As the of global economic downturn continues to wreak havoc, which saw many multinational companies and business conglomerates - including those in the automobile industry - forced to restructure and reduced operations, there is at present a growing shift in demand toward compact- and medium-size family cars. This trend is evident at the ongoing 31st International Exhibition for Motor Vehicles and Sports Utilities Vehicles (SIMS ‘09) here in Jeddah. Participants, enthusiasts and visitors at the car expo were in unison in saying that comparatively speaking, this year's event is the “weakest”, dampened by the financial crunch and the prolonged global economic downturn, in contrast with the previous shows in which the European and American as well as Japanese large family and executive cars' presence was simply arresting. In this year's show, the compact- and medium-size family cars draw enthusiasts' interest, including the Suzuki Swift and Subaru Legacy. Suzuki lineup Suzuki Saudia, the sole distributor of Suzuki vehicles in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and part of Bamarouf Group, unveiled at the Jeddah Motor Show 2009 its strength in the Saudi automotive market. Suzuki Saudia offered a variety of Suzuki vehicles at the show especially the Celerio, the category that has been launched in the Kingdom with achieved success. The company's participation at Jeddah Motor show was distinguished with the Suzuki Swift 2010 model that incorporated essential features such as Auto A/C, keyless start engine system, Alcantara seats and silver colored front speaker bezels. The interiors boast a well-laid out dashboard, spacious front seats and comfortable back seat riding. The limited edition Swift model gets a new brazen exterior look with the inclusion of chromed front grills, door mirrors built-in turn signal lamps electrically adjustable and folding, in addition to the smart key. Maher Al-Nabawi, deputy general manager, Suzuki Saudia, said “the launch of the 2010 Suzuki Swift supports the Kingdom's increasing consumer demand for an efficient high-quality car that is easy to maintain and operate. This limited edition Swift model has been redesigned with key features to enhance its comfort, look, safety and overall performance, which we believe will further boost its popularity in the Kingdom.” “Moreover, the introduction of the new Swift model complements our continuing efforts to increase our share in the Kingdom's automotive market and to strengthen our partnership with Suzuki. The growing interest for Suzuki models in the Kingdom is proof of our consistency to meet market demands and the good reputation we have built in KSA's automotive sector,” he added. Suzuki Saudia currently offers a line of vehicles for both commercial and private use. The line includes the popular four-wheel drives, utility vehicles and passenger cars. The company's attention to providing excellent services throughout the Kingdom has put them in the top ranks of after-sales-service providers. Al-Nabawi further said that Suzuki's lineup of cars is experiencing increasing demand, saying that their stocks are “immediately sold out” as buyers are now looking for “very strong cars” yet at a “very affordable price.” Subaru Legacy Al-Yemni Motors Co., the exclusive dealer for Subaru cars in Saudi Arabia, launched the all-new fifth-generation of the Japanese car Subaru Legacy 2010 at the exhibition. The all-new Legacy 2010 is considerably bigger than its predecessors and has many new characteristics in terms of safety and fuel efficiency. The all-new Legacy is considerably bigger than its predecessor as its wheelbase stretched 65 mm, width pushed 50 mm and height raised 80 mm, plus some clever packaging, including deeply scalloped front seatbacks. The all-new Legacy 2010 boasts 9.5 cubic feet of additional passenger volume and 10 mm of extra rear legroom. Safety wise, the all-new Legacy is equipped as standard Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) and 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Dr. Othman Al-Amoudi, Sales and Marketing manager of Al-Yemni Motors, said the great demand for Subaru cars in Saudi Arabia exceeded our expectations since we launched a number of marketing programs for all models, in addition to great development adopted by Subaru. “The expansion of our network of showrooms and service centers enabled us to provide after-sale services of highest standard to our clients. We, also plan to open a number of quick service centers Kingdom wide to meet the needs of our customers.” He added that “our strategy is to provide our customers with the highest levels of service to match the highly sophisticated Subaru cars. The new expansion of our network of centers brought us closer to our customers in the major cities of Saudi Arabia.” – SG“In general, the all-new Subaru Legacy 2010 is an intelligent choice for all; it is the car that you can trust to ride regardless of distance, road and weather conditions,” he further said. The all-new Subaru Legacy 2010 has proved its efficiency and potentials all over the world, and earned highest points in terms of safety and protection of occupants in both frontal-offset and side-impact collisions. The all-new Subaru Legacy 2010 is equipped with a new 5-speed electronic automatic transmission model “Lineartronic™ CVT”, which achieves sporty acceleration and fuel efficiency. The exterior of the car has been designed in order to create real value and presence on the roads, as well, to integrate the sporty performance with comfort. The car also equipped with the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and uses a viscous-coupling locking center differential to distribute power 50/50 front to rear, a rare avis amidst the midsize segment. It features a turbocharger that is mounted below the engine, allowing for smoother turbocharger response and improved emissions, as well as lowering the car's center of gravity. The base four-cylinder engine “ Subaru Boxer”, which won “Engine of Year 2008” award in view of its strong performance and high fuel efficiency, will mainly be used for this model, in addition to wide verities of engines such as the 2.0-liter engine that produces 150 hp, and 2.5-liter engine that produces 167 hp and the revised turbocharged 2.5-Liter engine that produces 265 hp.Collision safety performance has been improved with the addition of new features in the Legacy, including the revolutionary “Cradle Mount System” and “Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frames body.” The new Legacy now comes with Vehicle Dynamics Control System and the front dual, side and curtain airbags as standard, delivering outstanding safety performance in any situation. Subaru considers it important to improve both “Passive Safety” and “Active Safety” at the same time. The unique Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system and SUBARU BOXER engine that powers the new Legacy provides confidence as well as sheer driving excitement to each and every customer. Subaru believes that being awarded a 5-Star Euro NCAP Rating will help build confidence in its customers, and will continue fine-tuning its proprietary technologies to further provide peace of mind on the road. __
