.” Williams said General Motors will continue to grow its business in the Kingdom, and plans to expand the network of customer operating facilities to 115 by 2015 from 100 currently.

“The investment during the next two years will be made on new land purchase, the building of sales, service and spare parts facilities, as well as training facilities, which are aimed at nurturing and developing local talent,” he said.