It’s hard to imagine a GWM Florid in downtown Dubai where super cars and gigantic SUV’s are the order of the day, but perhaps in a post 2009 economic climate even the rowdiest of Sheik’s are having to downsize to keep their country afloat in turbulent waters.
From Khaleej Times:
[INDENT]A Chinese hatchback that is stylish, high-tech, fuel-efficient and affordable has entered the UAE roads.
Having sold the first car before its launch, Swaidan Trading Company, a member of Al Naboodah Group, introduced Chinese manufacturer Great Wall Motors’ Florid in the UAE at a ceremony in Dubai recently.
Swaidan Trading is the exclusive distributor of Great Wall Motors, the leading automobile group in China. It has been selling Great Wall’s commercial vehicles in the UAE for nine years.
The launch of Florid at the Great Wall Motors showroom on Shaikh Zayed Road, heralds the entry of a breakthrough in the hatchback segment offering a powerful blend of performance and style.
The key of the car was handed over to its first buyer Babu Rajan, a resident of Ras Al Khaimah. The launch was attended by Qiang Wei, China’s Vice-Consul in Dubai.
The Florid is powered with a 1.5 litre in-line four cylinder engine, eco-friendly Euro IV emission and a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) from Punch, well known Belgian transmission maker.
It is equipped with superior style, sleek exterior finish, spacious interiors, ample legroom, audio control on steering and the comfort of split foldable rear seat. It has advanced safety features like Bosch 8.0 ABS and EBD and child locking system.
The car is priced at Dh32,500 and comes with a three-year 100,000-kilometre warranty. Stock availability and efficient after sales service will be ensured by Swaidan Trading, which is offering test drives all over the UAE.
Already a favourite in the international market, including Europe and the Far East, the car is expected to create a stir in the comfort meets accessibility passenger car segment in the UAE.
“In today’s financial environment, consumers are more aware of their spending power. So, they are looking for an affordable, durable, and good quality car that can compete with the best Japanese car in the market. We were motivated by Great Wall’s record in deciding to launch this car. More models will be launched depending on the results and performance of this car,” Al Naboodah Commercial Group Chairman Swaidan Saeed Juma Al Naboodah told reporters at the launch.
Al Naboodah Commercial Group Managing Director Samar Roy said that their experience and learning process with commercial vehicles had shown that Great Wall Motors were conscious of quality, proactive, listened to suggestions, and made improvements for this market. They have their own R&D, vehicle test track and crash test facility.
Great Wall had five years’ experience of manufacturing manual transmission cars before introducing automatic transmission. These cars meet the region’s requirements, Roy said.
Al Naboodah Commercial Group Group General Manager Madhavan Pillai said that three Florid cars were tested and evaluated by their team in the UAE for six months before taking the decision to offer them for sale.
He said that Great Wall’s 4WD SUV will be introduced in the UAE once it is available with automatic transmission.
“The launch of Florid is a challenge that we have taken. The UAE car market experienced a slump in 2009, which continued in 2010. The market is now showing signs of recovery,” Pillai said.
“Florid is the right product at the entry level point,” he added.
[/INDENT]GWM Florid launches in Dubai…