132 BMW 7 Series voor Saudi-Arabië

Jeddah/Rijswijk. De nieuwe BMW 7 Serie heeft sinds zijn introductie in november vorig jaar, meer dan 50 procent van de markt voor luxelimousines weten te veroveren. Wereldwijd is de BMW 7 Serie zelfs uitgegroeid tot absolute marktleider in het topsegment. Onlangs werd het marktaandeel nog verder vergroot met de opvallende aflevering van 132 BMW 7 Series aan het Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken van Saudi-Arabië. De auto’s, een mix van BMW’s 740i en BMW’s 740Li – de verlengde variant – zijn bestemd voor de ambassades van het ministerie.

Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors, the importer of BMW cars in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has secured a historic agreement to supply 132
BMW 7 Series vehicles to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ministry has selected a combination of BMW 740Li models, the long wheelbase variant, and BMW 740i models, the short wheelbase variant, to be used by the Kingdom's embassies around the world.

His Excellency Professor Ossama Abdulmajed Al Shobokshi, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Germany was present for the ceremonial handover at the BMW Welt in Munich. Also in attendance was Sheikh Mohamed Yousuf Naghi, owner of Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors and Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Sales and Marketing, alongside other senior BMW executives and major officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Located in close proximity to the iconic BMW Headquarters building, BMW Welt is the multi-functional customer experience and exhibition facility of the BMW Group, designed to present the current products of BMW, be a distribution centre for BMW cars, and offer an event forum and conference centre – a unique and fitting location for the historic ceremony.

Commenting on the agreement, Sheikh Mohamed Yousuf Naghi said: “BMW has a strong and successful heritage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a tradition we are pleased to build upon with this historic agreement. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs represents the Government through Saudi Arabia Embassies around the world, and we are proud that it has selected the BMW 7 Series as their official mode of transportation. Our flagship model is a recognised leader in the luxury automotive segment - a natural partner for the Ministry’s diplomatic mission.”

Ian Roberson, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Sales and Marketing said: “We are honoured that Sheikh Mohamed Yousuf Naghi, His Excellency Professor Ossama Abdulmajed Al Shobokshi, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia in Germany and prominent delegates from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are present at the BMW Welt to mark this historic occasion. This agreement is testament to the strong relationship between BMW, Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a relationship we hope will continue to flourish in the years to come.”

As the largest importer of BMW 7 Series in the Middle East region, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to grow in importance as a market for the flagship model. 617 units were sold in the country between January and June 2009, an increase of 124% over the same period in 2008.

The agreement with the Government is the largest of its kind for BMW in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Vehicles will be supplied by Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors which enjoys a strong relationship with the Government, having supplied BMW 5 Series and BMW 7 Series to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for several years.
“We have been providing world-class vehicles to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for many years. The BMW 7 Series is recognised globally as offering the best of comfort, luxury and automotive innovation. It is a class leader in terms of reduced carbon emissions and fuel consumption, delivering outstanding efficiency and performance. It is the perfect mode of transport for high ranking dignitaries,” added Sheikh Mohamed Yousuf Naghi.
The superior bearing of the BMW 7 Series exemplifies the sporting character of BMW in its most elegant form. The design features of the BMW flagship, such as the car’s dynamics proportions, the low and stretched side view, sculptured surfaces, and upright BMW kidney grille emphasis the sheer power and width of the car. The luxury saloon’s outstanding profile and refined elegance befit any occasion of state, a perfect partner for the official business of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“No matter where in the world the Ministry of Foreign Affairs diplomatic mission is required, the BMW 7 Series will deliver them in safety, style and comfort,” added Sheikh Mohamed Yousuf Naghi.