Al Futtaim launches Camry, Lexus GS

Al Futtaim Motors, the distributor of Toyota and Lexus vehicles in the UAE, on Thursday announced launch of all-new Camry and Lexus GS vehicles on the first day of Dubai Motorshow.

Focused on bold design and dynamic driving, the all-new 2012 Camry ushers into a new “ERA Sedan Concept”, an era that stands for “Emotional” and “RAtional”. With a quieter ride, more space, better fuel economy, world class safety measures, and new sophisticated technology the 2012 Camry will build on the strong foundation that previous generations have left and made the Camry one of the best-selling and most loved cars in the UAE and the world.

Andrew Squires, National Sales and Marketing manager at Al Futtaim Motors Toyota, said: “The Camry - to a lot of people- isn’t just a car; it’s a part of their personality, life, and family. It is the type of car you get attached to because it will never disappoint you when it comes to durability and ride quality. Toyota’s engineers have made it their obsession to improve the design, ride handling and driving dynamics of the car. I can personally tell you that, having driven the new Camry earlier this week, I can 100 per cent confirm that they were extremely successful in achieving their goal.”

2011 performance

Squires said Al Futtaim Motors controls a leading position in the UAE auto market, with a market share close to 41 per cent.

 “2011 has been a challenging year but I am delighted to report that sales have now regained a steady pace, with an upward trend in recent months as production went back to normal, following the calamity that struck Japan earlier this year.”

He added: “Since the second quarter, production has returned to normal and as a result Al-Futtaim Toyota is again showing healthy increases in sales comparing to the same period last year registering 15 per cent growth. We anticipate that this trend will continue into the last quarter of 2011 and into 2012.”

Core vehicle such as Toyota Corolla continues to maintain its domination over the UAE market, with 33 per cent share of the medium sedan segment. In the 4x4 market, the Land Cruiser and the Prado continue to lead with both vehicles holding number one position in their market segments.

Al Futtaim also revealed that 28,000 units of Yaris Hatchback were sold since its launch in November 2005.

Concept Car

Also, a great offering at this year’s show is the FT86 concept car. With the first production car to be available to the UAE sports car enthusiasts during 2012, FT86 is entirely driver-oriented, and designed to give form to the intrinsic joy of driving through precise instantaneous response to even the smallest throttle or steering input. Rather than relying on a heavy, large displacement engine for its performance, it combines a free-revving, 2.0 litre petrol engine and a 6-speed manual transmission with compact dimensions, light weight and a low centre of gravity for the best possible driving experience. The FT86 concept’s front engine, real wheel drive format offers highly engaging dynamic abilities and maximum driving pleasure.

Andrew Squires said Toyota is in good shape moving forward into 2012. “We have exciting new offerings in 2012 which will guarantee customer’s satisfaction. In general we are delighted by our performance driven mainly by the loyalty of our customers”

Al-Futtaim Motors on Thursday unveiled the much-awaited all-new Lexus GS coinciding with the opening of the Dubai Motor Show.

The GS previewing in the UAE is a major event for Lexus as the vehicle embodies the new face of Lexus and reflects the new direction for all future Lexus models to be launched in coming years.

The first car to be built with the new design, GS combines world-class luxury, evocative design, outstanding driving dynamics and innovative technology to create the ultimate luxury performance sedan in its class.

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