gulf air re-aligns outstation management to capitalize on regional growth.
Gulf Air is re-aligning its outstation sales force, which includes promoting several staff, many of whom are Bahrainis, to further enhance the company’s strong presence in the Gulf and the Middle East region, where the airline has the biggest network.
“Gulf Air is aligning itself with the growth of the Kingdom of Bahrain and, as the nation’s flag carrier, we are repositioning our sales strategies and our focus to be the airline of choice that will complement the development of the country and the region,” says Acting Executive Vice President Marketing and Sales Danny Barranger.
“The sales division is an integral part and a strong pillar in achieving the company business objectives and in line with the new thrust, the company is strategically plotting its outstation management with a focus on upgrading the skills and competencies.
The move is also to recognise our local and expatriate managers for their hard work and dedication contributing to the growth of the company. The promotions are aimed at providing employees an opportunity to grow personally and professionally.
The changes will be effective 25 November 2007.
nited Arab Emirates drove ahead enjoying a robust period of growth across all brands, with the sales in the first nine months of 2007 up by 16% over the same period last year. The increase was largely dominated by growth registered by GMC and the premium brands - Cadillac, Hummer and Saab. Year to date, Bin Hamoodah Automotive and National Auto combined sold 2,408 GMC SUVs, registering a 69% increase over the same period last year. Liberty Automobiles, Cadillac and Hummer dealers, recorded 35% increase to 1,273, while Gargash Motors, increased Saab sales by 31% to 71 units in the first nine months of the year. Chevrolet dealers, Al Yousuf Motors, Bin Hammodah and Liberty Automobiles took sales up 6% to 9,846 units.
Overall, General Motors has sold 98,635 units vehicles Middle East-wide in the first three quarters of 2007 (September YTD). “A tribute to the work of our dealers across the region, especially in smaller markets or markets where we did not have our fair share of the market,” commented Terry Johnsson, President, General Motors Middle East Operations speaking to journalists at a media briefing in Doha, Qatar.
Overall, Chevrolet registered a 1% rise in overall volume with 68,895 units sold throughout the region. Cadillac and HUMMER sales were up 21% to 4,576 units, while Saab sold 245 units, up 35%. GMC sold 24,654 units.
Across the region, the model to gain most sales was the Chevrolet Suburban, with 3,191 units registered, up 238 per cent. Chevrolet Tahoe sales went up 203 per cent to 6,640 units. Both models are in their first year in the Saudi market.
The Chevrolet Aveo continues to remain a best selling model in the Chevrolet range. At the end of the third quarter the total sales for Aveo amounted to 11,248 vehicles, a 7% growth compared with 2006.
“Our sales show that customers in the Middle East like the designs and technologies offered in our varied line-up. The launch of GMC’s first luxury crossover SUV, the Acadia, proves that having sold 1,738 units in 9 months of sales. With unique customer focused programmes like the region-wide roadside assistance, bumper to bumper warranties and a regional parts distribution centre that ensures parts are readily available at competitive prices, we ensure that customers are looked after long after they have left the showroom.” added Johnsson.
Johnsson concluded, “The last quarter promises to be spectacular with GM’s largest ever presence at the Middle East International Motor Show (MEIMS) in Dubai. A series of GM’s exclusive events are planned and MEIMS will provide a showcase for GM world premieres, various regional reveals and new vehicle launches. The GM Style event will align the worlds of automobile design, celebrities and fashion and give the region a fresh perspective on the cutting edge design and innovation.”
