INTERVIEW
STYLING IT OUT
AFM Lexus’ Carlos Montenegro talks to T&FME on guiding the premium brand through a pandemic
L
exus is the go-to choice for limousine fleets in the UAE wanting an alternative to other premium tier brands in the market. Featuring all the trappings you would expect for a blue ribbon brand, plus the Middle East conditions reliability you would expect from a marque associated with Toyota, Lexus’ exclusive UAE partner Al Futtaim Motors (AFM) holds an enviable position in the market, managing director Carlos Montenegro explains to T&FME. 12 FEBRUARY 2021
“Obviously, the Al Futtaim family has almost forever been the sole distributor of Toyota!” He jokes. “30 years ago, they also agreed to take the Lexus brand and since then, there’s been a terrific job done in the market. Lexus is the number one premium brand in this market and in 2019 it was recognised as the second most recognised brand in the country.” Montengro is sitting with T&FME minutes after chairing a meeting where the brands burgeoning 2021 line-up was presented to the AFM team.
Lexus is the number one premium brand in this market”
The end of 2020, saw a flurry of new car announcements, including refreshes for the LX luxury SUV and the all-important LS, its flagship sedan. After a challenging year for the automotive trade in the UAE, he says the company is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for the brand. Its storied reliability will be a major strength in the postCOVID climate. He predicts the brand can continue to serve its trusting UAE national drivers which make up the majority of its customers while penetrating further into an expat market looking for premium models. meconstructionnews.com
