OmanObserver_30-06-13

SUNDAY, JUNE 30, 2013
Business Alert
Toyota Aurion’s ‘biggest excitement’ offer
CONVEYING class and prestige with its wide, expansive stance, the Toyota Aurion
is available with 6-speed sequential automatic transmission, with a 3.5 L
engine and a maximum output of 268 HP, delivering top-class level fuel economy
and a powerful driving experience. A newly adopted ECO meter allows
drivers to recognise when they are driving in a fuel eficient and economical
manner.
And this is the best time to own this wonderful Toyota. The currently running
‘Biggest Excitement’ promotion presents every customer with golden opportunities:
A rafle coupon to try their luck at winning one of the 25 Corolla
cars. To enjoy Free Service up to 2-years/40,000 kms (whichever is earlier).
To be secured by Free Insurance (One Year Comprehensive). And to walk away
with a free gift voucher that can be used in one of the prominent shopping
malls of Oman. Also on offer is Free Painting and Light with every Toyota Taxi.
For Toyota Driving School vehicles, Free Painting is being offered. However,
the offer is subject to conditions. Full details are available at any Toyota showroom.
The Aurion has also been designed to signiicantly reduce road and wind
noise, resulting in a quieter cabin experience expected from prestige sedans.
And its looks the part. The stately headlamps and the grille have thin, long
headlamps on either side of the impressive front grille. An elevated hood expresses
a majestic and powerful presence. From the lanks, the Aurion is accented
for a stronger appearance — a result of its lared bottom section and
accented door-cross section.
The Aurion’s 17-inch wheels enhance the character of the vehicle and provide
a feeling of advanced luxury. The rear of the Aurion has also been redesigned,
blending into the rear combination lamps for a greater emphasis on
width, with the bumper corners protruding outwards, creating a wide stable
feeling and a ground hugging stance.
The interior of the Aurion is made with an emphasis on luxury and quality,
creating a unique personalised appearance. The cabin of the Aurion offers
roomy occupant space and the dashboard has an exclusive horizontal Tshaped
design, which signiicantly enhances the feeling of prestige. A thicker
meter hood gives a solid feel that adds a modern beauty to the interior. The
feeling of quality is enhanced with leather stitching, and curved woodgrain
and silver accents create a sense of functional beauty and high-quality. Chrome
accenting on the air-conditioning vents and audio controls complete the sense
of prestige that extends even to the smallest of details. Luxury features inside
the Aurion include audio switches on the steering wheel and a two seat position
memory system.
The Toyota Aurion has been equipped with some local accessories to enhance
its look, feel and functionality. Customers are welcome to get the full details
of these local itments, by visiting a Toyota showroom.
On the one hand, Toyota offers enduring quality. On the other, nothing
comes close to it in terms of value-retention. It is no surprise; therefore, that
Toyota soars far above the rest, with a dominant market share and ever-expanding
customer base.
Ford wins ‘Engine of the Year’ award
FORD Motor Company’s ultra-fuel eficient and spirited 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol
engine was recently named ‘2013 International Engine of the Year’, marking
the second straight year Ford’s acclaimed three-cylinder engine has captured
the award.
The 1.0-litre EcoBoost — which combines direct fuel injection, turbocharging
and variable valve timing to lower fuel consumption without sacriicing
power — received the highest score in the history of the awards. The engine
also won the “Best Engine Under 1.0-litre” category at the annual awards presented
by Engine Technology International magazine. Ford also conirmed
plans to double production of the engine at its Cologne (Germany) Engine
Plant to more than 1,000 engines a day from mid-August to meet demand.
“With a technology as mature as the internal combustion engine, it’s very rare
to achieve a true breakthrough, but that is exactly what the team accomplished
with this engine,” said Joe Bakaj, Ford Vice-President, Global Powertrain.
“You have to drive it to believe a small three-cylinder engine can deliver
such performance and fuel economy.”
A panel of 87 automotive journalists from 35 countries around the world
judged the awards on drivability, performance, economy, reinement and the
successful application of advanced engine technology. Ford is one of three car
makers to record back-to-back victories in the 15-year history of the awards.
The Ford 1.0-litre EcoBoost also has won the International Paul Pietsch Award
2013 for technological innovation at German magazine Auto Motor und Sport
Best Cars Awards and the Dewar Trophy from the Royal Automobile Club in
Great Britain, a Breakthrough Award from Popular Mechanics magazine in the
US.
“Who'd have believed it? A 1.0-litre engine that has it all, powerful, fuel ef-
icient, clean and lightweight,”
said Peter Lyon, UK Juror and
freelance journalist. “This is a
masterpiece.”
The 1.0-litre EcoBoost was
designed at Ford’s research and
development centres in Aachen
and Merkenich, Germany, and
Dunton, UK, and is built in Cologne
and Craiova, Romania.
Dean Slavnich, Co-Chairman of
the 15th International Engine
of the Year awards and Editor
of Engine Technology International
Magazine, said, “Baby
EcoBoost — Ford’s irst-ever
three-cylinder design — is still
the engine to beat across the board. It’s economical in real-world conditions
while the compact turbo helps ensure that the entire package can power larger
vehicles like the Grand C-MAX with ease.”
The 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine is currently offered in small cars such as Fiesta
and B-MAX and compact offerings including Focus, C-MAX and Grand
C-MAX. In the near future it will power larger cars including the new Ford
Mondeo. It will also be offered in Transit Connect and Transit Courier commercial
vehicles and Tourneo Connect and Tourneo Courier people movers.
The engine is being rolled out throughout the world. It is now available for
customers buying the new EcoSport in India and China and later this year will
be offered with Fiesta in North America. Small enough to it in the overhead
luggage compartment of an airplane, the engine delivers best-in-class petrol
fuel economy for Europe in such vehicles as Fiesta, Focus, C-MAX and Grand
C-MAX.
Ford’s Cologne and Craiova Engine Plants were upgraded to facilitate 1.0litre
EcoBoost production and introduced advanced manufacturing techniques
that reduce the volume of coolant required when machining aluminium engine
parts to just ive millilitres per component from two litres previously, contributing
to a reduced environmental footprint from manufacturing. New “cold
testing” technology was also introduced, allowing engines to be tested without
being started — reducing fuel usage and CO 2 emissions from the process by
66 per cent. All remaining energy required to run the Cologne plant comes
from renewable sources, including three hydro-power plants in Norway and
Sweden.
In Oman, Ford vehicles are brought to you by Arabian Car Marketing Co, a
part of the renowned Saud Bahwan Group. They come with 6 years unlimited
mileage protection (except Mustang, E/F Series vehicles), service and parts
network that stretches across the Sultanate, over 98 per cent parts availability
— and Ford Privilege Card — which provides 24 hours on-road assistance
from AAA.
Make it fun in the Lexus LX
WHEN you think of the Lexus LX, the irst thing that could come to your mind
is its bold and superior proile. That’s just the image the LX has created for
itself. Once you take control of the LX, you will have no doubt of its unique
strengths and its ability to do almost everything you desire. The Lexus LX is
one of the few luxury 4WDs that is built around its driver, to reward them with
some of the inest and memorable times on road, and off it too.
The LX570 carries a host of features including, Multi-Terrain Select and Display,
Crawl Control, Adaptive Variable Suspension, Cool-box, Dual-screen rear
seat entertainment, 20-inch alloy wheels, Reversing camera, Smart start and
entry with smart key, 4-zone air-conditioning, Daytime running lamps, 10 airbags,
Mark Levinson 19-speaker audio, Front and rear clearance sonar, Bluetooth
capabilities, and a host of other luxury features.
New LED daytime running lights complement a new headlamp design and
larger fog lamp surrounds. Revised front and rear bumpers, tail lamps and
a new discreet tow hitch cover add to the upgraded aesthetic package. The
LX570 has an addition of comfort, convenience and safety features. These are
headlined by a new off-road Turn Assist feature that tightens the turning circle
by adding more brake force to the inside rear wheel.
A new multimedia display, housed between the speedometer and tachometer,
displays the front wheel angles (steering), digital speed readout, turn-byturn
navigation and information relating to the Multi-Terrain Select function.
LX570's drivability has been improved, with the adoption of steering
wheel-mounted paddle shifters, which work in unison with LX570's six-speed
sequential automatic transmission.
Off-road assistance is provided by a new selectable Multi-Terrain Select
function, which delivers the ideal combination of stability and traction control
assistance over different surfaces. Off-road and city driving is also made easier
with the new Multi-Terrain Monitor, which uses four external wide-angle cameras
to monitor blind spots or areas of the vehicle obscured from view. The
cameras' vision is projected on the 8" LCD centre console display.
The Crawl Control feature has been upgraded, with the number of preset
speeds from three to ive steps, for greater off-road control.
Inside, the already highly speciied eight-seat LX570 includes a number of
updates. The centre cluster has been redesigned, reducing the number of buttons
for simpler operation.
The instrument panel has been updated and a new, full colour, multi-information
display is added, as well as one touch turn indicators. A new dual rear
seat entertainment system also increases appeal for back seat occupants.
Toyota service: ‘Winning announcement’
WITH scores of beneits and hi-value prizes, the recently concluded 'Al Ardh
Al Mumaiz' promotion from Toyota Service created quite a stir in Oman. And
now, the promotion winners were announced from a rafle held at Wattayah
Toyota service in the presence of Saeed bin Sulayem al Kindy from the Ministry
of Commerce and Industry.
Fifteen lucky rafle winners were selected for the prizes like Apple iPhone
5, Apple iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab 2. The winners, delighted with the prizes,
expressed that their win afirmed their trust in Toyota Service, “With Toyota
Service, I win all the way,” one of them said, “Not only do they ensure that my
Toyota keeps running at its peak, their timely promotions get more beneits
for me. I am happy to be a regular here, and would encourage all other Toyota
owners to do the same,” he added.
The campaign was yet another offering from the customer-oriented Toyota
Service and Parts operations. According to a spokesperson, “The objective of
the 'Al Ardh al Mumaiz' campaign was to provide a superior visit experience
to customers and strengthen bonds with them through unique offerings that
included an elaborate 35 point check-up with report, hi-value rafle gifts and
discount vouchers,
special service rates,
to name a few. Special
pre-paid service
contracts at Special
prices were on offer,
as well.”
Also available
was the special offer
for the 1,20,000 and
above customers
who enrolled in the
Toyota Thiqah Programme.
All of them
were offered multiple
beneits, which
included Free 5,000
kms Service — with
very attractive priced select Prepaid Service Packages and Car Care Products.
“Toyota Thiqah is a unique idea from Saud Bahwan Automotive for the beneit
of individual Toyota customers. This programme has been greeted with
remarkable customer enthusiasm and approval because it allows them to accumulate
points during any purchase at Toyota Service or Toyota Parts. These
points can then be availed during future visits to Toyota Service,” remarked a
spokesperson.
Internationally recognised and award-winning Toyota Service continues
to serve customers all across Oman, creating a rewarding ownership experience
with the very best of equipment and experts. The world-class facility at
Wattayah is an integrated set-up extending over 30,000 sqm with a 4-level
workshop and a hi-tech diagnostic centre. It features a drive-through air-conditioned
receiving area with 8-express lanes and 24-hours service, round-theyear.
OMAN
23
The ‘Al Ardh al Mumaiz' promotion was a matchless opportunity for Toyota
and Daihatsu customers to avail multiple beneits, at locations across Oman.
We will be coming again to our valued patrons with such promotions in future
so they can get maximum beneits," he adds.
Nissan Oman opens Maabela showroom
SUHAIL Bahwan Automobiles (SBA) inaugurated their state-of-the-art Sales,
Service and Parts (3S) facility in Maabela recently. The opening of the new
facility in Maabela will be an addition to an already existing line up of other
prestigious Nissan facilities located across the Sultanate. Along with a full-
ledged service and parts facility and trained professionals the Maabela facility
will be a complete sales, service and parts outlet for all Nissan customers in
the region.
A senior SBA Oficial commented that, “Maabela is a busy commercial hub
in the region with its proximity to industrial belt of Rusayil and the bustling
Seeb town. With aggressive activities picking pace in the region, we felt it necessary
to augment our existing facility in Maabela to cater to people’s automotive
needs in this area. This new facility will not only help Nissan patrons in
the area to evaluate their favourite model but also ensure a faster and eficient
service for their existing vehicles.”
The new outlet in Maabela is yet another relection of Nissan’s spirit and
style. The showroom displays a variety of Nissan cars and the service centre
is equipped with the most up to date technology according to Nissan global
standards. The Nissan genuine parts counter put in place will ensure reliable
all-time availability for Nissan genuine spare parts.
Currently the service centre offers periodic maintenance services and all
mechanical repair jobs. It can facilitate a turnover of around 100 cars per day.
Our 25 bay state of the art service facility is equipped with the all the latest
diagnostic equipments like Consult III and highly skilled Nissan trained technicians.
In addition to the above, repair warranty is also offered on all repairs
carried out at this facility. With the 98 per cent of Nissan Genuine Spare parts
availability it will be one of its kind in the region.
“We had Maabela Showroom in our plans for later part , but seeing the rapid
growth of Nissan vehicles on Maabela roads, we inaugurated the showroom
ahead of schedule catering to Nissan customers needs in all aspects coming
from in and around of Maabela Sanaya, Al Khoudh and Seeb”, stated a senior
spokesperson from SBA.
The senior spokesperson added that, “With more number of vehicle repair
bays and state-of-the-art infrastructure, this 3S facility will reduce time in both
vehicle receiving and vehicle delivery, making it almost as good as an Express
Service Centre. The Nissan promise of high-quality, reliable, after-sales services
will always be maintained”.
SBA have their Nissan facilities spread across the Sultanate located strategically
all across the country in Muscat, Sohar, Sur, Salalah, Shinas, Sumayil, Ibra,
Ibri, Nizwa, Buraimi, Barka, Bahla, Jalan Bani Bu Ali, Seeb, Sinaw, Wudam and
Bidiya. This goes to show that Nissan Oman has been successfully growing in
operations and is consistently spreading its network throughout the Sultanate
of Oman.
Nissan has built up its reputation, for more than 100 years, through innovative
technology, a broad product line-up and racing wins. In Oman, people
have increasingly opted for Nissan models because they come with class leading
features, great performance, ideally suited to the local conditions and offer
great value for money besides being among the safest cars on the road. Moreover,
Suhail Bahwan Automobiles’ relentless pursuit towards value creation and
attractive consumer schemes drawn from incisive insights of local consumer
behaviour has contributed to this stupendous growth.
Performance of a vehicle has always been of key importance to a discerning
customer. Nissan boasts high performance parameters for each model in any
class. The ‘enriching people's lives’ philosophy goes with Nissan’s aim of encouraging
new, reliable, high-performance models at a reasonable price.
The Nissan warehouse in Oman is one of the largest in the GCC, ensuring 98
per cent parts availability at all times. SBA has successfully spearheaded Nissan’s
growth in Oman with 18 showrooms, 22 service centre and 35 parts centres.
They have been awarded the Nissan Champion Distributor Award three
consecutive years in a row (2009, 2010 & 2011).
This award is a true relection of SBA’s commitment to provide cutting
edge solution to the automobile needs of the people of the Sultanate. SBA has
achieved laurels for excellence in Sales, Service and Parts and Operations making
them one of the pioneering leaders in customer satisfaction among automobile
companies.
Elevation Burger serves up organic burgers
ELEVATION Burger, the latest fast-casual restaurant to join Muscat’s
growing dining scene, opened its irst location in Muscat Grand Mall (MGM)
in Al Khuwair. Internationally acclaimed for its tasty, high quality organic
burgers and patented fresh cut fries cooked in olive oil, the chain brought to
Oman by Kuwaiti-based Tabco Food Group and Omani enterprise Al Qema
Food Catering, is set to redeine the fast casual gestalt with its focus on constantly
offering quality food that is better for customers and for the environment.
“Elevation Burger strives to ‘elevate’ the fast casual experience with a more
pleasant atmosphere and service, better menu options and health-conscious
food made with only the inest and freshest ingredients,” said Ali Ashkanani,
Managing Director of Tabco Food Group.
Ashkanani explained, “To us, ingredients matter. We use only 100 per cent
USDA-certiied organic, grass fed, free range halal beef in addition to sophisticated
and heart-friendly ingredients. We grind our beef on our premises to
offer customers a lavourful and nutritionally superior product.”
In addition to signature organic burgers, Elevation Burger offers fresh fries
cooked in heart-healthy olive oil and hand-scooped shakes.
The restaurant’s warm, welcoming, and well-appointed staff provide an exceptional
dining experience for families and kids, health-conscious consumers
and die-hard burger lovers.