Saudi Arabia's automotive industry is catapulted into new heights with the partnership of the famous French car brand Peugeot and Haji Husein Alireza & Co. Ltd. (HHA). The selection of Haji Husein Alireza as the new Peugeot distributor in the Kingdom is a testament to a long track record of HHA in marketing vehicles in the Middle East since 1906. Peugeot's more than 200 years in car manufacturing combined with HHA's marketing prowess made the alliance a partnership par excellence for the greater benefit and satisfaction of customers. The HHA-Peugeot partnership made an impressive start by offering 1 million kilometers or five-year warranty on every new Peugeot sold, making the initiative a world's first - to which some car aficionados even say is worthy of entering the Guinness Book of World Record. Industry analysts say the very generous guarantee is an evidence of Peugeot cars' durability and excellent performance even under harsh environment. A lavish function was held Monday night amid a kaleidoscopic array of strobe lights at Laylati Hall to welcome the forging of the two industry stalwarts and the launch of new Peugeot 2012 models. Announcing the new partnership, Sheikh Amin A. Abulhasan, Chairman of HHA, said “our vast experience and tradition merge today with the deeply-rooted and globally renowned carmaker, Peugeot, to offer upscale European models backed with history and a worldwide reputation.” With Peugeot's vast experience and advanced technologies, he added, “we shall spare no effort and exploit our capabilities and experience in this area for the success and service of Peugeot cars in the Saudi market.” Ali Hussein Alireza, Managing Director of HHA, in his speech assured that the great reputation of Peugeot cars encouraged them to go for the dealership. He added: “Our convictions of Peugeot cars increased after we came familiar with its advanced technologies and capabilities. We anticipated that it will enjoy great success. In the coming period we will establish 18 showrooms and 2 service centers around Saudi Arabia which will contribute to the development of the Peugeot brand and achieving its business goals, as well as strengthen its presence in the Saudi car market.” He told Saudi Gazette that HHA will establish extensive integrated network all over the Kingdom to reach out to every cities and towns and assure customers of the availability of professional and excellent services all throughout. In the medium term, HHA expects to sell 10,000 units, he noted, taking into account that some 700,000 new cars of different brands are sold in the Kingdom annually. It is expected to reach 1 million units by 2017, added Vincent Rambaud, Director General of Peugeot. He said that HHA targets to sell some 3,000 Peugeot units in 2012 and double it to 6,000 the following year. Earlier in his speech, Rambaud said “this partnership with HHA, that owns the culture and expertise in the area of automotive, is very rich and promising and will help a lot in the development of Peugeot brand in Saudi Arabia.” He extended his gratitude to HHA for the “confidence to accept the challenge, which inevitably will be beneficial for our both companies,” saying that “through this partnership agreement, we aim to support Peugeot presence in the Saudi market.” He told the Saudi Gazette that Peugeot and HHA shared the same corporate philosophy of “making the customers trust in Peugeot in the long term” and happy too. HHA's commitment to excellence by providing quality products and services to its customers, has made it one of Saudi Arabia's leading private businesses. Customer support is assured through a nationwide network of company-owned branches and dealers. A well-developed installment sales, and leasing division provides HHA's customers with consumer finance and credit support. Moreover, Rambaud said Peugeot noted that the present Saudi car market is geared more toward family cars and smaller sedans for young couples and youth, notwithstanding the luxury sports cars segment which has already its own niche. So the future of the expanded market in the long term is in the family and smaller sedans, he added. The new Peugeot 2012 models introduced in the Saudi market include Models 206 and 207 for the youth whose prices range from SR38,000 to SR77,900 per unit. For newly married couples, Peugeot offers Models 308 and 3008 with a retail tag price ranging from SR62,900 to SR88,000. Peugeot Models 308SW and 5008 are crafted for families with prices ranging from SRSR67,000 to SR83,000; and Model 508 suits best for businessmen. For Sports cars enthusiasts, a lineup of Model RCZ is in store plus a group of convertible models – with prices ranging from SR99,900 to SR120,800. In additon, Peugeot also offers a complete list of light commercial vehicles such as Partner and Boxer. These models represent a backbone of Peugeot vehicles and other cars will be offered in order to fully cover the Saudi market needs, Rambaud further said. __
