Al-Futtaim Motors UAE Toyota dealer 2010 growth

Al-Futtaim Motors, the exclusive distributor for Toyota and Lexus in the UAE has today announced strong sales performance during the first six months of 2010 with total June year to date volumes up 32 per cent against the same period last year.

Simon Frith, Managing Director, Al-Futtaim Motors stated: “The first six months of 2010 have continued to offer a challenging economic environment for the automobile industry, both globally and locally here in the Middle East; but I am proud to announce that Toyota has strengthened its position as the clear number one choice of drivers in the UAE.”

The market leading brand, Toyota, saw sales jump 35 per cent over the same period last year with significant growth in the passenger car segment. The Toyota Corolla and Toyota Camry models continued to lead their segments during the first six months of 2010 with reported 67 per cent and 44 per cent respective growth when compared to the same period last year. The four wheel drive range continued its legendary performance with the new Prado continuing to generate robust sales up 74 per cent on the same period last year with the Fortuner recording 64 per cent growth and the iconic Land Cruiser increased 39 per cent in the same period.

Lexus’ June year to date sales volumes increased 7 per cent against 2009 performance with the flagship SUV the Lexus LX570, continuing to lead the large luxury SUV segment recording sales up 20 per cent on June year last year, whilst sales of the dynamic IS 300 luxury sedan rose 40 per cent within the same period.

Commenting on the UAE automotive market, Mr Frith explained: “The overall automotive market has shrunk since the global economic crisis hit the UAE in late 2008 but we have increased our market share; the latest data reveals that our total market share for the period from January to June 2010 has risen 5 per cent against the same period last year to 33 per cent.”

Mr Frith continued: “Improved customer confidence is a key factor in the company’s positive half year results. Of course our added value offers are significantly contributing in driving sales volumes, but we are also experiencing an increase in consumer confidence. Showroom traffic continues to grow and it is clear that the hesitancy some customers displayed over making a buying decision in early 2009 is diminishing. Banks are also playing their part in stimulating the market with excellent finance deals; all of these elements signal a positive outlook for the rest of the year.”

Hugh Dickerson, Senior General Manager, Al-Futtaim Motors added: “We foresee steady market recovery with customers looking for great value and quality products. The UAE customers’ appetite for new automotive products has not dwindled and we believe our new models that are scheduled to launch over the next six months and early in 2011 will surpass customer expectations. Next month we will formally launch the Toyota Land Cruiser Xtreme and later in the year there will be new performance sports models from both Toyota and Lexus; in addition I can confirm we have already taken orders for the super car, Lexus LFA which will go into production at the end of the year. Customers will also get a chance to preview further vehicles at this year’s Abu Dhabi Motor Show in December.”

Recently the company announced a programme of extensive investment in the expansion and renewal of the market-leading brand’s retail and service facilities across the Emirates starting with a new Toyota sales and service facility in Mussafah, Abu Dhabi. The expansion is scheduled to continue into 2011 with the launch of a flagship showroom in Aldar’s Motor World in Abu Dhabi and a further four facilities in Dubai.

Mr Frith concluded: “Al-Futtaim Motors is committed to delivering the best customer experience in the region and I would like to thank our customers for their loyalty and look forward to a positive close to 2010.”