Juffali Automotive Company (JAC), exclusive dealer of Mercedes-Benz cars in Saudi Arabia, has ranked first in sales among Mercedes-Benz car dealers in the Middle East in 2006 by selling 3,685 cars across the Kingdom, thus recording a remarkable achievement. Chris Vallence, regional sales manager of Mercedes-Benz, presented the achievement award to Khalid Juffali, chairman of the board of directors of JAC, at a recent ceremony held the company’s headquarters in Jeddah. “This award is a culmination of Juffali’s efforts, especially sales and services teams, and their very hard work over many years to provide better services for their clients and provide all Mercedes-Benz models in the Saudi market, in addition to establishing high standard showrooms and maintenance centers,” Vallence said. “Mercedes-Benz has great interest in the Saudi market, which is the largest in the region, with long lasting relationship for more than 50 years,” JAC GM Safi Kobaisi said.
Credit Suisse
In Credit Suisse’s latest issue of “Global Investor Focus”, analysts and external specialists examine the subject of innovation. The interaction of new technologies, demographic trends and the opening up of global markets are changing the way innovation affects economic value creation. Nanotechnology and alternative energies are key drivers of innovation that are creating new growth areas which span different industries. This has prompted the analysts at Credit Suisse to screen a wide range of sectors worldwide for innovative business models, to identify major trends and to examine which companies offer suitable longer-term opportunities for investors. Innovation is both a component and a driver of economic growth. The recent acceleration of economic growth in the US illustrates the impact that technological innovation has on the economy’s growth rate. The analysis in the latest issue of “Global Investor Focus” reveals that innovation-based investment opportunities are now more numerous than ever.
LG
LG Electronics, a major player in the global flat panel display market, has announced the LB9 LCD TVs, the first in the company’s Design Art series, a report from Amman said. With these tempting black pearl inspired LCD TVs, LGE hopes to build its reputation for design-focused TVs with quality to match. “LG’s LB9 series was designed to reflect the beauty of a black pearl in its tempting design features such as a glossy black finish, ring-shaped stand and wave-inspired bezel design,” said Tae-Bong Kim, design research fellow in LG’s digital display and media design research lab. “Black pearls, with their mysterious luster, evoke strong emotions — consumers just want to reach out and touch them. We designed these TVs to stir up similar feelings as soon as people see them, either in a showroom or a living room.” A unique ring-shaped stand is the key feature of the LB9 series. The ring, available in red and black, is utilitarian as well as stylish.
Noortech
Noortech, a local buildings specialist, has signed an MOU with Vipul Laing O’Rourke (VLOR) a technology-led building services company headquartered in India which specializes in “Remote facility management”, “Intelligent building design” services and development of application tools in the area of building energy conservation, environmental compliance and computer aided facility management solution. VLOR is a joint venture between Laing O’Rourke PLC., a $6 billion construction and engineering major and Vipul Ltd., a major real estate and infrastructure company in India. Noortech in alliance with VLOR will now provide ‘end to end’ services for conceptualization, design, engineering and supervisory services to property owners, design, architectural and engineering firms in the Kingdom for Extra Low Voltage (ELV) systems. Both Noortech Executive Director Hani Bakr and Sundeep Tandon, CEO, Vipul Laing O’Rourke, said they were delighted over the MOU signing.
Electro
Electro, Riyadh’s major electronics and home appliances superstore, has unveiled plans for a rapid expansion of its successful specialty retail concept throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Owned by Advanced Electronics Equipment Company, it claims to be consistently providing the best value, assortment and service for its customers for over four years. Yaser Abdul Wahid of Abdul Wahid Establishment, who pioneered the Electro store concept, has joined forces with a leading group of investors from Saudi Arabia and elsewhere in the Gulf to support a rapid expansion of the franchise with plans to open 26 Electro mega stores in all of the major cities in Saudi Arabia and the GCC. The expansion plan was unveiled at a recent signing ceremony in Riyadh. “Electro Stores is one of the original electronics mega stores in Saudi Arabia, and has enjoyed four years of rapid growth with a four-fold business turnover. The customer has accepted the concept of great value, industry leading assortments and specialist service, and we are anxious to expand this offering across the GCC,” Wahid said.
