The AGCC countries are rapidly becoming a lucrative market for German auto giant Mercedes-Benz (MB).
Boasting a 20 per cent jump in sales in the first quarter of this 2000, compared to the equivalent period of 1999, the DaimlerChrysler manufacturers of Mercedes-Benz are seeking a strengthened regional presence.
Dubai-based Vice-president of Mercedes-Benz, Per V. Rasmussen disclosed from Muscat that the increase came "...in addition to a 10 per cent rise achieved
in 1999, which was not a very encouraging year for the region's automobile
industry. We enjoyed a very satisfactory year in 1999 in the AGCC."
In Oman, 300 MB cars were sold during the first four months of 2000,
constituting a 38% growth from the January-April period last year.
"The Middle East is an extremely important market for us, and we are
delighted to be demonstrating our commitment to the region," he told
albawaba.com.
At a Press conference organized by Oman MB dealers, Zawawi Trading Company
(ZTC), Rasmussen announced his company's Omani launch of the new Mercedes-Benz C-class, with prices ranging between RO9,995 and RO25,000. (RO1=$2.6)
These are very exciting moments for DaimlerChrysler. "Our customers will
love [the new C-class]; our competitors will hate it," added Rasmussen.
ZTC General Manager Michael al Ajaz, described Oman's response to the new
offering as "enthusiastic." He disclosed that since its launch in Germany last week, the company had been receiving up to 1,200 orders per day for the vehicle.
The C-class, which appeals to the younger generation, incorporates over 20
new innovations and all the latest emission control standards stipulated by
the EU and the US.
(albawaba.com)
© 2000 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
