Men's Passion #67 - April 2015

Driving Passions

The Marques, The Models and The Men

Tod’s Boutique • Kuwait: Salhiya Complex - Prestige - The Avenues

corneliani.com

ISSUE NUMBER 67 - APRIL 2015

JUST A THOUGHT Dear Passionate Readers, Although I have never pursued a hobby long enough for it to become my passion, I’ve often been told that my passion seems to be life itself.

Exploring it, trying to understand it, experiencing as many angles of it as possible.

With that in mind and believing in the power of the word, I decided a few years back to start writing my own life story, my thoughts, my struggles, and some of my conclusions...

With a penchant for the abstract and existentialist, publishing a typical autobiography was out of the question.

After many dissatisfying attempts, I finally found the style that reflects me: philosophical yet humorous; original yet simple; revealing yet illusive.

And most importantly, I found the title and the format that truly represent my dichotomous binary nature of seeing life: The Illogical Logic of My Life.

This is indeed a new experience for me and as with anything new, it is normal to approach it with a little apprehension.

And yet... I never feel alone in any journey when I know I have your support...

And for that, in unspoken words, I shall be forever grateful...

Till the next issue,

Zeina Mokaddam Managing Director

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U LY S S E - N A R D I N . C O M

Salhiya Complex - 2246 4762 Al Hamra Luxury Center - 2227 0206 Avenues Mall - 2259 7727

ON THE COVER: April 2015 This region’s love affair with the automobile extends back as far as the history of the car itself. Today the Middle East, and in particular the Gulf, has become a leading global market for manufacturers, especially within the luxury and performance sector.

Kuwait, and our neighbouring states, are home to many of the world’s most avid and knowledgeable motoring aficionados. This issue takes us behind the scene at a number of the country’s key dealers, and we meet some of the leading players and opinion formers in Kuwait’s motoring scene. All this, plus our own special view of the latest models announced at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show.

Driving Passions

The Marques, The Models and The Men

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Amera Al-Awadhi LEGAL CONSULTANT Khaled Al-Kandari Al-Kandari Law Firm PUBLISHED BY

MANAGING DIRECTOR Zeina Mokaddam ACTING MANAGING DIRECTOR Nouf Al-Hajri MANAGING EDITOR Simon Balsom ACTING MANAGING EDITOR Katia Abbas

CONTENTS 14 Ali Alghanim and Sons

Automotive Company

40 Motoring News

by Ahmed Al-Mudhaf

18 Al-Sayer Group

22 Behbehani Motors

Porsche

42 Zaid Ashkanani

26

32

Behbehani Motors Volkswagen Mercedes Benz Tradition and Future

36 Audi

with Trevor Hill, Managing Director,

Audi Volkswagen Middle East

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tarek Kabbani PR & SOCIAL MEDIA ANALYST Anju Kakkar

46 Team Kuwait

with Sheikh Mohamed Al Khaled

Al Jarrah Al Sabah

FEATURES EDITOR Injy Refaie

48 Geneva

Brand Report

HEAD OF PHOTOGRAPHY Maher Al-Nouri

54 Concept Cars

at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show

PRODUCTION MANAGER Jad Nahas

58 A Day in the Life of

Masoud Jafar Behbehani

Brought to you by McLaren

PH7 is a specialized publishing house based in Kuwait.

Telephone +(965) 2572 0810 Fax +(965) 2572 0860 Website www.ph7-kw.com To maintain the desired quality of our publication, your contribution and feedback are welcomed.

Please email your suggestions to zeina@ph7-kw.com For advertising, do not hesitate to contact info@ph7-kw.com For subscription, please email your details to info@ph7-kw.com PH7 wishes to state that the opinions expressed in MEN’S PASSION are those of the authors concerned and not necessarily those of the publisher.

BPA Worldwide Consumer Publication Audit Membership Applied for September 2014.

THE LUXE REVIEW 70 Retrospective:

Sami Mohammed

86 Into the Blue

with TUMI

72 Superfast Chrono

Porsche 919 Edition

from Chopard

88 Summer Sailing

Hackett London - inspired by

the sea this season

89 Harvey Nichols Kuwait SS2015

The trendiest fashion pieces

hand-chosen at global fashion

shows

73 Master Compressor

Extreme LAB 2

Concerted inventiveness 74 Panerai

Italian Design, Swiss

Technology And Passion For

The Sea 76 Rado DiaMaster Automatic

Ceramic Chronograph XXL

To boldly go… time after time 77 The Tissot T-Touch Expert Solar

In touch with its time 78 Walter von Känel

President of Longines 80 Urban Romanticism

Preview – Gucci Menswear

Fall / Winter 2015-16 82

84

Tod’s Stardust A project by David Bailey A Vision of India Louis Vuitton Men Spring 2015

90 Brioni

Spring Summer 2015 92 Davidoff ’s New Face

Scott Eastwood 93 Rock The Ages

from Jo Malone London 94 Salt

Showcasing the freshest seafood

and international delights 96 ZEITGEIST - S.T.Dupont

Chinese Lacquer and Perfect Gold 98 Officine Panerai Sets Sail

at the Dubai Inter national

Boat Show 2015 100 Events

THE DEALERS

Ali Alghanim and Sons Automotive Company

F

rom Rolls-Royce to Mini, through Land Rover, McLaren and BMW, Ali Alghanim and Sons Automotive Company’s is the broadest range of all Kuwait dealers. They are proud to represent such an incredible range of automotive brands. Specialist teams ensure that each brand is well represented in the showroom and through dedicated PR and marketing strategies, each with its own identity and uniqueness, satisfying the diverse tastes and requirements of their discerning customers, whilst also delivering the best possible service to ensure they are in line with the standards set globally by the world renowned brands they represent.

Most notably, their success with Rolls-Royce in Kuwait has been truly phenomenal, and they have delivered constant year-onyear growth, further demonstrated through 43% growth in 2014.

The stellar performance of the brand has not been unnoticed by the global network, as Ali Alghanim and Sons Automotive Company were awarded an impressive five accolades at the annual Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Regional Dealer Awards for the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia and South America last month, including the coveted Regional Dealer of the Year award, a truly phenomenal feat.

The Bespoke program for Rolls-Royce is very popular in the local market, and they continue to achieve record Bespoke

sales across all Rolls-Royce model families. The wider Middle East region also leads Rolls-Royce individualization figures globally in comparison to other markets.

The scope for the Rolls-Royce Bespoke program is very wide – there exists the ability to customize any aspect of the car. Last year, they received several exclusive RollsRoyce Bespoke models such as the Phantom Metropolitan Collection and the Waterspeed Phantom Drophead Coupés.

In 2015, they expect to receive some truly magnificent RollsRoyce Bespoke models that epitomize the engineering excellence and unmatched craftsmanship of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, with concepts that they are confident will be

THE DEALERS

very popular for both existing and potential customers as well.

Their relationship with clients is vitally important to the growth of the business. The feedback we receive from their clientele is highly important to Rolls-Royce, as it is a marque which represents the pinnacle of automotive luxury.

The heritage and craftsmanship of a Rolls-Royce motor car will always be preserved, but there will also be subtle changes and innovations in line with customer feedback and global automotive trends to ensure the car remains timeless for the dealer’s valued clientele.

The best-selling model for Rolls-Royce is currently the Wraith, which is the most powerful and dynamic Rolls-Royce in history, and so attracts both a younger clientele as well as those sportscar enthusiasts who are looking for a combination of power, style and ultra-luxury. This expansion into new segments guarantees the continuation of the success of this model going forward.

Another key model (in terms of sales) is the famed Ghost model, particularly with the most recent addition of the Ghost Series II, which has proven to be a popular choice for the discerning Kuwaiti clientele since its launch last year.

Meanwhile, the Phantom model which combines state-of-theart technology and engineering with timeless contemporary design, is the pinnacle product of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and continues to generate steady sales on an ongoing basis.

Operating in such a diverse car industry in Kuwait, where customer expectations continue to evolve means that they must plan carefully and pay attention to every detail to meet the expectations of their discerning clientele ahead of, during and after each sale.

This focus on delivering the best possible customer service requires major investment into their already impressive facilities and knowledgeable staff. This year they will be inaugurating one of the largest bodyshop facilities in the Middle East which will be spread over an area of 30,000 square meters, and will include 77 working bays, in addition to a spare parts outlet.

14 15

‫‪THE DEALERS‬‬

‫ّ‬ ‫أن التعديالت الطفيفة واالبتكارات التي قد تأتي على‬ ‫مصن عها‪ ،‬غير ّ‬ ‫خلفية آراء العمالء واالتجاهات السائدة في عالم السيارات تضمن أن‬ ‫القي مين لشركة الغانم‪.‬‬ ‫دوم ا أذواق العمالء‬ ‫تواكب التصاميم‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫مبيع ا من بين سيارات رولز رويس‪،‬فهي‬ ‫حالي ا األكثر‬ ‫عد سيارة "رايث"‬ ‫ً‬ ‫تُ ّ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫تشد‬ ‫المصن ع‪ ،‬وبالتالي هي‬ ‫وأيض ا األقوى واألكثر ديناميكية في تاريخ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ومحب ي الرياضة عل حد سواء الذين يبحثون عن الجمع‬ ‫العمالء الشباب‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫التوس ع‬ ‫بين القوة واألسلوب والفخامة الفائقة‪ .‬ويبقى القول إن هذا‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫نحو فئات جديدة يضمن استمرارية النجاح لهذا الطراز في المستقبل‪.‬‬ ‫ومن بين الطرازات الرئيسية األخرى (من حيث حجم المبيعات)‪ ،‬نذكر‬ ‫طراز جوست وهو أحدث إضافة إلى الجيل الثاني من عائلة جوست التي‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫األفض ل لدى العمالء الكويتيين من أصحاب الذوق‬ ‫أثبتت ّأن ها الخيار‬ ‫الرفيع منذ إطالقها في العام الماضي‪.‬‬ ‫أخيرا‪ ،‬يبقى طراز فانتوم الذي يجمع بين أحدث المعايير التقنية‬ ‫ولكن‬ ‫ً‬ ‫مترب ًع ا‬ ‫والهندسية من جهة والتصميم المعاصر واألزلي من جهة أخرى‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ومستمرة‪.‬‬ ‫مسجال مبيعات ثابتة‬ ‫على عرش سيارات رولز رويس‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫وألن وكالء السيارات في الكويت يعملون في قطاع يزخر بهذا التنوع‬ ‫وتزداد فيه ّ‬ ‫يوم ا بعد آخر‪ ،‬فهذا يعني أن عليهم التفكير‬ ‫توق عات العمالء ً‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫تطل عات‬ ‫والتنب ه إلى أدق التفاصيل‪ ،‬لالرتقاء إلى‬ ‫والتخطيط بحكمة‪،‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫عمالئهم مهما صعبت أذواقهم‪ ،‬وذلك قبل البيع وخالله وبعده‪.‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫يتطل ب هذا التركيز على تقديم أفضل خدمة ممكنة‬ ‫وفي الختام‪،‬‬ ‫جدي ا في بناء منشآت مبهرة وتدريب طاقم عمل‬ ‫استثمارا‬ ‫للعمالء‬ ‫ًّ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫وتزويده بكل المعرفة الضرورية‪ .‬وهذا العام‪ ،‬تفتتح شركة علي الغانم‬ ‫ويمتد على‬ ‫وأوالده مركز حدادة وصبغ هو األكبر في الشرق األوسط‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫محط ة عمل إضافة إلى متجر‬ ‫ويتضم ن ‪77‬‬ ‫مرب ع‬ ‫مساحة ‪ 30‬ألف متر‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫لبيع قطع الغيار‪.‬‬

‫‪THE DEALERS‬‬

‫شركة علي الغانم وأوالده للسيارات‬ ‫من سيارات رولز رويس إلى ميني والند روفر‪ ،‬وصو ًلا إلى ماكالرين وبي أم دبليو‪ ،‬تفخر شركة علي الغانم وأوالده للسيارات‬ ‫المتخصص في‬ ‫بتوفير أوسع تشكيلة ترويجية من العالمات التجارية من بين وكالء السيارات في الكويت‪ .‬ويضمن الطاقم‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫المجموعة من أن تكون ّ‬ ‫وفية‬ ‫كل عالمة تجارية معروضة بالشكل المناسب في صالة العرض‪ ،‬وفق استراتيجيات تسويقية‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫لفرادة ّ‬ ‫تنوعت أو تباينت‪ ،‬مع ضمان توفير أفضل خدمة ممكنة‬ ‫كل سيارة وهو ّيتها الخاصة‪ ،‬وبما يرضي أذواق العمالء مهما ّ‬ ‫يحددها المصنّ عون‪.‬‬ ‫بمستوى يتوافق مع المعايير العالمية التي‬ ‫ّ‬

‫مبهرا مع عالمة رولز رويس‬ ‫نجاح ا‬ ‫شهدت شركة الغانم في الكويت‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ً‬ ‫تحديدا‪ ،‬حيث ّ‬ ‫تلو األخرى‪ ،‬فكان آخر‬ ‫سنة‬ ‫االزدهار‬ ‫حق قت الكثير من‬ ‫ً‬ ‫َ‬ ‫نمو نسبته ‪ 43%‬في سنة ‪.2014‬‬ ‫ل‬ ‫معد‬ ‫لت‬ ‫سج‬ ‫أن‬ ‫لها‬ ‫إنجاز‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ولم تغفل األوساط العالمية عن هذا األداء الممتاز لشركة علي الغانم‪،‬‬ ‫فحصدت خمس جوائز راقية في الحفل السنوي لوكالء سيارات رولز‬ ‫رويس اإلقليميين لمناطق الشرق األوسط وإفريقيا وآسيا الوسطى‬ ‫وأميركا الجنوبية والذي ُأقيمت فعالياته في الشهر الماضي‪ ،‬ومن‬ ‫ً‬ ‫إنجازا‬ ‫وي عتبر‬ ‫بينها جائزة أفضل وكيل إقليمي للعام‪ ،‬وهو لقب مرموق ُ‬ ‫حقيقي ا لهذه الشركة‪.‬‬ ‫ً‬ ‫كبيرا‬ ‫رواج ا‬ ‫أما عن برنامج رولز رويس للتصميم عند الطلب‪ ،‬فقد القى‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ً‬ ‫في السوق المحلية‪ ،‬وال تزال مبيعات التصميم عند الطلب تضرب‬ ‫تتصدر‬ ‫مستويات قياسية في كل عائالت السيارات‪ .‬وعلى نطاق أوسع‪،‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫منطقة الشرق األوسط ّ‬ ‫كل األسواق العالمية األخرى في مبيعات‬ ‫التصميم عند الطلب‪.‬‬ ‫جدا‪ ،‬حيث باإلمكان تغيير‬ ‫ويمكن القول إن نطاق هذا البرنامج واسع ً‬ ‫أي جانب من السيارة بحسب ما يطلبه العميل‪ .‬وفي العام الماضي‪،‬‬ ‫مصم مة حسب الطلب مثل مجموعة‬ ‫عدة طرازات‬ ‫وصلت إلى الشركة ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫"فانتوم متروبوليتان" ومجموعة "واترسبيد فانتوم كوبيه المكشوفة"‪.‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫بحق تختصر‬ ‫تتوق ع الشركة وصول طرازات مبهرة‬ ‫وفي العام ‪،2015‬‬ ‫اإلبداع الهندسي والحرفي غير المسبوقين لفريق رولز رويس‪ ،‬ومفاهيم‬ ‫ستلقى أصداء واسعة لدى عمالء حاليين ومحتملين على السواء‪.‬‬ ‫لنمو أعمالها‪ .‬فالمالحظات‬ ‫مهم ة‬ ‫وتعتبر الشركة أن عالقتها بالعميل‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫جدا بالنسبة إلى رولز رويس باعتبارها‬ ‫التي تردها من العمالء‬ ‫مهم ة ًّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫عالمة تجارية فاخرة في عالم السيارات‪.‬‬ ‫وبالطبع تحافظ سيارات رولز رويس على اإلرث العريق وبراعة حرفة‬

‫‪16 17‬‬

THE DEALERS

Al-Sayer Group

W

ith over 60 years in the automotive business, the Al Sayer Group is perhaps the best known of the high-volume dealers in Kuwait. Their Toyota and Lexus automotive divisions are operated through Mohammed Naser Al Sayer & Sons. They introduced Toyota to Kuwait in 1954, and Lexus in 1989. Along with the United States, Kuwait was one of the first international markets for the Lexus marque.

It reflects well on Al Sayer’s relationship with Toyota and the high regard in which they are held that they were selected to handle the luxury Lexus brand alongside the broader market of Toyota cars.

Although they operate within their own dedicated facilities, Al Sayer ensure that both brands accord their customers the same high levels of customer service – both pre- and postsale. In an increasingly crowded market, sales remain strong.

The dealer is keen to constantly support its market through promotions that will benefit customers, including through service and warranty packages. They also engage closely with their clients through events and shows, each designed to deliver a greater understanding of their customers, their wishes and their demands.

In common with the best of Kuwait’s auto-market, as well as following international good practice, Al Sayer set great importance towards the used car business. This is an area where Toyota and Lexus both excel. Indeed, in the prestigious 2014 Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards, for the third year in succession Toyota was awarded the title of Best Brand, and Lexus the Best Luxury Brand.

The Lexus brand holds the record for the best reliability and dependability in the industry, which is the main reason why buyers keep coming back to Lexus and why the brand has been chosen the Most Trusted Luxury Brand two years in a row.

They operate both the Toyota Certified and Lexus Certified vehicle assurance standards for their used car sales.

Although they’re not new, these Certified Pre-Owned (CPO)

THE DEALERS

vehicles are as close to new car standards as you can get. To ensure the highest quality, the cars go through 120 separate checkpoints. Customers are given added peace of mind because manufacturers stand behind these superior vehicles.

Key for this year are the revamped RX350 and the facelifted LX570. The Lexus RX 350 remains in the top tier among premium-brand crossover SUVs, and in its new guise it is set to be a bedrock for growth.

Another key line to look out for over this and coming years, is the F-line which offers a new level of expression through performance improvements for select Lexus models. Lexus continues to expand on and invest in the F Sport range and also key hybrid technology.

18 19

‫‪THE DEALERS‬‬

‫مجموعة الساير‬ ‫عاما من العمل في قطاع السيارات تاريخ عريق أكسب مجموعة الساير شهرة واسعة النطاق بين وكالء السيارات‬ ‫ستّ ون‬ ‫ً‬ ‫في الكويت‪ .‬وقد استلمت شركة محمد ناصر الساير وأوالده التابعة لها قسم تويوتا ولكزس وهي التي أدخلت تويوتا‬ ‫إلى الكويت في سنة ‪ ،1954‬ثم لكزس في سنة ‪ .1989‬وإلى جانب الواليات المتحدة األميركية‪ّ ،‬‬ ‫شكلت الكويت إحدى أولى‬ ‫األسواق العالمية لعالمة لكزس التجارية‪.‬‬

‫الطي بة بين الساير وتويوتا والسمعة الحسنة‬ ‫وكان على خلفية العالقات‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫مجد ًدا لتوزيع‬ ‫تويوتا‬ ‫اختارتها‬ ‫أن‬ ‫تأسيسها‪،‬‬ ‫منذ‬ ‫التي ّات سمت بها الساير‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫سوق ا‬ ‫عالمتها التجارية الفارهة لكزس بموازاة سيارات تويوتا التي تالقي‬ ‫ً‬ ‫كبيرا عليها في الكويت‪.‬‬ ‫وإقبال‬ ‫ً‬ ‫وعلى الرغم من أن مجموعة الساير تعمل في منشآت خاصة بها‪ ،‬فهي‬ ‫تحرص ّ‬ ‫كل الحرص على توفير أعلى مستويات الخدمة لعمالء العالمتين‬ ‫التجاري تين‪ ،‬سواء قبل البيع أو بعده‪ .‬وفي سوق تشهد تزايد المنافسين‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫تسج ل مبيعات ثابتة‪.‬‬ ‫يوم ا بعد يوم‪ ،‬ال تفتأ الساير‬ ‫فيها‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫يأت من باب الصدفة‪ ،‬فمجموعة الساير تعرف‬ ‫ولكن هذا الثبات لم‬ ‫ِ‬ ‫كيف تحتضن سوقها من خالل العروض الترويجية التي تجتذب العمالء‪،‬‬ ‫وباقات خدمة العمالء والضمانة‪ .‬كما ّأن ها تبقى على ّات صال بعمالئها‬ ‫من خالل إقامة الفعاليات والمعارض لكسب فهم أفضل حول رغباتهم‬ ‫المختلفة واحتياجاتهم‪.‬‬ ‫ً‬ ‫وفضل عن ذلك‪ّ ،‬‬ ‫تعل ق مجموعة الساير أهمية كبرى على سوق السيارات‬ ‫المستعملة‪ ،‬مع احترام الممارسات العالمية وأفضل المعايير التي‬ ‫تحديدا‪ ،‬يمتاز ّ‬ ‫كل من تويوتا‬ ‫تفرضها السوق الكويتية‪ .‬وفي هذا القطاع‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ولكزس على وجه الخصوص‪ .‬ففي حفل عام ‪ 2014‬لجوائز أفضل قيمة‬ ‫عند إعادة البيع من كيلي بلو بوك (‪ ،)Kelly Blue Book‬شركة دراسات‬ ‫القيمة السوقية ألسعار السيارات الجديدة والمستعملة‪ ،‬حازت تويوتا‬

‫للسنة الثالثة على التوالي لقب أفضل عالمة تجارية‪ ،‬وحازت لكزس‬ ‫لقب أفضل عالمة تجارية فاخرة‪ .‬وبحوزة لكزس أكبر عدد من الجوائز عن‬ ‫أفضل موثوقية‪ ،‬ولهذا السبب نرى عمالءها يعاودون اختيارها ولهذا‬ ‫ً‬ ‫أيض ا اختيرت لتكون العالمة التجارية األكثر موثوقية لسنتين‬ ‫السبب‬ ‫على التوالي‪.‬‬ ‫ً‬ ‫وفق ا لمعايير ضمان المركبات المعتمدة من‬ ‫وتعمل مجموعة الساير‬ ‫تويوتا ولكزس للسيارات المستعملة‪ .‬وبمعنى آخر‪ ،‬قد ال تكون هذه‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫المصن ع جديدة بالكامل‪ّ ،‬إل ّأن ها‬ ‫السيارات المستعملة المعتمدة من‬ ‫ً‬ ‫إطالق ا إلى معايير السيارات الجديدة‪ ،‬وسيطمئن الشاري إلى أن‬ ‫األقرب‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫المتفوقة على‬ ‫المركبات‬ ‫هذه‬ ‫بيع‬ ‫وراء‬ ‫ا‬ ‫شخصي‬ ‫يقف‬ ‫ن‬ ‫م‬ ‫هو‬ ‫ع‬ ‫المصن‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫َ‬ ‫غيرها‪.‬‬

‫المجددة بالكامل‪ ،‬وسيارة‬ ‫لهذه السنة‪ ،‬أطلقت لكزس سيارة ‪RX350‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫‪ LX570‬بهيئتها الجديدة‪ .‬وتبقى لكزس ‪ RX350‬في طليعة فئة سيارات‬ ‫كروس أوفر الرياضية المتعددة االستخدامات‪ ،‬وهي بإطاللتها الجديدة‪،‬‬ ‫ً‬ ‫آفاق ا واسعة للنمو‪.‬‬ ‫يبدو ّأن ها تفتح‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫خط سيارات آخر أطلقته لكزس ومن المرتقب أن يستقطب‬ ‫وثم ة‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫يقدم‬ ‫األنظار اآلن وفي السنوات القادمة‪ ،‬أال وهو خط سيارات ‪ F‬الذي‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ترجمة جديدة لمواصفات لكزس من خالل تحسينات على طرازات‬ ‫مختارة من سياراتها‪.‬‬

©2014 TUMI, INC.

d e S i g n e d i n A m e r i c A f o r g lo b A l c i t i z e n S TUMI.COM

GRAND AVENUE • THE AVENUES • 22200596/7

THE DEALER

Porsche Centre Kuwait Behbehani Motors Company

W

orking with two of the greatest expressions of German engineering, Porsche and VW, both with a familial heritage that can be traced back to Ferdinand Porsche himself, Behbehani Motors Company has evolved its separate divisions in order to maximize each marque’s strengths and heritage.

Porsche and VW are rich in motorsport success; the Stuttgart cars on the track (their Le Mans wins are legendary) and in rallies, while Wolfsburg’s Polo WRC is the reigning World Champion.

Regionally, the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Challenge in the Middle East was launched in 2009. The race has grown to become the most prestigious motor sports event in the Gulf and is driven on world-class circuits in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar. All of this rich history contributes to a strong network of sales in the local market; placing Porsche Centre Kuwait as the second highest selling Porsche centre in the GCC. In Kuwait, Porsche has a great reputation for customer service, and after‐sales service. Abdul Mohsen Behbehani, Director of Morad Yousef Behbehani Group, says “While we pride ourselves on the excellence of the vehicles we provide, Porsche Centre Kuwait has traditionally set the benchmark when it comes to customer service. At the core of our success in this area has been our customer centric approach. This model is focused on

leveraging the ownership experience through all phases of the customers’ journey, from their initial visit to our showroom, to deciding on their Porsche model of choice and then advancing the relationship through our excellent after sales services. We promise that our dedicated CRM team is always available to deliver individualized care and services because we recognize that each Porsche owner has unique needs. Moreover, the superlative technical expertise of our certified staff and the state-of-the-art facilities ensures that our customers can be confident in the service they receive.”

Key models in the Kuwait market are led by the 911, “The 911 has always been the epitome of the sporting legacy of Porsche.

The 911 in its various derivatives represents one of the strongest sales performances in our fleet. The Cayenne continues as a popular model and is the cornerstone of our line-up due to its superb handling, and athletic characteristics. The Cayenne has set the benchmark in performance standards in the premium SUV segment. Additionally, one of our newest arrivals, the Macan, is also quickly becoming a customer favorite and is

THE DEALER

already proving to be a pioneer by being the first sports car in the compact SUV class.”

As for the development of the local market over the past ten years, Behbehani considers the Kuwait market to be a highly dynamic and unique one, saying “In the last 10 years, it has witnessed constant shifts in consumer trends. The automotive industry is competing now in an environment where the consumer is increasingly savvy and knowledgeable. This creates a competitive climate in which the marketplace is forced to offer a range of options to entice customers. The luxury sector is especially vibrant and we pay special attention to the launch of our new models with care and precision so that our customers are equipped with the knowledge they need to make the right buying choices.

With a range of new vehicles arrivals every season and an array of model derivatives within different vehicle segments, we at Porsche Centre Kuwait believe that the quality of our sales and after sales, in addition to our marketing and CRM functions,

are particularly imperative to driving sales volumes. We firmly believe that we deliver the highest quality customer service in the country.”

Porsche Centre Kuwait has a special guarantee on used cars that has proved a useful boost to sales, Behbehani commented, “We offer an outstanding range of pre-owned vehicles for a wide segment of customers. Every one of our pre-owned vehicles undergoes a rigorous inspection process based on a 111-point checklist and is reconditioned where necessary in accordance with Porsche’s highest standards. We offer an exhaustive list of unique selling points on our Porsche approved line up.

Our pre-owned models all come with a one year Porsche Service Assistance which can be extended to up to nine years, exclusive trade in options, finance facilities and full insurance services. Due to the quality of the worldwide ‘Porsche Approved’ program, complemented with our exceptional after sales services, two thirds of all Porsche vehicles remain running on the road today.”

22 23

‫‪THE DEALER‬‬

‫من الخيارات لجذب العمالء‪ .‬وقد وصلت هذه الديناميكية إلى قطاع‬ ‫خاص ا بإطالق طرازات‬ ‫اهتمام ا‬ ‫يتعي ن علينا أن نولي‬ ‫الرفاهية حيث بات‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫يتزود عمالؤنا بكل المعرفة التي يحتاجونها‬ ‫ودق ة لكي‬ ‫جديدة بعناية‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫الت خاذ قرارات الشراء الصحيحة‪ .‬ومع وصول سيارات جديدة في ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫كل‬ ‫وخط من الطرازات الفرعية في ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫كل فئة‪ ،‬يمكننا القول ّإن نا في‬ ‫موسم‬ ‫مركز بورشه الكويت نؤمن بأن جودة خدمة البيع وما بعد البيع واقترانها‬ ‫بوظائف طاقم التسويق وإدارة عالقة العميل‪ ،‬أساسية إذا ما أردنا زيادة‬ ‫حجم مبيعاتنا‪ .‬ونحن على ثقة بأن خدمة العمالء لدينا هي األفضل من‬ ‫حيث الجودة في البلد‪".‬‬ ‫خاص ة على السيارات المستعملة‬ ‫تقدم مركز بورشه الكويت كفالة‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّم ما ّ‬ ‫عزز حجم مبيعات هذه الفئة‪ ،‬بحسب السيد بهبهاني الذي أشار‬ ‫"تقدم مجموعة الفتة من السيارات المستعملة‬ ‫إلى أن الشركة‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫لشريحة واسعة من العمالء‪ .‬وتخضع كل سيارة مستعملة لفحص‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ثم ندخل‬ ‫تحق ق‬ ‫استنادا إلى قائمة‬ ‫دقيق‬ ‫ً‬ ‫مؤل فة من ‪ 111‬نقطة‪ّ ،‬‬

‫عليها اإلصالحات الالزمة وفق أعلى المعايير المعتمدة في بورشه‪.‬‬ ‫ونقدم الئحة شاملة بمنافذ البيع التي نتعامل معها لسيارات‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫بورشه التي نوافق عليها‪ ،‬كما أن طرازات السيارات المستعملة التي‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫تتوف ر مع خدمة الصيانة لسنة كاملة من بورشه‪،‬‬ ‫نبيعها لعمالئنا‬ ‫حد تسع سنوات‪ ،‬باستثناء خيارات المقايضة‪،‬‬ ‫ويمكن تمديدها إلى ّ‬ ‫والتسهيالت المالية‪ ،‬وخدمات التأمين الشاملة‪ .‬وبفضل جودة‬ ‫نكم له بخدماتنا‬ ‫البرنامج العالمي "معتمد من بورشه" الذي‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫المنقطعة النظير لمرحلة ما بعد البيع‪ ،‬فإن ثلثي مجموع سيارات‬ ‫بورشه ما زالت تسير على الطرقات اليوم"‪.‬‬

‫‪THE DEALER‬‬

‫مركز بورشه الكويت‬ ‫شركة بهبهاني للسيارات‬

‫تجسدان أرقى اإلبداعات الهندسية األلمانية‬ ‫استلمت شركة بهبهاني للسيارات وكالة اثنتين من العالمات التجارية اللتين‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫في صناعة السيارات‪ ،‬أال وهما بورشه وفولكس واجن‪ ،‬وكالهما تنبثق من عائلة واحدة وإرث واحد هو الذي خ ّلفه فرديناند‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫بورشه نفسه‪ .‬ولكي تُعطى كل عالمة ّ‬ ‫خاصا بها يركّ ز على نقاط‬ ‫قسما‬ ‫لكل واحدة‬ ‫طورت شركة بهبهاني للسيارات‬ ‫حقها‪ّ ،‬‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ويرسخ إرثها‪.‬‬ ‫قوتها‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬

‫ّ‬ ‫لكل من سيارات بورشه وفولكس واجن نجاحاتها في عالم سباقات‬ ‫تمي زت على الطرقات‬ ‫السيارات‪ :‬فاألولى ومنشأها مدينة شتوتغارت‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫المتكرر‬ ‫في سباقات الرالي كما على الحلبات المغلقة (حيث فوزها‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫أسطوري ا)‪ ،‬في حين أن الثانية ومنشأها مدينة‬ ‫في سباق لومانز كان‬ ‫ً‬ ‫(وتحديدا سيارة بولو‬ ‫الرالي‬ ‫في‬ ‫العالم‬ ‫سباق‬ ‫بطلة‬ ‫فولفسبورغ هي‬ ‫ً‬ ‫دبليو آر سي)‪.‬‬ ‫تحدي كأس بورشه ‪ 911‬جي تي ‪ 3‬في الشرق‬ ‫تم إطالق‬ ‫أم ا‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫إقليمي ا‪ّ ،‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫تلو األخرى ليصبح الفعالية‬ ‫سنة‬ ‫ر‬ ‫تطو‬ ‫الذي‬ ‫‪2009‬‬ ‫سنة‬ ‫في‬ ‫األوسط‬ ‫َ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫الرياضية األرقى في عالم سباقات السيارات في الخليج‪ ،‬وهو ُي قام على‬ ‫حلبات بمستوى عالمي في اإلمارات العربية المتحدة والبحرين وقطر‪.‬‬ ‫وقد ساهم هذا التاريخ العريق لبورشه في تعزيز مبيعاتها في السوق‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫يحل في المرتبة الثانية من حيث‬ ‫المحلية‪ ،‬ما جعل مركز بورشه الكويت‬ ‫حجم المبيعات من بين مراكز بورشه في الخليج‪.‬‬ ‫الطي بة في خدمة العمالء والخدمة‬ ‫وفي الكويت‪ ،‬تتمتاز بورشه بسمعتها‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ما بعد البيع‪ .‬ويقول السيد عبدالمحسن بهبهاني‪ ،‬مدير مجموعة مراد‬ ‫يوسف بهبهاني‪" ،‬في حين نفتخر بامتياز السيارات التي نطرحها في‬ ‫السوق‪ ،‬وضع مركز بورشه الكويت معايير عالية لناحية خدمة العمالء‪.‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ولعل نجاحنا في هذا المجال بالتحديد منبثق عن نهجنا القائم على‬ ‫التركيز على العميل ً‬ ‫أول‪ .‬فهذا النموذج يقوم على تعزيز تجربة شراء‬

‫السيارة لدى عمالئنا عبر كامل مراحلها‪ ،‬من لحظة زيارة العميل لصالة‬ ‫العرض ولغاية اختياره طراز السيارة الذي يروق له من سيارات بورشه‪ ،‬ال‬ ‫لنقدم له خدمة ممتازة في مرحلة‬ ‫بل تمتد عالقتنا به إلى أبعد من ذلك‬ ‫ّ‬

‫‪24 25‬‬

‫ما بعد البيع ً‬ ‫أيض ا‪ .‬نحن َن عد عمالءنا بأن فريق إدارة عالقة العميل لدينا‬ ‫المخص صة الحتياجات كلّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫دائم ا لتقديم االهتمام والخدمة‬ ‫متوف ر‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ً‬ ‫انطالق ا من فهمنا لالحتياجات الفريدة لمالكي سيارات بورشة‬ ‫فرد‪،‬‬ ‫المتفو قة‬ ‫الفنية‬ ‫الخبرة‬ ‫وإن‬ ‫آلخر‪.‬‬ ‫مالك‬ ‫من‬ ‫بطبيعتها‬ ‫تختلف‬ ‫والتي‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫المتطورة والحديثة يبعثان‬ ‫الم جاز والمنشآت‬ ‫لطاقم عمل بورشة‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ُ‬ ‫سي ما إزاء الخدمة التي‬ ‫على الثقة واالرتياح في نفوس عمالئنا وال‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫سيحصلون عليها"‪.‬‬ ‫يتصدر الطراز ‪ 911‬السوق الكويتية من بين الطرازات الرئيسية األخرى‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫قائل‪" ،‬لطالما اختصر طراز‬ ‫لبورشه‪ .‬ويضيف السيد عبدالمحسن‬ ‫‪ 911‬ميراث بورشه في عائلة السيارات الرياضية‪ ،‬ال بل إن مبيعات‬ ‫هذا الطراز والطرازات الفرعية المنبثقة عنه هي األقوى في أسطول‬ ‫رواج ا وهو العمود الفقري لمجموعاتنا‬ ‫بورشه‪ .‬ويلقى طراز كايان‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫توف ره وخصائصها الرياضية الالفتة‪ ،‬وقد‬ ‫التحك م المبهر الذي‬ ‫بفضل‬ ‫المتعد دة‬ ‫رفعت هذه السيارة معايير األداء في فئة السيارات الرياضية‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫حديث ا‬ ‫األغراض (‪ .)SUV‬وبموازاة ذلك‪ ،‬نرى سيارة ماكان التي وصلت‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫المفض ل لدى العمالء‬ ‫وسرعان ما سكنت القلوب وأصبحت الخيار‬ ‫المتعد دة األغراض‬ ‫وأثبتت أنها األولى في فئة السيارات الرياضية‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫تطور السوق المحلية خالل‬ ‫حجم ا (‪ .")Compact SUV‬وعن‬ ‫واألصغر‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫السنوات العشر األخيرة‪ ،‬يرى بهبهاني أن الكويت سوق ديناميكية‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫تقل بات دائمة‬ ‫مشيرا إلى أنها "شهدت خالل العقد الماضي‬ ‫وفريدة‪،‬‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫االت جاهات االستهالكية‪ .‬واليوم‪ ،‬يتنافس قطاع السيارات‬ ‫على صعيد‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫يتمت ع بالمعرفة ال بل الخبرة في المجال‪.‬‬ ‫في بيئة حيث المستهلك‬ ‫وهذا ّ‬ ‫متنوعة‬ ‫مم ا يرغم السوق على تقديم باقة‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫يول د ًّ‬ ‫جوا من المنافسة ّ‬

THE DEALER

Behbehani Motors Company

V

Volkswagen

olkswagen possesses a proud history in the world of rally motorsport and they have also built a legacy on the unique power and performance features of German engineering.

Correspondingly, VW’s success in the World Rally Championship is a testament to the strength, speed and endurance of the pioneering characteristics of Volkswagen vehicles.

These characteristics have always enticed new and loyal customers who are drawn to their reliability and excellent performance capabilities and as a result, Volkswagen sales in Kuwait have increased dramatically in recent years and Behbehani Motors are anticipating further growth in the years ahead.

For any successful dealer, excellent communication is paramount in customer service. Behbehani Motors have always valued the outstanding relationship they have built with Volkswagen owners. The secret is simply a sound principle of listening to their clients and providing unique and flexible solutions that are predicated on the model of being proactive and going that extra mile to create personalized solutions that will satisfy their customers’ requirements. Their flexibility, professional approach and creativity are what have been the bedrocks of the dealer’s ability to attract new customers and retain current ones, and through these principles this relationship only continues to grow.

Today, the Touareg is one of their bestselling models. This vehicle represents styling and performance in a premium SUV, with a sumptuous interior and enhanced power steering. The

Tiguan is also proving to be a customer favorite. It has many unique and dynamic features which makes it a standout in Kuwait. It combines the style and sophistication of a sporty, urban compact SUV, which also caters to an active lifestyle.

The Tiguan is the perfect vehicle for off –road driving and urban living. The CC is another one of Behbehani Motors’ key vehicles.

It is a sophisticated and fashionable sedan, with elegant lines and dramatic body detailing. A car that offers customers the quality they expect from Volkswagen in a more refined model.

And lastly, the Beetle, which is a phenomenon globally but more importantly it has been met with immense fanfare in Kuwait.

The Beetle is arguably the world’s most recognizable classic car, which has always stayed true to its original design. The Beetle is sportier than ever before and consistently generates customer excitement.

THE DEALER

Kuwait has traditionally had a robust and competitive automotive industry. This creates an excellent marketplace for customers who have a wide range of options and vehicles from which to choose. Volkswagen’s market penetration – in collaboration with Behbehani Motors - is excellent, due to the exceptional quality of the vehicles, their outstanding customer service and first-rate technical expertise. Nevertheless, at some point the market may become saturated, which may signify that consumers have become satisfied with the products and services of their competitors. Moreover, buying power can also be influenced by times of economic slowdown or stagnation.

However, this in certain to make the team at Behbehani Motors even more determined to be the brand that consistently delivers high quality vehicles at affordable prices that are backed by a team who is committed to delivering the highest standards in customer service.

26 27

‫‪THE DEALER‬‬

‫الفع ال على ّ‬ ‫كل ما عداه‬ ‫يقدم التواصل‬ ‫إن الموزع الناجح هو الذي‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫دائم ا أن‬ ‫في خدمة العمالء‪ .‬وكان من عادة شركة بهبهاني للسيارات‬ ‫ً‬ ‫تعطي مكانة خاصة للعالقة الممتازة التي قامت ببنائها مع مالكي‬ ‫وسر ذلك يكمن في االستماع كما ينبغي لما‬ ‫سيارات فولكس فاغن‪.‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫لدى العمالء‪ .‬فالشركة توفر حلول فريدة ومرنة تستند إلى نموذج‬ ‫الفع ال وتخطي التوقعات من خالل بذل ذلك المقدار من‬ ‫العمل‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫المخص صة والتي ستلبي احتياجات‬ ‫الحلول‬ ‫لتقديم‬ ‫اإلضافي‬ ‫الجهد‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫العميل‪ .‬لقد استند عمل الموزع وقدرته على اجتذاب عمالء جدد من‬ ‫خالل مرونتهم وتعاطيهم المهني وإبداعتهم وكذلك األمر ينطبق على‬ ‫تشتد وتنمو‬ ‫المحافظة على العمالء الحاليين‪ .‬وما زالت روابط العالقة‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫على أساس تلك المبادئ واألسس‪.‬‬ ‫تسجل موديالت سيارة طوارق ‪ Touareg‬أفضل نسب المبيع‪ .‬وفي هذه‬ ‫السيارة تجسيد لألسلوب المتميز واألداء الذي ال يضاهي في سيارة ذات‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫يقل أناقة عن‬ ‫أم ا داخلها فهو ال‬ ‫دفع رباعي يمكن وصفها أنها فاخرة‪ّ .‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫معزز‪.‬‬ ‫خارجها وعن نظام توجيهها فهو نظام توجيه‬ ‫كما تحظى تيقوان ‪ Tiguan‬بشعبية كبيرة عند العمالء‪ .‬فهي تتميز‬ ‫بمميزات فريدة وديناميكية تعزز من بروزها على صعيد السوق الكويتي‪.‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫والتفن ن يجعلها سيارة ذات دفع رباعي‬ ‫مزيج ا من األناقة‬ ‫توف ر السيارة‬ ‫ً‬ ‫مدمجة ومخصصة للمدينة وتناسب نمط الحياة النشط‪ّ .‬إن ها السيارة‬ ‫ً‬ ‫أيض ا‪ .‬كما نذكر‬ ‫األمثل للقيادة خارج الطرقات وللعيش داخل المدينة‬ ‫سيارة سي سي ‪ CC‬وهي إحدى السيارات الرئيسية في مجموعة سيارات‬

‫بهبهاني‪ .‬إنها سيارة صالون متطورة وعصرية‪ .‬تصاميمها الخارجية‬ ‫أنيقة وهيكلها صارخ بتفاصيله‪ .‬إنها السيارة التي توفر للعمالء جودة‬ ‫ً‬ ‫تفنن ا في صنعه‪.‬‬ ‫فولكس فاغن التي يتوقعونها في هذا الموديل األكثر‬ ‫وأخيرا‪ ،‬نذكر سيارة بيتل ‪ Beetle‬والتي تعتبر ظاهرة بارزة حول العالم‬ ‫ً‬ ‫وهي قد حظيت بقبول كبير لدى الناس في الكويت‪ .‬وهي من أكثر‬ ‫السيارات الكالسيكية شهرة كما يصنفها البعض ولم تخيب اآلمال‬ ‫يوم ا حيث حافظت على تصميمها األصلي‪ .‬تتميز السيارة بطابعها‬ ‫ً‬ ‫الرياضي في موديالتها في السنوات األخيرة ويتزايد باستمرار طلب‬ ‫العمالء عليها وإعجابهم بها‪.‬‬ ‫لطالما كانت سوق صناعة السيارات قوية وذات تنافسية عالية في‬ ‫الكويت‪ .‬وهي البيئة األمثل للعمالء حيث يمكنهم سبر العديد من‬ ‫الخيارات من السيارات لالختيار منها‪ .‬إن حجم اختراق فولكس فاغن‬ ‫وطبع ا بالتعاون مع بهبهاني للسيارات هو بنسبة ممتازة وذلك‬ ‫للسوق‬ ‫ً‬ ‫بفصل الجودة التي ال تضاهى للسيارات وخدمة العمالء المتميزة في‬ ‫الوكالة والخبرات الفنية المتوفرة وهي من الطراز األول‪ّ .‬إل أنه في وقت‬ ‫مم ا‬ ‫من األوقات قد يصبح السوق‬ ‫ً‬ ‫مشبع ا ويفيض العرض عن الطلب ّ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫أيض ا إلى رضا العمالء بالمنتجات والخدمات التي تقدمها‬ ‫قد يشير‬ ‫الشركات المنافسة‪ .‬كما أن الركود أو التباطؤ االقتصادي قد يؤثران‬ ‫ً‬ ‫أحيان ا على القدرة الشرائية في الكويت‪ .‬وبرغم ذلك‪ ،‬فإن هذا يحفز فريق‬ ‫العمل في شركة بهبهاني للسيارات على العمل بتصميم أكبر لكي‬ ‫تقدم العالمة التجارية لفولكس فاغن أجود السيارات بتكلفة معقولة‬ ‫ويرفدها فريق عمل يعمل وفق أعلى مستويات خدمة العمالء‪.‬‬

‫‪THE DEALER‬‬

‫شركة بهبهاني للسيارات‬ ‫فولكس فاغن‬

‫تعتز فولكس فاغن بسمعتها وشهرتها الواسعة منذ زمن في عالم رياضة سيارات الرالي‪ .‬وقد أبهرت الشركة العالم‬ ‫بمميزات فريدة طبعت الهندسة األلمانية في مجال القوة واألداء‪ .‬وكذلك‪ ،‬فإن نجاح فولكس فاغن في بطولة الرالي العالمية‬ ‫وتحملها‪ .‬ولطالما سحرت هذه الخصائص‬ ‫لهو مصداق على قوة الخصائص الرائدة لسيارات فولكس فاغن وسرعتها‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ارتفاعا‬ ‫نظرا لموثوقيتها وقدرات األداء الممتازة وكسبت والءهم‪ .‬وقد انعكس ذلك‬ ‫العقول والقلوب وجذبت العمالء إليها‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ً‬ ‫إضافيا في‬ ‫نموا‬ ‫كبيرا في مبيعات فولكس فاغن في الكويت في السنوات األخيرة‪ .‬كما تتوقع شركة بهبهاني للسيارات‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ً‬ ‫السنوات المقبلة‪.‬‬

‫‪28 29‬‬

THE MARQUE

Mercedes Benz Tradition and Future

B

eing a role model means leading the way. Since the earliest days of the automobile, the top - of-the-line models from Mercedes- Benz have been the most wellknown and famous ambassadors of German automotive engineering.

With groundbreaking innovations, they have set the standards for passenger car development in general. This tradition is still alive today and find its continuation in a model series that carries forward the prestigious name of the S-Class into the future.

The roots of this model series date back to the origins of the Mercedes brand: in 1903, Wilhelm Maybach, chief designer at Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft, developed the Mercedes Simplex 60 hp, a new top-of-the-range model that was available also in the form of a luxurious touring saloon. It was an automobile worthy of every superlative – elegant and exclusive, stately and fast – an automobile that opened up new perspectives for the high society of the day and which, thanks to its lavish spaciousness, seats in the style of comfortable

armchairs and fully enclosed passenger compartment, offered a degree of motoring comfort unattained by conventional “motor carriages”.

In short, the Simplex 60 hp transformed the automobile into a form of conveyance acceptable in polite society. Emperors and kings, industrialists and celebrities placed their orders with the Stuttgart-based company – the name Mercedes became a byword for luxury and comfort on wheels.

This reputation spurred generations of designers and engineers always to give their best – from the early years of the motor car through to the new S-Class: over 110 years of brand history, packed with innovations, patents and ideas that have revolutionised the motor car.

THE MARQUE

And the story is set to continue: just like each of its predecessor models, the future S-Class will once again be more than a car’s length ahead of its time, setting new standards in many areas of automotive engineering – because being a role model means leading the way.

Covering long distances, enjoying every kilometre, arriving safe and relaxed at a journey‘s end – these are the qualities offered

by Mercedes-Benz luxury-class saloons. Get in, lean back and experience another world – a world of fine things, characterised by beautiful styling, high-grade materials and technological excellence. In short: sheer luxury.

The historical roots of these automobiles date back to imperial times in Berlin and Vienna. The foundation stone was laid by the businessman Emil Jellinek, whose daughter Mercedes gave the brand its name. In 1904, Jellinek ordered a Mercedes Simplex 60 hp in the form of a touring saloon that afforded its five passengers every conceivable comfort. This top-of-the-line Mercedes was thus the Stuttgart brand‘s first luxury touring car – and the beginning of a great automotive tradition.

way did justice to its name “Grand Mercedes”, measuring 5.60 metres in length, weighing in at a kerb weight of 2.7 tonnes and delivering 200 hp from Mercedes-Benz’s first series produced 8-cylinder compressor engine – an automobile worthy of every superlative and with a radiator as grand and imposing as the owners of this vehicle.

Equally unforgettable are the luxury saloons of the 1950s and 1960s: the legendary 300 “Adenauer Mercedes”, which made its debut in 1951 as Germany’s largest and fastest seriesproduced motor car, and the Mercedes-Benz 600 of 1963, which indulged its passengers with exquisite interior appointments and a multiplicity of technical innovations designed to provide the ultimate in travel comfort.

Stylish and luxurious motoring in the 1970s was typified by the 116 series, with which the name “S-Class” was made the official designation of Mercedes-Benz luxury-class saloons.

This was also the model series that conferred respectability on the use of the diesel engine in top-flight passenger cars, albeit initially only in the USA.

Jellinek’s touring saloon, bearing the melodious brand name Mercedes, became a topic of conversation in the ranks of high society and aroused desires in an age when the upper classes still mostly travelled by horsedrawn carriage or opentop motorised “Phaeton”.

Boasting a 12-cylinder power unit, an abundance of space and the finest of engineering, the 140 model series was the “big event” on the roads of the 1990s: a saloon with which Mercedes-Benz raised the bar to a new height in terms of automotive comfort and luxury.

It was thus that the grand Mercedes-Benz saloons became established in the highest echelons of society and, over a period of many years, acquired a status that they have, to this day, both consistently and credibly upheld: a status as ambassadors of European luxury – an ideal that, then as now, stands the world over for elegance, beauty, comfort, innovation, safety, durability and lifestyle.

What will driving be like tomorrow? What will the car of the future offer us? The Mercedes-Benz S-Class gives the answers to these questions. The S-Class has for decades been ahead of its time, acting as a trendsetter for technical innovation – and not just to the benefit of its owners.

Each model series in the long tradition of Mercedes-Benz luxury-class saloons has been a representative of that style. The tone has been set in particular by the brand’s top-of-the-line models – such as the stately 770 model of 1930, which in every

Virtually every other model series has in due course benefited from the advances embodied in the S-Class – yet another Mercedes-Benz tradition.

The top-of-the-line model from Mercedes-Benz carries forward this pioneering role.

32 33

‫‪THE MARQUE‬‬

‫الشاغل وكانت ذا طلب كبير عليها في زمن كان أفراد الطبقات المخملية‬ ‫يعتمدون على عربات األحصنة في الغالب أو على عربات "الفايتون" ذات‬ ‫المحرك والمكشوفة من أعلى‪.‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫بعدها أصبحت السيارات السياحية الفخمة لمرسيدس‪-‬بنز من‬ ‫أساسيات حياة أفراد أعلى الطبقات في المجتمع‪ .‬حتى أصبح للسيارة‪،‬‬ ‫ً‬ ‫رمزا لفخر الرفاهية األوروبية وهو‬ ‫مر السنوات‪ ،‬مكانة وأصبحت‬ ‫وعلى ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫وبكل جدارة‪ّ .‬إن ها المصداق على األناقة‬ ‫ما يستمر حتى وقتنا الحاضر‬ ‫والجمال والراحة واالبتكار دون الحاجة لذكر األمان والمتانة في الماضي‬ ‫والحاضر‪ .‬ولن نبالغ إذا قلنا ّأن ها طريقة حياة‪.‬‬ ‫إن كل فئة من الموديالت‪ ،‬من بين الكم الكبير من تصاميم سيارات‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫الصالون الفاخرة في مرسيدس‪-‬بنز‪ ،‬لهي تعبير حقيقي عن هذا األسلوب‪.‬‬ ‫ً‬ ‫مثل‬ ‫ويبرز ذلك بصورة أكبر في الموديالت الفاخرة للعالمة التجارية –‬ ‫موديل ‪ 770‬الفاخر لعام ‪ 1930‬وهو ما أوفى االسم المعطى له وهو‬ ‫طن‬ ‫"مرسيدس العظمى" حقه‪ .‬يبلغ طول السيارة ‪ 5.60‬أمتار وتزن ‪ً 2.7‬‬ ‫فارغة بعزم أداء يبلغ ‪ 300‬حصان‪ .‬وهي من أولى فئات مرسيدس بنز‬ ‫التي ُأنتجت بمحرك ذي ‪ 8‬اسطوانات – وهي سيارة تستحق ّ‬ ‫كل الثناء‬ ‫أم ا المشعاع الذي جرى تزويدها به فهو مهيب مهابة مالكي‬ ‫الذي نالته‪ّ .‬‬ ‫هذه السيارات‪.‬‬ ‫ولن تضيع سيارات الصالون الفاخرة من الخمسينيات والستينيات‬ ‫من الذاكرة‪ :‬فهنالك مرسيدس أديناور " ‪Adenauer Mercedes " 300‬‬ ‫األسطورية والتي جرى الكشف عنها في العام ‪ 1951‬وهي إحدى أكبر‬ ‫وأسرع فئات السيارات التي تم إنتاجها في ألمانيا؛ ّأم ا مرسيدس بنز ‪600‬‬

‫لعام ‪ 1963‬فقد وفرت أفخم المتطلبات الداخلية الباذخة وابتكارات تقنية‬ ‫متعددة صممت بهدف توفير أقصى متطلبات الراحة أثناء ركوب السيارة‪.‬‬ ‫وفي فترة السبعينيات‪ ،‬ارتبط اسم الفئة ‪ 116‬بتجربة ركوب السيارات‬ ‫الفخمة واألنيقة‪ .‬وقد أصبحت سيارات الصالون من الفئة الفاخرة‬ ‫رسمي ا "بالفئة ‪ ."S‬ومن خالل هذه الفئة من‬ ‫في مرسيدس بنز تسمى‬ ‫ً‬ ‫الموديالت‪ ،‬حظي استخدام محركات الديزل باحترام مالكي السيارات‬ ‫السريعة بالرغم من اقتصار الموضوع في البدء على الواليات المتحدة‬ ‫األميركية‪ .‬تمتاز السيارة بمحرك ‪ 12‬أسطوانة ومساحة فسيحة وأرقى‬ ‫أم ا في التسعينيات‪ ،‬فقد كانت فئة موديل ‪140‬‬ ‫مستويات الهندسة‪ّ .‬‬ ‫عالمة فارقة على الطرقات"‪ :‬كانت عبارة عن سيارة صالون تخطت‬ ‫فيها مرسيدس بنز التوقعات والمعايير من حيث الراحة والرفاهية في‬ ‫السيارات‪.‬‬ ‫ستتمي ز السيارات في‬ ‫غدا؟ وبماذا‬ ‫كيف‬ ‫ستتغي ر قيادة السيارات ً‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ستوف ره لنا؟ فئة ‪ S‬من مرسيدس بنز تجيب على كلّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫المستقبل بما‬ ‫هذه التساؤالت‪ .‬لقد سبقت الفئة ‪ S‬عصرها على مدى عقود من الزمن‬ ‫ومحددة اتجاهات االبتكار الفني – ولم تقتصر منافعها‬ ‫واضعة المعايير‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫تمل ك سيارة منها‪.‬‬ ‫فقط على من‬ ‫إن كال من فئات الموديالت األخرى قد استفادت بطبيعة‬ ‫باإلجمال‪ّ ،‬‬ ‫تتمي ز به مرسيدس‬ ‫الحال من التطويرات التي دخلت على فئة ‪ S‬وهو ما‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫أيضا‪.‬‬ ‫بنز‬ ‫وال ينفك هذا الموديل الفاخر من مرسيدس بنز يحمل مشعل هذا الدور‬ ‫الريادي حتى وقتنا الراهن‪.‬‬

‫‪THE MARQUE‬‬

‫مرسيدس بنز‬ ‫بين أصالة الماضي وحداثة المستقبل‬ ‫أن تكون القدوة يعني أن تكون في صفوف الرعيل األول‪ .‬ولطالما اكتسبت أجود موديالت مرسيدس بنز شهرة منذ‬ ‫األيام األولى لبزوغ عصر فيها السيارات وذاع صيتها حتى أصبحت مضرب مثل وفخر هندسة السيارات األلمانية‪.‬‬

‫أم ا ابتكاراتها فهي غير مسبوقة وكانت المعيار لتطوير السيارات‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫المخصصة لنقل ّ‬ ‫تقليدا‬ ‫الرك اب بشكل عام‪ .‬حتى أصبحت المسألة‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ومستمرا حتى يومنا الحاضر نلحظه في فئات الموديالت‬ ‫معهودا‬ ‫التي ستكمل مسيرة الفئة ‪ S‬الفاخرة إلى المستقبل‪.‬‬

‫المصم مين والمهندسين على اإلبداع وتقديم أفضل ما لديهم‪ -‬منذ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫السنوات األولى للسيارة وحتى أجدد موديالت الفئة ‪ .S‬مئة وعشر‬ ‫مرت على تأسيس العالمة التجارية حفلت باالبتكارات وبراءات‬ ‫سنوات ّ‬ ‫غي رت مفهوم السيارات بشكل جذري‪.‬‬ ‫االختراع واألفكار التي ّ‬

‫ظهرت هذه الفئة من الموديالت في األيام األولى للعالمة التجارية‬ ‫محركات‬ ‫لمرسيدس‪ :‬ففي العام ‪ ،1903‬قام كبير مصممي شركة‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫دايملر وهو ويلهلم مايباخ بتطوير الموديل "‪ "Simplex 60 hp‬من‬ ‫مرسيدس بنسختين أحداهما موديل جديد وفاخر والثانية نسخة‬ ‫معدلة وهي سيارة صالون سياحية فخمة‪ .‬وقد لقيت هذه السيارة‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫كل ما تستحقه من آيات الثناء‪ .‬فقد وصفت بأناقة التصميم‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫فتفت حت شهية المجتمع‬ ‫والحصرية والعظمة عدا عن السرعة –‬ ‫المخملي على ما لم يعهده من قبل في حينه‪ ،‬حيث ّأن هم وجدوا‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫للرك اب‬ ‫في هذه السيارة فسحة وافرة ومقاعد أشبه بالمتكآت وحجرة‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫فتوف رت لديهم تجربة مريحة لركوب السيارات لم‬ ‫مقفلة بالكامل‪.‬‬ ‫تكن لتضاهيها فيها "العربات اآللية" التقليدية‪.‬‬

‫وليست هذه نهاية المطاف لهذه الفئة‪ :‬ستكون الموديالت‬ ‫المستقبلية من فئة ‪ S‬سابقة لعصرها وواضعة للمعايير الجديدة في‬ ‫العديد من مجاالت هندسة السيارات – ألن المكان الطبيعي للقدوة‬ ‫هو في الطليعة‪.‬‬

‫حول‬ ‫باختصار‪ ،‬يمكن القول ّ‬ ‫أن الموديل " ‪ " Simplex 60 hp‬قد ّ‬ ‫المحب بة في األوساط‬ ‫مفهوم السيارة إلى نوع من وسائل النقل‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫الراقية‪ .‬أباطرة وملوك وصناعيون ومشاهير ّ‬ ‫مم ن‬ ‫كل هم كانوا‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫تقدموا بطلبات لشراء السيارات من الشركة في شتوتغارت‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫حي ا للرفاهية والراحة أثناء‬ ‫رمزا‬ ‫مرسيدس‬ ‫أصبحت‬ ‫وهنا‬ ‫األلمانية‪.‬‬ ‫ً‬ ‫القيادة‪.‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫حف زت هذه السمعة الطيبة األجيال العديدة من‬ ‫ولطالما‬

‫‪34 35‬‬

‫وتوف ر الراحة في ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫كل كيلومتر‬ ‫السيارة مناسبة للمسافات الطويلة‬ ‫تقطعه وتضمن أن تصل إلى وجهتك بأمان وبدون عناء‪ -‬وهذه مواصفات‬ ‫واسترخ لترتقي إلى‬ ‫سيارات الصالون الفاخرة من مرسيدس بنز‪ .‬اركبها‬ ‫ِ‬ ‫عالم آخر من الجودة والمالحة في التصميم والمواد ذات النوعية العالية‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫بكل بساطة‪ّ :‬إن ها قمة الرفاهية‪.‬‬ ‫والتقنية المتميزة‪.‬‬ ‫تاريخي ا بالعهد ِالمبراطوري في برلين وفيينا‪ .‬وقد‬ ‫ترتبط هذه السيارات‬ ‫ً‬ ‫أم ا ابنته مرسيدس فقد‬ ‫مداميكها‪.‬‬ ‫أول‬ ‫يلنيك‬ ‫إميل‬ ‫أرسى رجل األعمال‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫أعطت اسمها للعالمة التجارية‪ .‬وقد طلب يلنيك سيارة مرسيدس "‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫توف ر‬ ‫معدلة لتكون سيارة صالون سياحية‬ ‫‪ " Simplex 60 hp‬بنسخة‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫لركابها الخمسة كل وسائل الراحة الممكنة‪ .‬وقد كانت هذه السيارة‬ ‫الرائدة أولى السيارات السياحية الفاخرة للعالمة التجارية الشتوتغارتية‪.‬‬ ‫وأسست بالفعل لسلسلة طويلة من السيارات العظيمة‪.‬‬ ‫وقد أصبحت سيارة يلنيك السياحية ذات العالمة التجارية واالسم‬ ‫الشجي‪ ،‬أي مرسيدس‪ ،‬حديث الطبقات الراقية في المجتمع وشغلهم‬

THE MANUFACTURER

Audi

S

with Trevor Hill, Managing Director, Audi Volkswagen Middle East

outh African born and now Dubai-based, Trevor Hill effectively won motoring’s ‘golden ticket’ when he was appointed Audi’s MD for the Middle East at the end of 2012. After t wo decades of international experience with the Bavarian marque, latterly in South Korea, he joined Audi’s regional team as its head, and set in train a series of actions that quickly signaled his intentions.

Having opened their regional office in 2005, Audi was the last of the big German automakers to establish a permanent presence in the Gulf. With ground to make up, and in very short order, they’ve achieved an impressive growth in sales.

Across our dealer organization we’re going to see around $200 million invested over the next two years’’. The dealers are investing, and Audi AG are investing too.

Overall, Audi achieved new all-time highs in 50 countries in 2014, including the Middle East, where sales grew by 5%. Globally, the company’s deliveries increased by more than 100,000 units for the fifth year in a row. Compared to sales of 949,729 units in 2009, almost 800,000 additional customers chose the brand with the four rings last year.

Most of the development for the Audi dealership and servicing infrastructure will be complete by the beginning 2016. There are innovations too in technical training – critical for such technologically advanced automobiles. Standard from this year, every dealer in the region has on-hand an Audi Master Technician - the highest level of qualified Audi technician.

Perfect timing for getting their new products on board.

‘’Our network is much younger than our competitors, they’ve all been in the region much longer than us,’’ Hill explained. ‘’But today, all of our dealers are investing in some aspect of their business – be that a showroom, a workshop or a paintshop.

Previously, brands were quick to sell a car, but didn’t always have the after-sales service to back that sale up. It was a shortterm, and some would say cynical, way to treat a client and to build a business. It was akin to building a house by putting the

THE MANUFACTURER roof on first. With $200 million going in to them, these are now some solid foundations Hill is overseeing being laid.

He’s not stopping at bricks-and-mortar either, during his first two years in the region he has engaged closely with consumers, and learned from the experience. ‘’There is a perception in the local market that German cars are expensive to maintain’’, he says. ‘’What we’ve done now is put a comprehensive 5-year warranty, service and maintenance package in place for our cars, one that is available with every new model’’.

Essentially this means hassle-free driving for five years. It’s important - anywhere else in the world Audi offers a two year warranty. ‘’This has changed the philosophy of the buyers dramatically,’’ Hills says, adding ‘’it has delivered peace of mind to the consumer’’.

He’s also addressing the used car market. ‘’In order to be successful in the new car business, we know we have to have a successful used car operation too’’. The introduction of ‘Audi Approved Plus’ and its 300 point check has encouraged confidence in the market, and they are seeing a 30 to 40% growth year-on-year in their sales of used cars. Of course the success of this has seen a corresponding boost to an Audi’s residual values.

A long-time regular at the Geneva International Motor Show, he’s a fan of its compact nature. For Hill, 2015 saw one of Audi’s boldest and strongest presentations: ‘’This year at Geneva we launched the R8, and we showed the R8 e-tron as well as the racing version. These three models demonstrate the competence of Audi across the range.

What we’re saying to the market is that, yes, we build supercars, but we’re also going to build them very cleverly, and with a sense of responsibility’’.

The motoring world, led by Europe and the United States, is shifting towards an ever-increasing realization of the role it must play in adopting social and environmental sustainability. As a sign of Audi’s acceptance of the importance of this, they have committed to investing a whopping $2 billion a year specifically on research to reduce CO2 emissions.

While doing this they acknowledge the importance of continuing to develop strong cars, and desirable cars. Audi cars. They employ their slogan ‘Vorspung durch Technik’ (progress through technology) with vigor.

As Hill says, ‘’We will use every drop of our engineering ability and innovation. We’re doing it. We’re showing the world’’.

That the world likes what Audi are doing is shown through the success of their A3 e-tron. With 20,000 orders it is the best selling electric car in the world.

Audi is the fastest growing premium brand in the world too. The brand is cool, it’s considered an acknowledged global design leader. Indeed, for some, it is the Apple of the auto world. Now with Marc Lichte as its head of design, we can expect a further sharpening of design themes. The Prologue Concept, first seen at the end of 2014, is a glimpse in to the future of Audi.

It presents some very tasty new style cues, all of which will be rolled out across the Audi family.

Looking ahead through 2015, he sees the introduction of the second generation Q7 as being a key moment. ‘’We are an SUV-driven market where the current, facelifted, Q7 is our best-seller. We have some customers who are already on their second or third Q7. The new model sees a sharpened design, advanced electronics throughout including the new ‘virtual cockpit’, and is 300kg lighter’’.

Also key going forward are the refreshed A6 and A7, and the new TT. Although not a huge volume seller, the TT has proved incredibly important to Audi in terms of image. It broke the mold of what was considered an ‘Audi design’. Hills insists ‘’In terms of image, it’s fantastic. It’s a headline car’’.

The first two and a half years of Trevor Hill’s tenure in the Middle East have seen him focus on building up the brand’s capacity, building up the quality. The next two and a half the stage looks set to reap the reward – for both Audi and for its customers.

36 37

‫‪THE MANUFACTURER‬‬

‫أودي ‪Audi‬‬

‫مقابلة مع تريفور هيل‪ ،‬المدير اإلداري ألودي فولكس فاغن الشرق األوسط‬

‫تم‬ ‫ولد تريفور هيل في جنوب أفريقيا وهو مقيم في دبي‬ ‫حاليا‪ .‬وقد حصل على “فرصة ذهبية” في عالم السيارات عندما ّ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫تعيينه مدير ًا إدار ًيا ألودي في الشرق األوسط أواخر العام ‪ .2012‬اكتسب السيد هيل خبرة عالمية على مدار عقدين من‬ ‫رئيسا لفريق أودي اإلقليمي‬ ‫أخيرا في كوريا الجنوبية فكان‬ ‫الزمن في عمله مع هذه العالمة التجارية البافارية‪ .‬حيث عمل‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ً‬ ‫حيث بدأ هناك سلسلة من األعمال التي سرعان ما كشفت عن نواياه‪.‬‬ ‫افتتحت أودي مكتبها اإلقليمي في العام ‪ 2005‬لتكون بذلك آخر كبار مصنعي‬ ‫مم ن أسسوا مكاتب دائمة لهم في الخليج‪ .‬وضعوا‬ ‫السيارات األلمانيين ّ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ً‬ ‫كبيرا في‬ ‫نموا‬ ‫نصب أعينهم التعويض عن تأخرهم وما لبثوا أن حققوا‬ ‫المبيعات بشكل مثير لإلعجاب ً‬ ‫فعل‪.‬‬ ‫ً‬ ‫بلدا في العام ‪ 2014‬بما‬ ‫أرقام ا قياسية جديدة في ‪50‬‬ ‫حققت أودي باإلجمال‬ ‫ً‬ ‫بمعدل ‪.5%‬‬ ‫في ذلك منطقة الشرق األوسط‪ .‬وقد ارتفعت نسب المبيعات‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّأم ا على الصعيد العالمي‪ ،‬فقد ّ‬ ‫سل مت الشركة ‪ 100,000‬وحدة إضافية للسنة‬ ‫الخامسة على التوالي وذلك مقارنة مع مبيع ‪ 949,729‬وحدة في العام ‪.2009‬‬ ‫فقد اختار نحو ‪ 800,000‬عميل إضافي عالمة الحلقات األربع أي العالمة‬ ‫التجارية لشركة أودي‪.‬‬ ‫فيقول‪»،‬إن شبكتنا ما تزال ّ‬ ‫غض ة طرية مقارنة بمنافسينا‪.‬‬ ‫يشرح لنا السيد هيل‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫«أم ا اليوم‪،‬‬ ‫جدا‪ .‬ويكمل‬ ‫ألن فترة وجودهم في المنطقة قبلنا طويلة ً‬ ‫مردف ا‪ّ ،‬‬ ‫فإن كافة موزعينا يقومون باستثمار ما في بعض نواحي أعمالهم‪ّ -‬إم ا في‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫صاالت العرض أو في ورش العمل أو الدهان‪ .‬فنحن سنشهد في كامل شبكة‬ ‫موزعينا على قرابة ‪ 200‬مليون دوالر سيتم استثمارها في خالل السنتين‬ ‫القادمتين‪ ».‬الموزعون يستثمرون وشركة أودي ال تتوانى عن االستثمار ً‬ ‫أيض ا‪.‬‬ ‫من المتوقع انتهاء معظم أعمال التطوير التي ستدخل على البنية التحتية‬ ‫للتوزيع والخدمات في أودي أوائل العام ‪ .2016‬كما ابتكارات ً‬ ‫أيض ا في التدريب‬ ‫الفني – وبعضها هام للغاية لهذه السيارات ذات التكنولوجيا المتقدمة‪.‬‬ ‫ابتداء من هذه السنة يقضي بأن يتوافر عند ّ‬ ‫كل موزع‬ ‫وستيم اعتماد معيار‬ ‫ً‬ ‫موجودا رهن الطلب – وهذا المستوى من‬ ‫أودي‬ ‫من‬ ‫رئيسي‬ ‫في المنطقة فني‬ ‫ً‬ ‫تمام ا لحيازتهم‬ ‫الفنيين هو أعلى مستوى من المؤهالت‪ّ .‬إن ه لتوقيت مناسب‬ ‫ً‬ ‫على منتجات جديدة‪.‬‬ ‫ولكن ها لم ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫توف ر خدمة‬ ‫في الماضي‪ ،‬كانت الشركات تسارع في بيع السيارات‬ ‫ما بعد البيع على الدوام لرفد عمليات البيع‪ .‬كانت العالقة مع العميل‬ ‫مبنية على األمد القصير والبعض يصفها بالعالقة غير المناسبة للتعاطي‬ ‫معهولتأسيس مؤسسة أعمال‪ .‬وهي أشبه ببناء سقف المنزل أول ما يبدأ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ضخ مبلغ ‪ 200‬مليون دوالر إلى‬ ‫سيشك ل‬ ‫تشييد المنزل‪ .‬وفي هذا السياق‪،‬‬ ‫حد تعبير هيل‪.‬‬ ‫أودي الشرق األوسط دعامة راسخة لنشاطهم على ّ‬ ‫ولم يقتصر األمر على بناء األسس المادية فقط بل عمل السيد هيل على‬ ‫التعاطي عن كثب مع العمالء واالستفادة من خبرتهم‪ .‬فيقول ّ‬ ‫بأن ه «يوجد‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫المحل ي بأن صيانة السيارات األلمانية باهظة التكاليف‪».‬‬ ‫تصور في أرجاء السوق‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ويكمل‪« ،‬ما قمنا به هو وضع نظام شامل للضمانة والصيانة والخدمات‬ ‫للسيارات على مدى خمس سنوات متوافر ّ‬ ‫لكل الموديالت الجديدة‪».‬‬ ‫هذا يعني ّ‬ ‫بكل بساطة بأن الشاري سينعم بتجربة قيادة بدون قلق أو عناء لمدة‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ضمان ا لمدة سنتين‬ ‫تقدم‬ ‫خمس سنوات‪ .‬وهذا األمر ليس‬ ‫عادي ا‪ -‬إذ ّأن أودي ّ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫غي ر من اعتقادات‬ ‫ما‬ ‫«هذا‬ ‫هيل‪،‬‬ ‫السيد‬ ‫ويقول‬ ‫فقط في باقي أرجاء العالم‪.‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫«أن هذا ما ّ‬ ‫وف ر راحة البال للعمالء‪».‬‬ ‫ا‬ ‫مضيف‬ ‫الشارين بشكل جذري‪».‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫كما ّأن أودي لم تغفل عن سوق السيارات المستعملة‪ « .‬نحن على تمام‬ ‫المعرفة بأن نجاحنا في مجال السيارات الجديدة يعني أننا يجب أن نعمل بنجاح‬ ‫في سوق السيارات المستعملة‪ ».‬لقد قدمت أودي برنامج « ‪Audi Approved‬‬ ‫‪ »Plus‬أي السيارات المستعملة المضمونة مع توفير ‪ 300‬نقطة لفحص‬ ‫نموا‬ ‫فإن أودي تشهد‬ ‫السيارة ما أسهم في تعزيز الثقة في السوق‪ .‬وبالفعل‪ّ ،‬‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ما بين ‪ 30‬إلى ‪ 40%‬سنة تلو األخرى في مبيعات السيارات المستعملة‪.‬‬

‫ارتفاع ا في القيم المتبقية ألودي‪.‬‬ ‫وبالطبع‪ ،‬فقد انعكس هذا النجاح‬ ‫ً‬ ‫يشارك السيد هيل منذ زمن في معرض جنيف الدولي للسيارات وهو من‬ ‫مشجعي السيارات الصغيرة‪ .‬ويعتبر أن سنة ‪ 2015‬كانت السنة التي شهدت‬ ‫أقوى عروض أودي وأكثرها جرأة‪« .‬لقد أطلقنا هذه السنة سيارة آر ‪ R8 8‬في‬ ‫جنيف‪ .‬كما تم عرض نظام النقل اإللكتروني آر ‪ 8R8‬باإلضافة إلى النسخة‬ ‫المخصصةللسباقات‪.‬‬ ‫ّإن هذه الموديالت الثالثة لهي خير دليل على كفاءة أودي في مختلف الفئات‬ ‫والموديالت‪ّ .‬أم ا رسالتنا التي نوجهها للسوق فهي بأننا نقوم ببناء سيارات‬ ‫وبحس من المسؤولية‪».‬‬ ‫خارقة وسنبنيها بذكاء فائق‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ينحو عالم صناعة السيارات وعلى رأسه أوروبا والواليات المتحدة نحو تحقيق‬ ‫الدور الذي يجب أن تؤديه والذي تزيد نسب تحقيقه في جعل االستدامة‬ ‫االجتماعية والبيئية من األولويات‪ .‬وللتشديد على قبول أودي لهذا الدور‬ ‫مخص ص‬ ‫سنوي ا‬ ‫وأهميته‪ ،‬فقد التزمت باستثمار مبلغ كبير وهو مليارا دوالر‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫الحد من انبعاثات ثاني أكسيد الكربون‪.‬‬ ‫لإلنفاق على أبحاث‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫تأتي هذه الخطوة في إطار االعتراف بأهمية االستمرار في تطوير سيارات قوية‬ ‫ويرغب المستهلك في امتالكها‪ .‬وسيرغب في اقتناء سيارات أودي‪ .‬وهذا هو‬ ‫«التقدم من خالل التكنولوجيا»‪.‬‬ ‫دوم ا في عقولنا وقلوبنا‬ ‫شعارنا‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫الحي ً‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫يقول هيل‪« ،‬سنوظف كل جزء من قدراتنا الهندسية وابتكارنا‪ .‬وها نحن نفعل‬ ‫ذلك بالتحديد‪ .‬وقد شهد العالم على ذلك‪ ».‬والجميع من حول العالم يبدون‬ ‫إعجابهم بما تقوم به أودي وقد برز ذلك من خالل نجاح سيارة إيه ‪ 3‬بنظام‬ ‫النقل اإللكتروني ‪ .A3 e-tron‬وقد ُس ّج ل ‪ 20,000‬طلب وهي السيارة الكهربائية‬ ‫نموا في‬ ‫مبيع ا في العالم‪ .‬تعتبر أودي العالمة التجارية الفاخرة األكثر‬ ‫األكثر‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ً‬ ‫العالم‪ّ .‬إن هذه العالمة التجارية رائعة وهي في عداد ّرواد التصميم العالميين‬ ‫المعروفين‪ّ .‬إن ها ً‬ ‫حد وصف البعض‪.‬‬ ‫حق ا فخر عالم صناعة السيارات على ّ‬ ‫حالي ا رئاسة قسم التصميم ونجن نتوقع ابتكارات‬ ‫يتولى السيد مارك ليخت‬ ‫ً‬ ‫أكبر في موضوعات التصميم‪ .‬إن النموذج األولي لسيارة برولوغ ‪Prologue‬‬ ‫عم ا ستكون عليه أودي‬ ‫والتي ظهرت في نهاية العام ‪ 2014‬يعطي محة خاطفة ً‬ ‫جدا في التصمبم‬ ‫في المستقبل‪ .‬ومنها تُ ستشف إشارات عن أسلوب أنيق ًّ‬ ‫سيعم م على ّ‬ ‫كل ما تنتجه أودي‪.‬‬ ‫وهو ما‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫يستشرف السيد هيل في ما سيأتي في العام ‪ 2015‬ويتوقع أن يكون إطالق‬ ‫الجيل الثاني من كيو ‪ )Q7( 7‬محطة مهمة للشركة‪.‬‬ ‫«يتركز السوق الذي نعمل فيه بقوة على سيارات الدفع الرباعي حيث يحقق‬ ‫كيو ‪ 7‬والذي خضع لبعض التغييرات في الشكل أعلى نسبة مبيعات‪ .‬من بين‬ ‫تصميم ا‬ ‫عمالئنا من قد اشترى سيارة كيو ‪ 7‬الثانية او الثالثة حتى‪ .‬وقد شهدنا‬ ‫ً‬ ‫متقدمة بما في‬ ‫محس ًن ا دخل على الموديل الجديد وتم دمج أجهزة إلكترونية‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ذلك حجرة القيادة االفتراضية والوزن الذي يقل ب‪ 300‬كلغ عن التصميم‬ ‫السابق‪».‬‬ ‫نجاح ا هناك إيه ‪ )A6( 6‬وإيه ‪ )A7( 7‬و ‪ TT‬تي تي‬ ‫ومن بين السيارات التي تحقق‬ ‫ً‬ ‫الجديدة‪.‬فبالرغم من انخفاض حجم مبيعاتها‪ ،‬فقد أثبتت تي تي ‪ TT‬أهميتها‬ ‫السم شركة أودي وسمعتها‪ .‬فهي قد حطمت الصورة النمطية لما كان‬ ‫يسمى «تصميم أودي»‪ .‬ويشدد السيد هيل على ّ‬ ‫«أن ه من حيث اسم وسمعة‬ ‫ً‬ ‫وموديل ً‬ ‫بارزا من بين موديالت الشركة‪.‬‬ ‫الشركة فهي كانت رائعة‬ ‫ّرك ز تريفور هيل في السنتين األولى والثانية من عمله في الشرق األوسط‬ ‫على بناء قدرات الشركة وبناء جودتها ً‬ ‫أيض ا‪ّ .‬أم ا السنتان والنصف التاليتان‬ ‫فهمامرحلة حصد المكاسب‪ -‬للشركة ولعمالئها ً‬ ‫أيض ا‪.‬‬

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38 39

THE OPINION

Motoring News

by Ahmed Al-Mudhaf

C

ompetition has reached an all-time high between car manufacturers. It has become tougher than ever to keep up with all the new technology that is being implemented in the latest models. All these efforts just to have an extra edge over its rivals. Although I am not a fan of electric motors, I cannot deny that it is the way of the future. It is not only being implemented in the cars destined for our daily use, but has also become an extra source of power for supercars such as the McLaren P1 and the Porsche 918.

A manufacturer that has always kept its competitors on edge with technology is Audi, and if the Prologue Avant goes into production it will be no different. I have always been a fan of station wagons and Audi always does a great job with them.

The small details will make it stand out from the crowd. For starters it will be a hybrid engine – a 353hp 3.0 liter turbo diesel V6 engine and a compact 134hp electric motor that combine to make 455hp and 553 foot pounds of torque to all four wheels. Now for the little details that makes it stand out.

It can run on electricity alone for 53km which is impressive - and don’t worry about recharging it because it will be wireless. I am looking forward to see this car on the road although labelled as a concept the Prologue looks ready in every way to go into production.

I am also always a big fan of hatchbacks. At almost half the size of a Mini Cooper the Lexus LF-SA will probably compete against the likes of a Smart; only it will look smarter and cooler than any Smart currently available. I am in love with the way it looks. The design is a piece of art right out of a sci-fi movie. The truth is the design looks too advanced to be produced any time soon.

Moving on to one of my favourite concepts to be revealed at Geneva - the Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6. In my opinion production sportscars should have a perfect balance of aggressive design and sleek and smooth curves. Go overboard in any direction and it could either be overkill.

Manufacturers sometimes have a problem with this balance.

I think the EXP10 has the perfect balance in design and looks ready for production. Bentley was always flirting with the idea of creating a proper sportscar. The continental Super Sport was a glimpse of what they wanted us to see and I

think the EXP10 will be the gateway to create that division.

The Lexus GSF is almost there. The F stands for almost there.

Most manufacturers have a performance line for those of us who enjoy a little bit more from our cars. BMW has the M Power, Mercedes has AMG, Audi has the RS line and (better late than never) is Lexus’s F line. It started with the IS-F and back by popular demand it is now found on the RC model and the all new GSF 2016 model. One thing is for sure the exhaust sound will be music to our ears. Since it’s a Lexus then comfort, durability and simplicity is a given. However it will only be packing 467hp under the V8 5 litre engine which may have sounded right 4 years ago but not in a generation where all the rivals are above the 550hp mark. There is no question that the GSF will be fun to drive with its naturally aspirated 5.0 litre V8 and a 0-100km/h in 4.3 seconds and a quarter mile of 12.8 seconds but will it be able to keep up with its competitors such as the M5 in performance?

Porsche has a new missile with a name that will back up all its claims. The GT4 is what you get when you place a 3.8liter 386hp 911 Carrera S engine in a Cayman. It is a car that I am looking forward to driving. It is the closest sibling to the almighty GT3 and will be more affordable for the car enthusiast who cannot afford to buy the big brother GT3 but wants a similar experience. It will have the same suspension components used in the current 911 GT3 as well as rear brakes. A mid-engine will make it more balanced and nimble around the corners. My favourite part is it will only come in a manual gearbox configuration rare to find these days with a matching rev-limiter when down shifting. Porsche claims it will get you 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds and it delivers a lap around Nürburgring in 7 minutes and 40 seconds - impressive!

‫‪THE OPINION‬‬

‫أخبار السيارات‬ ‫بقلم أحمد المضف‬ ‫اشتدت‪ ،‬وباتت مواكبة التطورات التكنولوجية الحديثة المدمجة في أحدث‬ ‫بين مصنّ عي السيارات في العالم‪ ،‬المنافسة‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫طرازات السيارات أصعب من أي وقت مضى‪ ،‬لتحتّ م على جميع األقطاب بذل جهود إضافية لكسب ميزة تنافسية تفصلهم‬ ‫أقر بأنّها سترسم مالمح‬ ‫عن خصومهم‪ .‬صحيح أنّني لست من هواة‬ ‫المحركات الكهربائية‪ ،‬ولكن ال يسعني سوى أن ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫أيضا مصدر‬ ‫تزود وحسب السيارات‬ ‫المستقبل في هذه الصناعة‪ .‬فهذه‬ ‫المصممة لالستخدام اليومي‪ ،‬بل هي ً‬ ‫المحركات ال ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫طاقة إضافي لسيارات خارقة مثل مكالرين ‪ P1‬وبورشه ‪.918‬‬ ‫وخصائصها على ّ‬ ‫حكرا‬ ‫كل الميزات التي اعتبرت في األمس القريب‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫حب ها‪،‬‬ ‫شباك‬ ‫في‬ ‫يوقعك‬ ‫السيارة‬ ‫هذه‬ ‫في‬ ‫ما‬ ‫كل‬ ‫سمارت‪.‬‬ ‫سي ارات‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫على ّ‬ ‫وتصميمها أشبه بعمل فني بارع يصلح ليكون في فيلم خيال علمي‪.‬‬ ‫ً‬ ‫وكأن تصنيع السيارة في‬ ‫سابق ا لعصره‬ ‫وباختصار‪ ،‬يبدو تصميمها‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫القريب غير محتمل‪.‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫مفض ل عندي وسوف ُي سدل النقاب عنه في‬ ‫ننتقل إلى تصميم آخر‬ ‫جنيف‪ ،‬وهو سيارة بنتلي ‪ EXP10‬سبيد ‪ .6‬لمظهر متوازن‪ ،‬يجب أن‬ ‫تجمع السيارة الرياضية برأيي بين التصميم الصارم والمنحنيات‬ ‫االنسيابية ّ‬ ‫الل ينة‪ .‬ففي تصاميم بعض السيارات‪ ،‬يكفي أن تصعد على‬ ‫ً‬ ‫أحيان ا‪ُ ،‬ي غالي‬ ‫دب ابة وسط المعركة‪.‬‬ ‫سطح اآللية لتخال ّأن ك على متن ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫فيختل هذا التوازن‬ ‫المصن ع في بعض الجوانب الصارمة في السيارة‪،‬‬ ‫ولكن سيارة ‪ EXP10‬مثالية لهذه الناحية‪ ،‬وأنا أرى ّأن ها‬ ‫في التصميم‪.‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫جاهزة لإلنتاج‪ .‬والواقع أن فكرة تصنيع سيارة رياضية بامتياز كانت تراود‬ ‫بنتلي منذ فترة‪ ،‬وليست سيارة «كونتيننتال سوبر سبورت» سوى لمحة‬ ‫ستمه د الطريق نحو‬ ‫عم ا تطمح إليه بنتلي‪ ،‬وأعتقد أن سيارة ‪EXP10‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫إنشاء قسم للسيارات الرياضية‪.‬‬

‫‪Photo by Maher Al-Nouri‬‬

‫ّ‬ ‫المصن عين الذين لطالما حافظوا على هذه الميزة‬ ‫«أودي» هي من بين‬ ‫تقرر‬ ‫يتبدل في حال‬ ‫التنافسية في مجال التكنولوجيا‪ ،‬وهذا الواقع لن‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫إنتاج سيارة «برولوج أفانت»‪ .‬وأنا لطالما جذبتني السيارات من نوع‬ ‫تمي زت بها أودي في ّ‬ ‫كل األحول‪ .‬وإن التفاصيل‬ ‫ستيشن واغن التي‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫المصن ع ستبرز السيارة بين جميع نظيراتها‬ ‫الصغيرة التي سيضيفها‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫بمحرك هجين يجمع‬ ‫مثل‪ ،‬زُ ّودت‬ ‫فأو ًل‬ ‫وتسل ط الضوء على فرادتها‪.‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬

‫ً‬ ‫حصان ا وبسعة ‪ 3.0‬لترات وبستة‬ ‫بقوة ‪353‬‬ ‫محرك توربو ديزل‬ ‫بين‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫قوة‬ ‫لتصل‬ ‫ا‬ ‫حصان‬ ‫‪134‬‬ ‫ة‬ ‫بقو‬ ‫كهربائي‬ ‫آخر‬ ‫ك‬ ‫ومحر‬ ‫‪،V‬‬ ‫بشكل‬ ‫أسطوانات‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫موزعة‬ ‫حصان ا وعزمه إلى ‪ 553‬رطل‪-‬قدم‬ ‫المحرك اإلجمالية إلى ‪455‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫أم ا بالعودة إلى التفاصيل الصغيرة التي‬ ‫على العجالت األربعة‬ ‫ً‬ ‫جميع ا‪ّ .‬‬ ‫المحرك‬ ‫تجعل من هذه السيارة منقطعة النظير‪ ،‬فبوسعها السير على‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫الكهربائي وحده لمسافة مبهرة تصل إلى ‪ 53‬كم‪ ،‬من دون الحاجة إلى‬ ‫المحرك السلكي‪ .‬صحيح أن سيارة «برولوغ» ال تزال‬ ‫إعادة شحنه حيث إن‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫تصميم ا على الورق‪ّ ،‬إل أنها تبدو وبكل جوانبها جاهزة للتصنيع‪ ،‬وأنا‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫أخيرا على الطرقات‪.‬‬ ‫تسير‬ ‫لرؤيتها‬ ‫بحق‬ ‫ف‬ ‫متله‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ً‬ ‫أيض ا من هواة السيارات من نوع هاتشباك‪ ،‬لفتتني بالطبع‬ ‫وألنني‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ولعل ها‬ ‫تقريب ا‪،‬‬ ‫سيارة لكزس ‪ LF-SA‬وهي بنصف حجم سيارة ميني كوبر‬ ‫ً‬ ‫تفوقت بتصميمها‬ ‫تنافس سيارات سمارت‪ ،‬مع فارق بسيط ّأن ها‬ ‫ّ‬

‫‪40 41‬‬

‫قريب ا‪ ،‬ويشير الحرف ‪ F‬في تسميتها إلى‬ ‫سيارة لكزس ‪ GSF‬ستصدر‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫المصن عون خطوط سيارات ذات أداء‬ ‫أن إطالقها وشيك‪ .‬ينتج معظم‬ ‫لم ن يبحث ّ‬ ‫سي ارته‪ .‬فأنشأت بي أم دبليو‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫متفوق َ‬ ‫من ا عن متعة أكبر في ّ‬ ‫خط سيارات‪ ، M Power‬ومرسيدس خط سيارات ‪ ،AMG‬وأودي خط سيارات‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫أبدا)‪ .‬بدأ‬ ‫‪ ،RS‬ولكزس خط سيارات ‪( F‬أن تصل‬ ‫متأخ ًرا خير من ّأل تصل ً‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫وطلب ا كبيرين ّ‬ ‫حت ى انسحب على‬ ‫رواج ا‬ ‫الخط مع سيارات ‪ IS-F‬والقى‬ ‫هذا‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫المصن ع تصميم طراز ‪ GSF 2016‬الجديد بالكامل‪.‬‬ ‫قرر‬ ‫ثم‬ ‫‪RC‬‬ ‫طرازات‬ ‫ّ ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫المصن ع‬ ‫واألكيد في هذا الطراز هو أن صوت العادم يطرب اآلذان‪ .‬وألن‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫المسل مات‪ّ .‬إل‬ ‫هو لكزس‪ ،‬فإن الراحة‪ ،‬واالستدامة‪ ،‬والبساطة هي من‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫حصان ا‪،‬‬ ‫تتخط ى ‪467‬‬ ‫المحرك التي ال‬ ‫قوة‬ ‫أن خيبة األمل تكمن في ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫وهو بسعة ‪ 5‬لترات وثماني أسطوانات بشكل ‪ ،V‬وكأن الطراز يعود إلى‬ ‫أربع سنوات للوراء وليس إلى جيل من السيارات حيث جميع منافسيه‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫شك في أن قيادة سيارة ‪GSF‬‬ ‫حصان ا‪ .‬ومع ذلك‪ ،‬ال‬ ‫تخط وا عتبة الـ ‪550‬‬ ‫محركها وعدد أسطواناته الثمانية‪ ،‬وقدرته‬ ‫ستكون ممتعة للغاية بسعة‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ثوان فقط‪،‬‬ ‫انطالق ا من صفر في ظرف ‪4.3‬‬ ‫على بلوغ سرعة ‪ 100‬كم‪/‬س‬ ‫ٍ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ستتمك ن من مواكبة‬ ‫ثوان‪ .‬ولكن هل‬ ‫‪12.8‬‬ ‫واجتياز ربع ميل في ظرف‬ ‫ٍ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫متفوقي األداء مثل سيارة ‪ M5‬مثل؟‬ ‫منافسين‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ختامها مسك مع سيارة بورشه الجديدة ‪ GT4‬التي تنطلق كالصاروخ‪،‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ولعل المواصفات التي سأذكرها تثبت لكم ّأن ها جديرة بهذا التشبيه‪.‬‬ ‫بمحرك كاريرا أس ‪ 911‬بقوة‬ ‫فطراز ‪ GT4‬هو وليدة تجهيز سيارة كايمن‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫أتشوق لقيادتها واختبارها‪ ،‬فهي األقرب‬ ‫لترا‪ ،‬وأنا‬ ‫‪386‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫حصان ا وسعة ‪ً 3.8‬‬ ‫إلى سيارة ‪ GT3‬األقوى وكلفتها أنسب لهواة السيارات الذين ال يقدرون‬ ‫تحم ل ثمن الشقيقة الكبرى ‪ GT3‬ويبحثون عن تجربة مماثلة بكلفة ّ‬ ‫أقل‪.‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫فنظام التعليق والمكابح الخلفية هي نفسها المستخدمة في سيارة ‪911‬‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫توازن ا ورشاقة عند‬ ‫توف ر لها‬ ‫المحرك في الوسط‬ ‫‪ GT3‬الحالية‪ .‬ووضعية‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫تتوف ر فقط بعلبة تروس‬ ‫أفض له فيها‪ ،‬فهو ّأن ها‬ ‫المنعطفات‪ّ .‬أم ا أكثر ما‬ ‫بمحدد ّ‬ ‫المحرك‬ ‫للف ات‬ ‫حالي ا‪ ،‬وتأتي مقترنة‬ ‫يدوية وهو ما يصعب إيجاده‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫عند تقليص السرعة‪ .‬وتشير بورشه إلى أن السيارة تبلغ سرعة ‪ 100‬كم‪/‬س‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ثوان وتنهي ّ‬ ‫لف ة كاملة حول حلبة نوربورغرينغ‬ ‫انطالق ا من صفر خالل ‪4.2‬‬ ‫ٍ‬ ‫الضخمة في سبع دقائق وأربعين ثانية فقط‪ .‬مبهر!‬

THE RACER

Zaid Ashkanani

T

he next two months will doubtless prove to be pivotal in the racing career of Kuwait’s Zaid Ashkanani. The 2015 Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East moves to its final weekend in Bahrain over the 4th and 5th of April, and just five weeks later he’ll be lining up on the grid in his first race of the international GP3 single-seater series. We caught up with the 20-year-old as he prepared himself for the challenges ahead.

For a young man who lives his life at such a fast pace, he’s surprisingly relaxed - and yet the stakes are high. He began the Porsche GT3 season as reigning champion, and has driven the coveted car ‘Number 1’ with great assuredness throughout the series’ ten rounds so far, barely putting a foot (or a tire tread) wrong. From Bahrain to Dubai, then on to Qatar before returning to Dubai he has never once been off the podium.

And yet this amazing consistency has not been enough to keep his only title challenger at bay – Al Nabooda Racing’s Clemens Schmid holds a slender 12 point advantage going in to the final two rounds at the Bahrain International Circuit.

With 25 points up for grabs to the winner in each of the weekend’s races (while second place scores 23, third 21, fourth 19), Ashkanani is realistic about his chances. “I’ve got to have my fair share of good luck if I’m going to win the title this year”, he says, adding “and Clemens has to have more than his share of bad luck if he’s going to lose it”.

He insists he will approach the Bahrain finale no different to any other race. “I’m not thinking of the title”, he says, “I’ll take each race as it comes”. Although, in fact, the run in to the final weekend will be a little different to his usual weeks of preparation.

THE RACER

In addition to ensuring his nutrition is perfect, and to training hard (he’s in the gym almost every day), he’ll also get some days behind the wheel of the Campos Racing GP3. A few days after we met he was due to head off to Estoril in Portugal to join the team started by ex-F1 pilot, Adrian Campos. His entry in to this single-seater series is a milestone in his career. Making the move to Europe, and indeed to a series which throughout its 18 rounds over 9 weekends is a key support event to half of the season’s Formula One Grand Prix races, will see him placed firmly in the line of sight of the sport’s most influential teams, manufacturers and sponsors.

“It’s a whole new way of racing”, he admits, “but one that I’m ready for. It’s a great opportunity to go racing on some of the world’s greatest circuits, and it’s a fresh challenge – a huge step up from the GT3s”.

Ashkanani’s Campos Racing GP3 is a thoroughbred racer – 0-100kmh in 3 seconds, a top speed of up to 285kmh, and G-forces of up to 2.6. Although considered a ‘junior’ class by the single-seater fraternity, it is akin to Formula 3 in the days of the young Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher. A key part of a race driver’s education.

The first race of the series takes place over the weekend of the 8th and 9th of May, at the Circuit de Barcelona in Spain.

On Grand Prix weekends he’ll drive iconic tracks including Silverstone, Spa, Monza before finishing the season almost on home turf – at Yas Marina in the U.A.E. Only time will tell if he’s set to turn heads the way he did during his first season in the Porsche GT3, but one thing is for sure – the motor racing world is long overdue its first Middle Eastern star. This region is crucial to the commercial success of the big racing and road marques including McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari, Honda and of course Porsche. Those holding the pursestrings for these big names will, for sure, be willing Ashkanani to success.

You can follow Zaid’s progress in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East and on to the GP3 series on Instagram @zaidashkanani

42 43

‫‪THE RACER‬‬

‫السائق ‪ -‬زيد أشكناني‬ ‫مفصليين في مسيرة السائق الكويتي زيد أشكناني‪ .‬ففي الرابع والخامس من ابريل‪،‬‬ ‫سيكون الشهران المقبالن‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫تحد ي كأس جي تي ‪ 3‬بورشه ‪ 2015‬الشرق األوسط آخر نهاية أسبوع له في البحرين‪ ،‬وتليه بعد خمسة أسابيع‬ ‫يدخل‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫فقط سلسلة “جي بي ‪ ”3‬للسيارات األحادية المقعد حيث يصطف هذا السائق على خط االنطالق لينافس في سباقه‬ ‫بالتحد ي‪.‬‬ ‫خضم التحضيرات لموسم حافل‬ ‫األول فيها‪ .‬التقينا هذا الشاب البالغ من العمر عشرين ربيع ًا وهو في‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫بالنسبة إلى شاب يعيش حياته على هذه الوتيرة العالية‪ ،‬يبدو‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ً‬ ‫علما أن الرهانات عالية‪ .‬لقد خاض موسم‬ ‫هادئا للغاية‪،‬‬ ‫أشكناني‬ ‫«بورشه جي تي ‪ »3‬بصفته حامل اللقب‪ ،‬على متن السيارة «رقم ‪»1‬‬ ‫جلي ين طيلة الجوالت العشر في هذه‬ ‫األكثر إثارة‪ ،‬وكان عزمه وإصراره‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫السلسلة حتى اآلن‪ ،‬فلم تحد عجالته قيد أنملة عن المسار الصحيح‪.‬‬ ‫مجد ً‬ ‫دا إلى دبي‪ ،‬لم يغب‬ ‫ومن البحرين إلى دبي‪ ،‬ومنها إلى قطر ثم‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫منص ات التتويج‪.‬‬ ‫مرة واحدة عن‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫كافيا ليضمن حفاظه على‬ ‫ولكن هذا الثبات في األداء قد ال يكون‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫يتصدر عليه‬ ‫الل قب‪ .‬فسائق فريق النابودة رايسينغ‪ ،‬كليمنس شميد‪،‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫حاليا بفارق قليل هو ‪ 12‬نقطة وهما في طريقهما إلى الجولتين‬ ‫األخيرتين في حلبة البحرين الدولية‪ .‬يحصل الفائز في ّ‬ ‫َ‬ ‫سباق ي‬ ‫كل من‬ ‫نهاية األسبوع على ‪ 25‬نقطة (في حين يحصل المركز الثاني على ‪23‬‬ ‫يتحدث أشكناني‬ ‫نقطة والثالث على ‪ 21‬نقطة والرابع على ‪ ،)19‬ولذلك‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫الحظ إلى جانبي لكي‬ ‫بواقعية عن فرصه بالفوز فيقول‪« :‬يجب أن يكون‬ ‫ً‬ ‫مضيفا «ويجب أن يكون الحظ السيء حليف‬ ‫أفوز باللقب هذا العام»‪،‬‬ ‫كليمنس لكي يخسر»!‬ ‫ويشد د أشكناني على ّأن ه سيخوض نهائي الكأس في البحرين كأي‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫يفك ر باللقب‪ ،‬بل سيتعامل مع كل سباق‬ ‫سباق آخر‪ ،‬فيقول إنه «ال‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ً‬ ‫علما أن الدخول في‬ ‫وفقا لما ستكون عليه المعطيات على األرض»‪،‬‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ً‬ ‫قليال عن أسابيع التحضيرات‬ ‫مختلفا‬ ‫نهاية األسبوع األخير سيكون‬

‫العادية‪ .‬وإضافة إلى النظام الغذائي الحازم الذي يتبعه‪ ،‬والتمارين‬ ‫يكرس بضعة‬ ‫القاسية (فهو يقصد النادي الرياضي كل يوم)‪ ،‬سوف‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫للتمرن على القيادة ليسابق في «سلسلة جي بي ‪ »3‬لصالح‬ ‫أيام‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫فريقه كامبوس رايسينغ‪.‬‬ ‫المقرر أن يسافر أشكناني إلى‬ ‫بعد بضعة أيام على لقائنا‪ ،‬كان من‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫أس سه سائق الفورموال‬ ‫إستوريل في البرتغال لالنضمام إلى فريقه الذي ّ‬ ‫واحد المتقاعد أدريان كامبوس‪ .‬ويسعنا القول إن دخوله عالم سباقات‬ ‫السيارات األحادية المقعد محطة بارزة في رحلته المهنية‪ .‬وبالطبع‪ ،‬بعد‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫تشك ل بجوالتها الثمانية‬ ‫المنافسة على الساحة األوروبية وفي سلسلة‬ ‫عشرةالممتدة على تسعة أسابيع ً‬ ‫ً‬ ‫رئيسيا يدعم نصف موسم سباقات‬ ‫حدث ا‬ ‫رس خ هذا السائق الشاب جذوره على ساحة‬ ‫الجوائز الكبرى للفورموال واحد‪ّ ،‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫والمصن عين والجهات الراعية‪.‬‬ ‫رياضات السباقات التي تجمع أبرز الفرق‬ ‫مستعد‬ ‫يقول «إنه أسلوب جديد بالكامل لخوض السباقات‪ ،‬ولكنني‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫له‪ .‬وهي فرصة عظيمة لي أن أسابق على بعض الحلبات العريقة في‬ ‫تحد جديد عما سبقه‪ ،‬وخطوة كبيرة مقارنة مع سلسلة‬ ‫العالم‪ ،‬وهو‬ ‫ٍّ‬ ‫جي تي ‪.»3‬‬ ‫ُي عتبر أشكناني من فريق كامبوس رايسينغ سائق «جي بي ‪ »3‬من الطراز‬ ‫ثوان‬ ‫األول‪ ،‬حيث بإمكانه بلوغ سرعة من ‪ 0‬إلى ‪ 100‬كم‪/‬س بظرف ‪3‬‬ ‫ٍ‬ ‫فقط‪ ،‬وسرعة قصوى تصل إلى ‪ 285‬كم‪/‬س‪ ،‬وقوة جاذبية تصل إلى ‪.2.6‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫يصن فه في فئة‬ ‫وصحيح أن مجتمع سباقات السيارات األحادية المقعد‬ ‫ولكن مستواه ّ‬ ‫يذك ر بـ آيرتون سينا ومايكل شوماخر اللذين‬ ‫«األحداث»‪،‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫يعتبران مدرسة بالنسبة إلى سائقي السيارات‪.‬‬

‫سوف ينطلق أول سباق من السلسلة في نهاية األسبوع الواقعة في‬ ‫الثامن والتاسع من مايو‪ ،‬في حلبة برشلونة في إسبانيا‪ .‬وفي نهاية‬ ‫أسبوع الجائزة الكبرى‪ ،‬سيسابق سائقنا على حلبات عالمية ومن بينها‬ ‫ً‬ ‫تقريبا‬ ‫سيلفرستون وسبا ومونزا‪ ،‬قبل أن يختتم الموسم على أرضه‬ ‫وبين أهله‪ ،‬أي في مارينا ياس في اإلمارات العربية المتحدة‪.‬‬ ‫وال يسعنا سوى االنتظار لمعرفة ما إذا كان سيسرق األنظار كما حصل‬ ‫في موسمه األول في «بورشه جي تي ‪ .»3‬ولكن ّ‬ ‫حت ى ذلك الحين‪ ،‬شيء‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫طويل‪ ،‬وهي‬ ‫مؤك د وهو أن منطقة الشرق األوسط انتظرت نجمها‬ ‫واحد‬

‫منطقة محورية بالنسبة إلى النجاح التجاري لعالمات عريقة في عالم‬ ‫السباقات والطرقات مثل مكالرين ومرسيدس وفيراري وهوندا وبالطبع‬ ‫بورشه‪.‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫يعل ق من‬ ‫المصن عين في هذه المنطقة‪،‬‬ ‫وم ن يراهن على نجاح هؤالء‬ ‫َ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫شك آماله على فوز أشكناني‪.‬‬ ‫دون‬ ‫تحدي كأس بورشه جي تي ‪ 3‬الشرق األوسط‬ ‫تقدم زيد في ّ‬ ‫يمكنكم متابعة ّ‬ ‫وسلسلة جي بي ‪ 3‬على إنستغرام عبر متابعة الحساب @‪zaidashkanani‬‬

THE TEAM

Team Kuwait

T

with Sheikh Mohamed Al Khaled Al Jarrah Al Sabah

he achievements of Team Kuwait, both on the drag-strip and on the region’s rally circuits, are growing. Drag Team 965’s performance in the fifth and final round in the Super Street class at Bahrain has left a positive influence on the team and motivated them especially in view of the thirteen cups and three Bahrain Season Champion’s Cups they have earned.

Speaking of the Drag Team 965, the Chair of the Circuits and Speed Committee at the Quarter Mile Club and Team Leader, Sheikh Mohamed Al Khaled Al Jarrah Al Sabah, cited the team’s readiness to venture into the competitions amid distinguished and experienced competitors.

Despite the short history of Drag Team 965 - the team was only established two years ago – they have proved their total readiness and preparedness for participation in tough competitions with international competitors. The team members are on a steep learning curve, and Sheikh Mohamed insists they have huge potential. The team numbers seventy-five members - most of whom are Kuwaitis - in addition to members from KSA and UAE. The team member’s age range is between 18 to 45 years old.

Sheikh Mohamed Al Khaled also noted, “Before Drag Team 965 was established two years ago, we started with the ‘Drift 965’ team including a unique group of talented Kuwaiti youth interested in auto sports. The group also includes a karting team and a rally team participating in many varied activities.”

The annual Rally International Kuwait 2015, now in its 23rd edition, and being held this year as Round Two of the Middle East Rally Championship, started on March 12.

The championship race was organized by the Bassel Al Salem

Al Sabah Car and Motorcycle Club and held through until the 14th of March at the Sea Shell Julai’a Resort; the event was sponsored and attended by the Minister of Information and the Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Sheikh Suleiman Al Humoud.

As for the motive behind supporting the car team, Sheikh Mohamed Al Khaled referred to his earnest desire to support this youth segment through providing a team that is capable of participating in similar competitions. Sheikh Al Khaled shares the member’s deep passion for motor sports. Despite the huge expense of engagement in this sport, the team sought no sponsorship whatsoever from any party.

Among their future plans, Sheikh Mohamed Al Khaled told us that Drag Team 965 will leave for the US in the near future to participate in Rally Texas.

The next round of the Middle East Rally Championship will start in Rally Shiraz, Iran between May 6th and 8th. The fourth round will be in Lebanon on September 4th, the fifth in Cyprus on September 25th and the sixth in Jordan on October 15th. On November 5th, the seventh will be held in Oman while the last phase will be held in Dubai on November 27th.

For the latest on Drag Team 965 news, follow their Instagram Account @drag965

‫‪THE TEAM‬‬

‫فريق دراق‪965.‬‬

‫مع الشيخ محمد الخالد الجراح الصباح‬

‫مما ال شك فيه أن اإلنجازات التي حققها الفريق الكويتي (دراق‪ )965.‬في الجولة الخامسة واألخيرة في مملكة البحرين‬ ‫فئة السوبر الستريت وحصولهم على ‪ 13‬كأس ًا و‪ 3‬كؤوس أبطال موسم البحرين له طابع ايجابي وتحفيزي ألعضاء‬ ‫الفريق المشاركين بهدف تحقيق انجازات أكبر‪.‬‬

‫انطلق رالي الكويت الدولي ‪ 2015‬ال‪( 23‬الجولة الثانية من‬ ‫بطولة الشرق األوسط للراليات) في تاريخ ‪ 12‬مارس‪ .‬أقيم السباق‬ ‫الميداني للبطولة والذي نظمه نادي باسل السالم الصباح لسباق‬ ‫السيارات والدراجات على مدار يومي ‪ 13‬و‪ 14‬مارس من أمام منتجع‬ ‫«سيشل الجليعة» الذي شهد رعاية وحضور وزير االعالم وزير الدولة‬ ‫لشؤون الشباب الشيخ سلمان الحمود‪.‬‬ ‫وقد أثنى رئيس لجنة الحلبات والسرعة في نادي الربع ميل ورئيس‬ ‫الفريق الشيخ محمد الخالد الجراح الصباح على جاهزية فريق فريق‬ ‫(دراق‪ )965.‬لخوض المنافسات على الرغم من وجود متسابقين‬ ‫متميزين‪ .‬وأشار إلى أن رالي الكويت الدولي يقام مرة في كل سنة‪.‬‬ ‫وعلى الرغم من أن تأسيس فريق (دراق‪ )965 .‬لم يمضى عليه‬ ‫أكثر من سنتين لكنه خالل هذه الفترة أثبت استعداده وجهوزيته‬ ‫الكاملة للمشاركة في منافسات قوية مع متسابقين من جميع‬ ‫الدول ‪.‬‬ ‫ً‬ ‫فضال عن‬ ‫وذلك يعود للتدريبات التي يقوم بها أعضاء الفريق‬ ‫القدرات الهائلة التي يتميز بها األعضاء‪ .‬ويضم الفريق اليوم‬ ‫ً‬ ‫عضوا معظمهم من الكويت فضال عن أعضاء من المملكة‬ ‫‪75‬‬ ‫العربية السعودية واإلمارات العربية المتحدة‪.‬‬ ‫أما بالنسبة للفئات العمرية فتتراوح من ‪ 18‬سنة لغاية ‪ 45‬سنة‪.‬‬ ‫وعن الفريق أشار الشيخ محمد الخالد «أنه قبل تأسيس فريق‬ ‫(دراق‪ )965.‬من سنتين انطلقنا بفريق «درفت ‪ »965‬الذي يضم‬

‫‪46 47‬‬

‫مجموعة متميزة من شباب الكويت الموهوبين في رياضات‬ ‫السيارات‪ ،‬كما أن المجموعة تضم فريق الكارتينغ وفريق سيارات‬ ‫الرالي والتي تشارك في عدد كبير من األنشطة المتنوعة»‪.‬‬ ‫وعن سبب دعمه لفريق السيارات‪ ،‬أشار الشيخ محمد الخالد‬ ‫رغبتهم في مساندة هذه الفئة من الشباب من خالل توفير فريق‬ ‫يستطيعون من خالله المشاركة في المسابقات التي تقام في‬ ‫هذا السياق‪ ،‬كما أبدى الشيخ الخالد شغفه الخاص وتعلقهبرياضة‬ ‫السيارات‪ .‬وعلى الرغم من تكلفة هذه الرياضة إال أن الفريق لم‬ ‫يسع للحصول على اي رعاية من اي جهة‪.‬‬ ‫وعن المشاريع المستقبلية أشار الشيخ محمد الخالد إلى أن‬ ‫فريق (دراق‪ )965.‬في الواليات المتحدة سيشارك في رالي تكساس‬ ‫والذي سيقام في األشهر القادمة‪.‬‬ ‫يذكر أن المرحلة المقبلة من بطولة الشرق األوسط للراليات‬ ‫تنطلق من خالل رالي شيراز الدولي في إيران في الفترة الممتدة‬ ‫بين السادس والثامن من مايو المقبل‪.‬‬ ‫والرابعة في لبنان بتاريخ ‪ 4‬سبتمبر والخامسة في قبرص بتاريخ‬ ‫‪ 25‬سبتمبر‪ ،‬والسادسة في االردن بتاريخ ‪ 15‬اكتوبر‪ ،‬والسابعة في‬ ‫عمان بتاريخ ‪ 5‬نوفمبر‪ ،‬واألخيرة في دبي بتاريخ ‪ 27‬نوفمبر‪.‬‬ ‫يمكنكم متابعة أخبار‬ ‫إنستغرام @ ‪.drag965‬‬

‫فريق‬

‫(دراق‪)965 .‬‬

‫عبر‬

‫حسابهم‬

‫على‬

THE SHOWS

Geneva Brand Report

O

ur annual look at the latest new launches from the world’s number one auto show – the Geneva International Motor Show. Back for its 85th edition, throughout its eleven days the show’s halls were alive with the fanfare of a constant stream of new cars. Here’s a round-up of our top picks.

Lexus ‫لكزس‬

Lexu s

Lexus LF-SA ‫النموذج األولي للكزس أل أف – أس إيه‬ ‫احتفلت لكزس باليوبيل الفضي إلطالق أول سيارة أنتجتها وهي‬ ‫تحد‬ ‫ وقد أقيم احتفال بهذه الذكرى عبر‬.LS 400 400 ‫سيدان أل أس‬ ٍ ‫قامت به لكزس لمشغل التصميم الخاص بلكزس في أوروبا وذلك‬ ‫لتنفيذ نموذج أولي من السيارة المتناهية في الصغر من شريحة ب‬ .2+2 ‫ المخصصة لداخل المدن‬sub-B-segment ‫الفرعية‬

The LF- SA Conc ept L ast year marked the 25th anniver sar y of the ver y fir st Lexus, the LS 40 0 sedan. To celebrate this milestone, Lexus challenged ED2 -Lexus’ Europe -based design studio to create a concept of an ultra- compact, sub B -segment, urban 2+2.

‫هي تعبير عن شغف لكزس لالتجاهات المستقبلية في التصميم‬ Lexus LF-SA ‫حيث أن النموذج األولي للكزس أل أف – أس إيه‬ .‫ومحرك‬ ‫يسبر أغوار مجاالت غير متوقعة عبر تنفيذ جريء‬ ّ

A n illustration of Lexus’ passion for upcoming design trends, the LF-SA Concept explores unexpected territories in a bold and emotional execution.

‫متأثرا‬ ‫حد رأي بعض األشخاص‬ ّ ‫ سيكون عالمنا على‬،‫في المستقبل‬ ً ‫ وال تحيد السيارة النموذج‬.‫بشكل كبير بالتقنية والتجارب االفتراضية‬ ‫ عن مفهوم اآللية التي‬Lexus LF-SA ‫األولي للكزس أل أف – أس إيه‬ ّ ‫ وهذا يتماشى مع رؤية لكزس التي تقوم على أن‬.‫ترك ز على السائق‬ .‫تجارب القيادة الحقيقية ستظل إحدى أكبر أنواع الرفاهية‬

In a future world which many people see as increasingly influenced by technology and vir tual experiences, the LF-SA Concept is also a driver-focused vehicle, reflecting Lexus’ vision that real driving experiences will remain the ultimate luxur y.

G S F ‫ جي أ س أ ف‬، ‫نمو ذ ج ا أل د ا ء ا لعا لي ا لجد يد لكزس أ ف‬ ‫ إ لى‬0 ‫ حصا ن بو قت تسا ر ع من‬4 6 7 ‫يعمل ا لمحر ك بعزم‬ ‫ أ ّم ا حجرة ا لر با ن ا لجا هزة للسبا ق فهي‬. ‫ ثو ا ٍن‬4 . 4 ‫ هو‬10 0 ‫ إ نها ا لسيا رة من‬. ‫مجهزة بمقعد ر يا ضي عا لي ا لظهر مد ّع م‬ ً ‫ ا أل كثر قو ة و ا أل كثر تشو‬G S ‫جي أ س‬ ‫يق ا و ا أل كثر إ ثا رة ا لتي‬ .‫تم إ نتا جها‬ ّ

The new Lexu s F-p er for manc e mod el, t he GS F With 467-hor sepower, a 0 -to -10 0 time of a mere 4.4 seconds and a race -ready cockpit equipped with bolstered high-back spor t seating, this is the most power ful, menacing and exhilarating GS they’ve ever created.

‫تمه د للتصميم التالي من نموذج األداء العالي‬ ‫هذه السيارة‬ ّ .GS F ‫ األولى من نوعها جي أس أف‬:‫الجديد لكزس أف‬

Introducing the next expression of Lexus F per formance: the first-ever GS F.

THE SHOWS

‫مرسيدس بنز‬ ّ ‫ بولمان‬S600 ‫ مايباخ‬-‫كل من موديالت مرسيدس‬ ‫احتفلت‬ ‫ إيه أم جي‬-‫ ومرسيدس‬Mercedes-Maybach S600 Pullman ‫بذكرى إطالقها للمرة األولى في‬Mercedes-AMG GT3 3 ‫جي تي‬ . ‫جنيف‬ ّ ‫المصن ع األلماني الكثير من الموديالت األخرى للعموم‬ ‫وقد عرض‬ ‫ مايباخ‬-‫ من مرسيدس‬2016 ‫ يبلغ طول موديل العام‬،‫في البداية‬ ‫ أمتار‬Mercedes-Maybach S600 Pullman 6.499 ‫ بولمان‬S600 -‫ الممدودة من مرسيدس‬S ‫ ملم أطول عن فئة‬1053 ‫أي بفارق‬ 4418 ‫ كما وقد تم زيادة المسافة بين قطري المحاور إلى‬.‫مايباخ‬ S ‫ ملم مقارنة بفئة‬100 ‫تم إعالء السقف بما يزيد عن‬ ّ ‫ملم بينما‬ .‫وذلك لتوفير مساحة داخلية أكبر‬ ‫تم عرض موديالت أخرى لمرسيدس بنز في معرض جنيف‬ ّ ‫وقد‬ ‫ إيه ام جي سي‬-‫ بما في ذلك سيارة مرسيدس‬2015 ‫للسيارات‬ ‫ وإيه ام جي جي تي‬B ‫ الجديدة وفئة‬Mercedes-AMG C6363 .CLA Shooting Brake ‫ وسي أل إيه شوتينغ بريك‬AMG GT

Mercedes-Benz At t h e G e n eva , b o t h t h e M e r c e d e s - M ay b a c h S 6 0 0 Pu l l m a n a n d M e r c e d e s - A M G GT 3 m o d e l s c e l e b r a te d t h e i r r e s p e c t i ve wo r l d d e b u t s .

Alongside them, a plethora of other models from the German firm were put on display for the public to enjoy.

For star ter s, the 2016 Mercedes-Maybach Pullman is 6.499 metres long which is 1053 mm longer than the already ex tended Mercedes-Maybach S - Class.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e w h e e l b a s e h a s b e e n i n c r e a s e d t o 4 418 m m w h i l e t h e h e i g h t o f t h e r o o f h a s b e e n e x t e n d e d b y o v e r 10 0 m m c o m p a r e d t o t h e S-Class to provide even fur ther interior space.

Other Mercedes-Benz models displayed at the G e n e v a M o t o r S h o w 2 015 i n c l u d e d t h e n e w Mercedes-AMG C63, B-Class, AMG GT and CL A Shooting Brake.

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THE SHOWS

Porsche ‫بورشه‬

Porsche

‫ بسيارة‬Cay m a n GT4 4 ‫يمكن تشبيه سيارة كايمان جي تي‬ ّ ‫ مزودة بست‬4 ‫مصغ رة ّإل أن كايمان جي تي‬ 3 ‫ جي تي‬911 ً ‫سرعات وبثالث دواسات يدوية بدل من جهاز التعشيق‬ ‫ ولم‬.‫ وقد تم عرضها في معرض جنيف للسيارات‬.‫المزدوج‬ ً ‫إن‬ ‫خطأ بل‬ ‫يكن قرأتموه عن الدواسات اليدوية التقليدية‬ ّ ‫الكثير من الترقيات قد تم تزويد هذه السيارة بها من قطع‬ .GT3 911 3 ‫ جي تي‬911 ‫غيار‬

The Cayman GT4, a car best described as a mini-911 GT3 but with a six-speed, three-pedal manual instead of a dual-clutch job, is here, and it was on display at the Geneva Motor Show. And yes, you read that right Porsche’s latest road racer comes with a conventional manual, but many of its upgrades are lifted straight off the 911 GT3 par ts shelf.

‫ لترات ومثبت بشكل مسطح‬3.8 ‫السيارة مزودة بمحرك سعة‬ ً ّ ّ ‫ وينتقل‬. ‫حصانا‬ 38 5 ‫ويوف ر قدرة بعزم‬ ‫ومرك ب في الوسط‬ ‫الدفع إلى العجالت الخلفية عبر النظام اليدوي ذ ي الست‬ ‫والمجه ز بصندوق تغيير السرعة ديناميكي وذلك‬ ‫سرعات‬ ّ ‫للحد من التذبذبات واالرتجاجات في كامل مجموعة توليد‬ ّ ‫ وهذه المجموعة متوفرة عادة كجزء من حزمة كرونو‬.‫الطاقة‬ .‫ الر ياضية من بورشه‬Chro n o

Power in the car comes from a 3.8-liter flat-fix, midmounted and turned to deliver 385 horsepower. Drive goes to the rear wheels via the aforementioned sixspeed manual, which gets dynamic gearbox mounts to minimize the oscillations and vibrations of the entire drivetrain. The latter is usually available as par t of Porsche’s Spor t Chrono Package.

‫ثوان‬ ‫على‬ ‫وهو‬ 9 97

The claimed 0-100kmh time is just 4.2 seconds. And, should your skill level be up to it, you’ll be able to lap Germany’s Nürburgring in a time of 7:40, which is comparable with times set by the 997-series 911 GT3 and even Ferrari’s 430 Scuderia.

4.2 ‫ كلم في الساعة هو‬10 0 ‫ إلى‬0 ‫أم ا وقت التسارع من‬ ّ ‫قادر ا‬ ‫ ستكون‬،‫ماهر ا بالقدر الكافي‬ ‫ وإذا ما كنت‬.‫فقط‬ ً ً ‫ دقائق‬7:40 ‫إتمام لفة حول نوربورغرنغ األلمانية بوقت‬ ‫ فئة‬GT3 3 ‫ جي تي‬911 ‫يوازي األوقات التي حققتها‬ . ‫ من فيراري‬S cu d e r i a 4 3 0 ‫وحتى سكودر يا‬

THE SHOWS

‫ فولكس فاغن‬VW ‫تم‬ ّ ‫ والمخصصة للتجوال في أي مكان‬Passat ‫إنها نسخة باسات‬ .‫إطالقها في معرض جنيف للسيارات‬ ،‫بين صفوف السيارات السريعة في معرض جنيف للسيارات‬ ‫ وهي باسات‬-‫أطلقت فولكس فاغن سيارة تتسم بالعملية أكثر‬ ‫تم تجهيزها وتصميمها بإضافة نظام دفع‬ ّ ‫ وقد‬.‫ألتراك الجديدة‬ ‫أن هذه السيارة التحفة‬ ّ ‫ كما‬.‫رباعي وبتكسية للبدن للحماية‬ ‫والمخصصة للمسارات المتنوعة مزودة بمحركات بنزين وديزل‬ ّ ‫تول دها بقدرة فرملية ما‬ ‫ وتتراوح معدالت الطاقة التي‬.‫متنوعة‬ ً ً .‫حصانا‬ 237 ‫حصانا إلى‬ 148 ‫بين‬

McLaren ‫ماكالرن‬ ‫ من معرض جنيف للسيارات الظهور األول لسيارة‬85‫شهدت النسخة ال‬ ‫ التركيز على األداء والوزن الخفيف‬.McLaren 675LT ‫ أل تي‬675 ‫ماكالرن‬ ‫ تتوفر في هذه السيارة‬.‫وأعلى مستويات إشراك السائقين جلي وواضح‬ ‫ والسيارة‬.‫ « من ماكالرن الرئيسية‬Longtail ‫مي زات «لونغ تيل‬ ّ ‫كافة‬ ‫مصنوعة ببابين فقط وهي تعتبر من بين السيارات المخصصة‬ ‫للمسارات بشكل أساسي ّإل أنه من المسموح قيادتها على الطرقات‬ McLaren ‫ وهي مصنوعة على طراز فئة سوبر من ماكالرن‬.‫العامة‬ ‫ هذا وتتفوق السيارة بقوة العزم مقابل الوزن بين المنافسين‬.Super ‫ إلى‬0 ‫ثانية فقط لتحقيق التسارع من‬ 2.9 ‫ يتطلب األمر‬.‫التقليديين‬ ٍ ّ ‫تحك م بالعزم لضمان االنجرار األمثل عند‬ ‫ كلم بالساعة مع توفير‬100 200 ‫حد‬ ‫قطع‬ ‫يمكن‬ ‫حيث‬ ‫مستمرة‬ ‫بوتيرة‬ ‫ يستمر التسارع‬.‫االنطالق‬ ّ 330 ‫ثوان وذلك بسرعة قصوى هي‬ 7.9 ‫كلم في الساعة في غضون‬ ٍ .‫كلم في الساعة‬ ‫ هي مخصصة بالكامل للمسارات وكذلك‬675LT ‫ أل تي‬657 ‫إن سيارة‬ ّ ‫يتم تعديل ما يقارب ثلث األجزاء لمواءمة هذا‬ ‫حيث‬ ‫للطرقات‬ ‫مخصصة‬ ّ Spider ‫ وسبايدر‬650S Coupé ‫ س ببابين‬650 ‫الهدف مقارنة بسيارة‬ ‫ جي تي آر»لونغ‬،‫ هذه السيارة كسابقتها‬.‫مستمرا‬ ‫والتي ما زال إنتاجها‬ ً ‫تعد تحفة والتي ُاتخذت تسمية أل تي‬ ‫’ والتي‬GTR ‘Longtail »‫تيل‬ ّ ‫ ستتخطى توقعات السائقين في القيادة كما أذهلتهم في‬،‫ منها‬LT ‫ وتبدو فلسفة «لونغ تيل» وميزاتها الرئيسية واضحة في‬.‫تصميمها‬ ‫المحس نة‬ ‫وخصوص ا في خفة الوزن وديناميكيات الهواء‬ ‫هذه السيارة‬ ً ّ .‫والعزم اإلضافي والديناميكيات التي تراعي المسارات وإشراك السائق‬

VW A go-anywhere version of VW’s Passat Estate debuted at the Geneva Motor Show Among the swathes of supercars at the Geneva Motor Show, Volkswagen debuted something a little more practical – the new Passat Alltrack. Jacked-up and fitted with permanent four-wheel drive and protective body cladding, the rugged new all-rounder is available with various petrol and diesel engines, offering power outputs ranging from 148bhp to 237bhp.

McLaren The McLaren 675LT made its world debut at the 85th Geneva Motor Show, with a clear focus on performance, light weight and ultimate levels of driver engagement – all key attributes of a McLaren ‘Longtail’. Offered as a Coupé only, the 675LT is the most track-focused, yet road legal, model in the McLaren Super Series, with a power to weight ratio that eclipses established rivals. The sprint from 0-100 kmh takes just 2.9 seconds, with controlled torque delivery ensuring optimised traction off the line.

Acceleration continues at relentless pace with the 200 kmh barrier broken in 7.9 seconds, on to a top speed of 330 km/h.

The 675LT is as fully track-focused as it is road legal with around a third of parts modified to suit this purpose compared with the 650S Coupé and Spider that continue in production alongside it.

Yet, like its iconic predecessor, the McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’, from which the LT name is derived, this is a car that is as exciting to look at as it is to drive. It also embodies the key attributes of the ‘Longtail’ ethos targeting light weight, optimised aerodynamics, increased power, track-focused dynamics and driver engagement.

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THE SHOWS

BMW ‫سيارة بي أم دبليو‬ ‫أطلقت بي أم دبليو سيارتين جديدتين في معرض جنيف الدولي‬ ‫ من فئة غران‬2 ‫ أوالها سيارة بي أم دبليو‬:‫التقليدي للسيارات‬ ً ّ ‫مجال لركوب حتى‬ ‫توف ر‬ ‫ والتي‬BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer ‫تورير‬ BMW 1 1 ‫سبعة أشخاص وثانيها سيارة بي أم دبليو من فئة‬ ‫ وقد كشفت سيارة السالمة‬.‫ وهي سيارة صغيرة وجديدة‬Series BMW M4 MotoGP Safety Car ‫ موتو جي بي‬4 ‫بي أم دبليو أم‬ ‫عن كيفية تحسين مخرجات المحرك بكفاءة وذلك من خالل نظام‬ ‫ وهو ما يسهم في الحد من استهالك‬-‫ابتكاري لحقن المياه‬ .‫الوقود وانبعاثات العوادم وذلك أثناء التشغيل بالحمل الكامل‬ ‫كما تم عرض مجموعة كبيرة من الخدمات التكميلية المبتكرة‬ ّ ‫ كما‬.BMW i ‫بكل جانب من موديالت بي أم دبليو آي‬ ‫والتي ترتبط‬ ‫ « وهو من أجدد مفاهيم‬myKIDIO ‫تم عرض نظام «ماي كيديو‬ ّ .‫أنظمة الترفيه في السيارة والمخصصة لألطفال‬

BMW BMW took to the stage at the traditional Geneva International Motor Show with two world premieres: the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer, which offers seating for up to seven people, and the new compact BMW 1 Series.

The BMW M4 MotoGP Safety Car, meanwhile, demonstrated how engine output can be boosted efficiently using an innovative water injection system – leading to lower fuel consumption and exhaust emissions under full load.

And then there were a raft of innovative supplementary services connected with every aspect of the BMW i models, as well as “myKIDIO”, a new in-car entertainment concept for children.

‫‪THE SHOWS‬‬

‫جنيف‬

‫التقرير عن العالمات التجارية‬ ‫عالميا –‬ ‫عما جمعناه في هذه السنة من إصدارات جديدة من معرض السيارات األول‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫نقد م لكم لمحة عامة ّ‬ ‫معرض جنيف الدولي للسيارات‪ .‬ها نحن قد عدنا للنسخة ال‪ 85‬منه حيث شهدنا األيام اإلحدى عشر ورأينا كيف‬ ‫انتعشت جدران المعرض ود ّبت فيها الحياة بالعروض المختلفة والمستمرة للسيارات الجديدة‪ .‬إليكم ملخّ ص ًا‬ ‫عن أفضل ما اخترناه لكم‪.‬‬

‫‪Audi‬‬ ‫‪The new, second-generation Audi R8 has now been‬‬ ‫‪fully revealed, and was seen in the metal at the 2015‬‬ ‫‪Geneva Motor Show. The original Audi supercar came‬‬ ‫‪out in in 2007, and proved to be a huge success for the‬‬ ‫‪German brand, with sales of the first Audi R8 exceeding‬‬ ‫‪all expectations.‬‬ ‫‪The car will rival the latest Por sche 911, and will‬‬ ‫‪initially only be available with a t win- clutch S tronic‬‬ ‫‪transmission and a V10 engine with either 533bhp or‬‬ ‫‪602bhp outputs. The faster V10 Plus model cover s‬‬ ‫‪0 -10 0kmh in 3. 2 seconds.‬‬ ‫‪A new aluminium and carbon-fibre chassis shared with‬‬ ‫‪the L amborghini Huracan means it weighs 50kg less‬‬ ‫‪than its predecessor, but is 40 per cent stif fer. Also‬‬ ‫‪in Geneva was a new all- electric 456bhp R8 e -tron‬‬ ‫‪model with 920Nm of torque, and a 0 -10kmh time of‬‬ ‫‪3.9 seconds.‬‬

‫‪52 53‬‬

‫أودي ‪Audi‬‬ ‫جرى الكشف بالكامل عن الجيل الثاني والجديد أودي أر ‪Audi 8‬‬ ‫‪ R8‬وظهرت السيارة في معرض جنيف للسيارات لعام ‪ .2015‬وقد‬ ‫ظهرت سيارة سوبر كار من أودي ‪ Audi supercar‬األصلية في العام‬ ‫‪ .2007‬وقد هي كانت من أكبر نجاحات العالمة التجارية األلمانية‬ ‫حيث تخطت مبيعات األعداد األولى من سيارة أودي آر ‪Audi R8 8‬‬ ‫كافة التوقعات‪ .‬ومن المتوقع أن تنافس هذه السيارة بورشه ‪911‬‬ ‫‪ Porsche 911‬وهي اإلضافة األحدث إلى سيارات بورشه‪ .‬والنسخة‬ ‫األولية من السيارة ستكون متوافرة بنظام نقل للحركة بقابض‬ ‫مزدوج يمزج بين نظامي التعليق اليدوي الرياضي واألوتوماتيكي‪.‬‬ ‫أم ا المحرك فهو متوفر بسعة ‪ 10‬صبابات وبمخرجات عزم للفرملة‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ً‬ ‫حصانا‪ .‬أما النموذج ‪ 10‬صبابات‬ ‫حصانا و ‪602‬‬ ‫بخيارين وهما ‪533‬‬ ‫بالس ‪ V10 Plus‬فهو قادر على التسارع من ‪ 0‬إلى ‪ 100‬كلم في‬ ‫الساعة في خالل ‪ 3.2‬ثوان‪.‬‬ ‫وهيكل السيارة الجديدة مصنوع من األلومينيوم وفيبرات الكربون‬ ‫وهو ذاته هيكل سيارة المبورغيني هوراكان ‪ Huracan‬وهو أقل‬ ‫ب‪ 50‬كلغ من الهيكل السابق وتزيد نسبة صالبته عنه بنسبة‬ ‫‪ .40%‬وقد ُع رض في جنيف نموذج الناقل اإللكتروني والكهربائي‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ً‬ ‫مترا ‪ .‬أما‬ ‫حصانا ‪ R8 e-tron‬وبعزم ‪ 920‬نيوتن‬ ‫الجديد أر ‪ 8‬بقوة ‪456‬‬ ‫ثوان ‪.‬‬ ‫‪3.9‬‬ ‫فيستغرق‬ ‫الساعة‬ ‫في‬ ‫كلم‬ ‫‪10‬‬ ‫إلى‬ ‫‪0‬‬ ‫تحقيق التسارع بين‬ ‫ٍ‬

THE SHOWS

Concept Cars at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show

O

ur round-up of the top concept cars at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

It wouldn’t be a proper motor show without an array of tantalising concept cars - and the Geneva Motor Show 2015 didn’t disappoint. The manufacturers were eager to show off their big ideas for the future of motoring, with some being close to production and some much further off.

We’ve put together a handy list of the most significant ones for you here, so read on to see our hottest picks.

Sway ‫نيسان سواي‬ ‫حتم ا سنرغب بركوب هذه السيارة إذا ما كانت هي ذاتها سيارة نيسان‬ ً ‫ عادة ما يستولي الباب الخلفي التقليدي‬.‫ المستقبلية‬Micra ‫ميكرا‬ ‫على االهتمام ّإل أنه في هذا النموذج فالموضوع مختلف في معرض‬ ّ ‫توف ر‬ ‫أولي ا اآلن ولكنها‬ ‫نموذج ا‬ ‫ ستبقى هذه السيارة‬.‫جنيف للسيارات‬ ً ً ً ّ ‫المصن ع‬ ‫واضح ا التجاه جديد في التصميم يخطو نحوه‬ ‫استشراف ا‬ ً .‫الياباني‬

‫ من فولكس فاغن الرياضية ذات البابين‬GTE ‫النموذج األولي لسيارة‬ ‫ ولكن هذا النموذج األولي‬Passat ‫لن تشترك في االسم مع باسات‬ ‫ من فولكس فاغن الرياضية ذات البابين لهو إشارة واضحة‬GTE ‫لسيارة‬ .Passat ‫عن بديل النموذج ببابين لسيارات الباسات‬ .295 ‫تصميم شبحي مصقول ببانين ويرفده محرك بعزم‬

Nissan Sway If this is the Nissan Micra of the future, then count us in. The often overlooked and rather vanilla hatchback seems to have taken on a whole new image at the Geneva Motor Show.

Although purely a concept for now, the Sway does preview a new design direction for the Japanese manufacturer.

VW Sport Coupe Concept GTE It may not share a name with the Passat, but the VW Sport Coupe Concept is a clear nod towards a replacement for the current Passat-based CC. A sleek coupe silhouette is paired with a 295bhp petrol engine and two electric motors generating a further 168bhp.

THE SHOWS

SEAT 20V20 ‫سيات‬ .‫لقد بدأ بالفعل اإلعداد الجدي إلنتاج سيارة دفع رباعي من سيات‬ ‫وها قد حصلنا على لمحة أولى عن المواصفات األولية للسيارة‬ ّ ‫ تصميم خارجي‬.Audi Q5 ‫المنافسة ألودي‬ ‫تمام ا‬ ‫وحاد‬ ‫بت ار‬ ّ ً ‫ لم يتم تسمية‬.‫مم ا أنتجته شركة سيات‬ ‫كالموديالت األخرى‬ ّ ّ ّ ‫مصم مي كاشكاي‬ ‫ستقض مضجع‬ ‫ولكن ها‬ ‫السيارة الجديدة بعد‬ ّ .‫ عند نزولها لألسواق‬Qashqai

SEAT 20V20 A SEAT SUV has been in the pipeline for quite some time now, and at Geneva we were granted out first glimpse at how an Audi Q5 rival could look. As sharp and angular as any other model in SEAT’s product por tfolio, the yetto-be-named SUV should give the Qashqai a headache when it arrives.

Audi Prologue Avant A glimpse at how Audi’s future estate models could looks, the Prologue Avant concept is a sign that Audi will focus more on design-led models than before. The more rakish appearance of the concept means future Audi estates could be more of a rival for the swooping Mercedes Shooting Brake models.

Lexus LF-SA Lexus is downsizing, and the new LF-SA concept proved that at Geneva. A potential rival for the likes of the MINI Cooper and Audi A1, this compact premium package features many of Lexus’ trademark design cues. The Japanese firm also has a history of transferring the bold design of concepts into production – look at the NX, for example.

Lexus is downsizing, and the new LF-SA concept proved that at Geneva. A potential rival for the likes of the MINI Cooper and Audi A1, this compact premium package features many of Lexus’ trademark design cues. The Japanese firm also has a history of transferring the bold design of concepts into production – look at the NX, for example.

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THE SHOWS

‫النماذج األولية من السيارات‬ 2015 ‫في معرض جنيف للسيارات لعام‬

.‫إليكم رحلتنا الشاملة عن أفضل النماذج األولية للسيارات لهذه السنة في معرض سيارات جنيف‬ ‫لن تكتمل صورة معرض السيارات في أذهاننا من دون التوقف عند‬ ‫ ولم يقل‬.‫أصناف النماذج األولية للسيارات التي تخطف األبصار‬ . ‫ عن ذلك‬2015 ‫مستوى العرض في معرض جنيف للسيارات للعام‬ ّ ‫المصن عون حماستهم لعرض أفكارهم الكبيرة عن مستقبل‬ ‫فقد أبدى‬ ‫ تجدر اإلشارة إلى أن مختلفات الجهوزية‬.‫صناعة السيارات والتباهي بها‬ ّ ‫المصن عين إذ يقترب بعضهم‬ ‫إلنتاج هذه النماذج تختلف في ما بين‬ ً .‫وقت ا أكثر للبعض اآلخر‬ ‫من ذلك في حين قد يستغرق األمر‬ ‫ وما‬،‫ فقد أعددنا الئحة مفيدة عن أبرز النماذج لتقديمها إليكم‬،‫أم ا نحن‬ ّ .‫للتعرف على أهم ما اخترناه لكم‬ ‫عليكم ّإل االنغماس بالقراءة‬ ّ

Infiniti QX30 Although badged as a concept, the QX30 is really a thinlyveiled production car. It will arrive later this year with the dimensions and proportions from the concept fully intact.

It’s based on the regular Infiniti Q30, with both set to be built at Nissan’s production plant in Sunderland.

Kia Sportspace Like Audi, Kia is looking to get in on the stylish estate action with the Sportspace concept. It hints at what an estate version of the next-generation Optima could look like.

Aston Martin DBX Genuine shocks at a motor show these days are few and far between, but Aston Martin almost left us lost for words with the DBX concept at Geneva. Not only is it the British brand’s vision for a future SUV - it’s also fully electric and has four-wheel drive. Aston CEO Andy Palmer admitted that if the brand is to remain competitive it has to become more accessible to new buyers.

Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6 A vision of a new two-door, two seat GT car, the Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6 will becomes the fifth separate model in the range if it’s given the green light.

PHOTO SHOOT

THE SHOWS

A Day in the Life of

Masoud Jafar Behbehani Brought to you by McLaren

Photographed By:

Hamad Al-Sarraf

PHOTO SHOOT

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An engineer by profession and motorcycle racer by passion, Masoud starts his day at 7.30am every morning. He wakes up and gets ready for his daily breakfast, enjoying quality time with his mother where they catch up and discuss the latest news before the start of the day.

Dressed by Zegna Brought to you by McLaren

7.30 A.M.

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PHOTO SHOOT

By 8.30am, Masoud is at the construction site of his dream home being built in Abu Futaira. A project he started four months ago, he supervises on a daily basis to ensure its completion by mid-2016.

Dressed by Zegna Brought to you by McLaren

PHOTO SHOOT

8.30 A.M.

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Using his civil engineering background, Masoud applies his knowledge and skills hands on.

Dressed by Zegna Brought to you by McLaren

9.30 A.M.

By 10:30am, Masoud is at Tristar Motorcycles in Shuwaikh.

Overseeing all aspects of business development and daily operation, Masoud lives his passion for motorsport through his daily work.

Dressed by Zegna Brought to you by McLaren

10.30 A.M.

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PHOTO SHOOT

Representing the top two motorcycle brands Ducati and BMW Motorrad, Masoud gets the opportunity to test ride the newest models at international race tracks. Here he can experience the power and technology before introducing the models to the Kuwait market.

Brought to you by McLaren

PHOTO SHOOT

At LOSAIL International race track in Qatar.

Brought to you by McLaren

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PHOTO SHOOT

Heading to Valencia in Spain right after the photoshoot to test the latest Ducati, Masoud’s motto in life is “Embrace life at full speed”

Brought to you by McLaren

THE LUXE REVIEW FUTURE LEADING PROJECTS

THE LUXE REVIEW Our exclusive guide to the finest from the spheres of horology, automobiles, style, travel, design and much more.

In the Luxe Review we look at the best, and meet the people that are making it happen.

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THE LUXE ARTS

Retrospective:

Sami Mohammed

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ami Mohammed, Kuwait’s pioneer artist and sculptor, is the subject of the exhibition ‘Sami Mohammad: A Retrospective’ at the Contemporary Art Platform (CAP). The show includes his work spanning more than five decades. The exhibition includes 120 pieces of his work, mainly following the ideas of freedom, oppression, genocide and suffering.

Why did you choose to do this exhibition?

Through an invitation from Amer Al Huneidi, the owner of CAP, a great support to the art and artists of Kuwait. He requested to host a retrospective exhibition of my work.

We chose items from all through the years and the most important stages of my life.

I did not expect the number of the visitors to this exhibition, and on the day of the opening more than seven hundred visitors attended the event. This shows that after all these years we can find someone who appreciates this kind of art.

We noticed the humanitarian touch on all your artworks, how and when did you start in this field?

I read a lot and educated myself, and this is requested from me as an artist, then I decided to do something for myself, I searched inside myself and I did sculptures about “Starvation in Somal-India” because I was influenced by what is happening around the world through the media.

What is your main inspiration as an artist?

My main concern is the human suffering and tragedies worldwide, and coming up with an idea is not easy - it may take seconds or years. And the second step is to apply this idea through my work, and here is a new mission where I

THE LUXE ARTS

should apply my ideas and the way I see them through my sculptures. And to finish this process I use stone, clay, wood, basalt, aluminum, iron and marble.

For example my sculpture “Sabra and Shatila” took me so long to apply the tragedic scenes that I watched through the media. In particular the good work needs hard work too and my sculptures should reflect a message.

Are you having support from any sector?

The government supports us artists via the Free Art Atelier, which was the reason why I grew up as a sculptor. The government supports us by providing art materials, and we were sent abroad to learn more. But we need more support in terms that this should be educated in schools, especially that Kuwait was the pioneer in this field since the late 1950s.

What is your dream?

My dream now is an exhibition that includes one big sculpture with the humanitarian touch. And this needs thought, hard work, and creativity and the creativity takes so many years to appear.

I don’t do exhibitions very often these days, although my sculptures are shown in exhibitions in Dubai, Sharja and many other places.

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THE LUXE WATCHES

Superfast Chrono Porsche 919 Edition

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from Chopard

s part of its collaboration with Porsche Motorsport as Official Timing Partner, Chopard presents the Superfast Chrono Porsche 919 Edition dedicated to the new Porsche 919 Hybrid. This sophisticated COSC chronometer-certified flyback chronograph, picking up the design codes of the racing car, is issued in a 919-piece limited edition.

An encounter between two pioneering and avant-garde companies can yield some amazing results. Celebrating the partnership between Chopard and Porsche Motorsport in the FIA World Endurance Championship – which is welcoming back the German manufacturer after a lengthy absence – the Superfast Chrono Porsche 919 Edition is set to make a noteworthy debut.

The partnership agreement between Chopard and Porsche Motorsport once again turns the spotlight on the sophisticated nature of the Superfast collection, a watchmaking icon from Chopard. Every inch as outstanding as Porsche racing cars, the models in the Superfast collection embody a wealth of superlatives while featuring the distinctive codes of motor racing. They are also a test bench for constantly pushing limits and implementing new procedures or innovative materials. Exactly how Porsche sees motor racing, as a “Lab for our visions”.

A sophisticated timepiece with exclusive finishing The new Superfast Chrono Porsche 919 Edition is entirely in tune with this approach. This imposingly sized chronograph with its 45 mm-diameter case and flyback function beats to the pace of a mechanical Chopard 03.05-M calibre, chronometercertified by the COSC. This ‘engine’ and its oscillating weight may be admired through a sapphire crystal engraved with the inscription “Official Timing Partner Porsche Motorsport”.

Inspired by the new Porsche 919 Hybrid, the stripes on the dial evoke the racing car’s rear diffuser. Likewise, the “919” appearing in a red rectangle inside a 9 o’clock subdial is identical to the number of the Porsche racing cars. Finally, the rubber strap is inspired by slick tyres serving to negotiate bends at extremely high speeds.

This sophisticated and powerful new Superfast chronograph proclaims a highly exclusive nature that is a perfect match for the legendary Porsche cars, since the new Superfast Chrono Porsche 919 Edition from Chopard is produced in a strictly limited 919-piece series reserved for those who are quick off the mark! An encounter between two pioneering and avant-garde companies can yield some amazing results.

Celebrating the partnership between Chopard and Porsche Motorsport in the FIA World Endurance Championship – which is welcoming back the German manufacturer after a lengthy absence – the Superfast Chrono Porsche 919 Edition is set to make a noteworthy debut.

The partnership agreement between Chopard and Porsche Motorsport once again turns the spotlight on the sophisticated nature of the Superfast collection, a watchmaking icon from Chopard. Every inch as outstanding as Porsche racing cars, the models in the Superfast collection embody a wealth of superlatives while featuring the distinctive codes of motor racing. They are also a test bench for constantly pushing limits and implementing new procedures or innovative materials. Exactly how Porsche sees motor racing, as a “Lab for our visions”.

A sophisticated timepiece with exclusive finishing The new Superfast Chrono Porsche 919 Edition is entirely in tune with this approach. This imposingly sized chronograph with its 45 mm-diameter case and flyback function beats to the pace of a mechanical Chopard 03.05-M calibre, chronometercertified by the COSC. This ‘engine’ and its oscillating weight may be admired through a sapphire crystal engraved with the inscription “Official Timing Partner Porsche Motorsport”.

Inspired by the new Porsche 919 Hybrid, the stripes on the dial evoke the racing car’s rear diffuser. Likewise, the “919” appearing in a red rectangle inside a 9 o’clock subdial is identical to the number of the Porsche racing cars. Finally, the rubber strap is inspired by slick tyres serving to negotiate bends at extremely high speeds.

This sophisticated and powerful new Superfast chronograph proclaims a highly exclusive nature that is a perfect match for the legendary Porsche cars, since the new Superfast Chrono Porsche 919 Edition from Chopard is produced in a strictly limited 919-piece series reserved for those who are quick off the mark!

THE LUXE WATCHES

Master Compressor Extreme LAB 2

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Concerted inventiveness

new chronograph joins the line of Master Compressor Extreme LAB watches, a collection distinguished by precise and reliable time measurement. The Master Compressor Extreme LAB 2 embodies a combination of scientific materials, cutting-edge materials and horological research.

Better still, the master artisans of Jaeger-LeCoultre have breathed into it their passion for pushing ever further the limits of the world around us.

The Manufacture systematically applies a fundamental principle to all its creations: however complex a watch, it makes no compromises when it comes to functionality and pragmatism. This new model thus combines extremely sophisticated ergonomics with the precision and reliability that are a must at Jaeger-LeCoultre. The Master Compressor Extreme LAB 2 features a crown integrated function selector that handles especially smoothly, a patented digital counter to indicate the chronograph jumping seconds, a manual stop seconds device, a radial power-reserve indication and a GMT function enabling at-a-glance readings. Its movement is housed in a sturdy case made of a light and resistant TiVan15 titanium alloy.

It is fitted with a high-tech ultra scratch resistant ceramic bezel. Pushpieces specially designed to ensure optimal user friendless provide a broad surface coated with rubber grooves and serve as a crown guard. A fast strapchange system is incorporated into the caseback and the new double pin buckle provides unprecedented length adjustment ensuring a perfect fit on the wrist.

The Master Compressor Extreme LAB 2 is designed to be a reliable and easily manoeuverable companion. The watchmakers of the Manufacture have succeeded in simplifying its handling while guaranteeing precision and reliability. To ensure access to the various watch functions whatever the conditions of wear, they have developed a function selector and an independent stop-seconds mechanism.

The function selector Activated by means of a crown-integrated pushpiece, the function selector serves to adjust all functions without involving the inevitably delicate operation of pulling out the crown. Once the function is selected, the adjustment can be made by simply turning the crown. When the latter is in “neutral” position, the crown serves to wind the barrels. One press takes the user to the position required to adjust the dual time-zone display as well as the date. Another press switches the crown to main time-zone adjustment mode.

And a final press brings the system back to its initial position.

This system does away with the need to pull out the crown and thus ensures peerless water resistance without needing to resort to the traditional compression key.

Stop seconds device In the time-setting position, the seconds hand continues running and the precision of the watch rating is thus not impaired. To ensure perfect synchronisation with a time signal, the user simply operates the slide located on the left side of the case. Simultaneously sliding and pressing it stops the seconds hand, which will continue running again when the slide is released. This handling in two phases – sliding and pressing – serves to avoid any accidental handling.

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THE LUXE WATCHES

Panerai

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Italian Design, Swiss Technology And Passion For The Sea

or 2015, Officine Panerai goes back again to its roots as a historic supplier of instruments for the Italian navy and releases a quartet of new iterations on popular models as well as one reissue from the heritage collection. The Officine Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Chrono Flyback Automatic Titanium PAM 614 and PAM 615 are two of our favourite releases from Panerai this year.

The new Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Chrono Flyback Automatic Titanium fitted with a very robust titanium Luminor 1950 case measuring 47mm in diameter incorporates features which have in common the military context of their origins and it appears as a contemporary watch with a strongly sporting character, with great personality and the purest Panerai identity. A professional underwater model that is water-resistant to a pressure of 300 meters, the new Luminor Submersible 1950 includes the iconic design of the Luminor 1950 case with a unidirectional rotating bezel made entirely of brushed titanium in the case of the PAM 614 and of black matte ceramic —graphite gray looking in person— in the case of the PAM 615. Aside from the different bezel, the lack of date aperture and the 12-hour chronograph on the PAM 615, both new Submersible models are exactly identical from top to bottom including their beating hearts. One thing that we absolutely love about these two new models, are the blue hands for the chronograph, which provide amazing contrast against the black matte dials.

Both new Officine Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Chrono Flyback Automatic Titanium PAM 614 and PAM 615 watches are powered by the in-house Panerai automatic movement P.9100. This calibre is very well protected by the solid titanium case back engraved with the S.L.C. motif.

The calibre P.9100 executed entirely by Panerai features 37 jewels, Glucydur balance, 302 parts and beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph to provide a power reserve of 3 days with two barrels. Both new watches PAM 614 and PAM 615 feature the iconic Panerai crown guard as well as screw-down chrono pushers on the left case band. The chronograph pushers are easy to manipulate and very sporty looking.

On the wrist, both watches wear comfortably, quite light —135.5 grams— and true to their size. As expected the watches sit high on the wrist making it almost impossible to hide them under the cuff of a shirt. But honestly, what paneristi would want to do that. These are two exceptional looking watches with a strong sporty character and fueled by the Panerai DNA in every sense of the word.

Another two pieces in the 2015 Panerai lineup have a sophisticated complication called the “equation of time” in them. Panerai has opted to issue this uncommon complication in steel-cased versions of its Luminor 1950 design and Radiomir 1940 Equation of Time 8 Days. You can see this equation of time is shown via a linear indicator on the dial. The difference between the mean time indicated by a watch and the true time indicated by the solar meridian is called the “equation of time” and it is the result of the combination of the Earth’s inclination and its elliptical orbit. The linear equation of time indicator displays this difference in time and it is set automatically when the date and the month are set on the watch.

THE LUXE WATCHES

Rado DiaMaster Automatic Ceramic Chronograph XXL To boldly go…time after time

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modern man on a mission always needs a sense of time – and a sense of style. The Rado DiaMaster Automatic Chronograph XXL combines both with an added dose of manly magic – in five fantastic versions. With one of these supermodels on your wrist, even if you don’t arrive on time, you’ll be fashionably late.sider in Grand Avenues.

For the superhero in you there’s a black matt version, while the shiny black is clean and classic. The three plasma models offer an additional touch of Rado material mastery – without compromising on the ceramic.

This striking metallic look, created in 100% high-tech ceramic, is a patented process and Rado‘s experts have gone the extra mile to keep the shine without adding to the weight.

During the plasma process, the molecular composition of the surface of the ceramic is changed by gases activated at high temperature. Scintillatingly scientific and super stylish, plasma high-tech ceramic has a brilliant metallic shine in a warm grey tone, without using any metal. It is 100% ceramic, 100% innovative and 100% Rado.

Material mastery The five-link high-tech ceramic bracelet design created for this collection is another example of Rado’s expertise with high-tech materials and complex micro- construction. With up to 100 individual links in a single chronograph bracelet,

this is Rado at its very best. Material and design work together for ultimate comfort as the bracelet’s increased flexibility fits the wearer’s wrist perfectly. This unique, super high-tech construction fits every size of wrist and adds a bold statement to an understated watch.

For the man who prefers a more vintage look, two of the plasma models feature a strap inspired by the design of classic handmade Italian shoes. In grey or in brown the straps have a gentle ombré effect, which contrasts perfectly with the technical shine of the super modern plasma cases.

Stop it, buy it, mark it, make it or lose it. Whatever you do with your time these lightweight, scratch-resistant ceramic chronographs won’t weigh you down or cramp your style.

Telling the time is made even easier with the pared-down displays and the clear, open dial design.

Guaranteed to stand the test of time – in style.

THE LUXE WATCHES

The Tissot T-Touch Expert Solar In touch with its time

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issot’s pioneering spirit is what led to the creation of tactile watches in 1999. Today, it is the first to present a touch-screen watch powered by solar energy, confirming its position as leader in tactile technology in watchmaking. The rays of light on the dial not only allow the Super-LumiNova® indices and hands to glow in the dark but to recharge the watch. It is a very powerful watch in every aspect, offering essential functions for everyday use such as a perpetual calendar with indication of day and week number to keep track of busy schedules, two alarms; one for the week, the other for the weekend, two time zones for holiday trips, weather forecast with relative pressure, altimeter with difference meter, chronograph lap and split with logbook, compass, timer, azimuth, regatta function and backlight. With these you will be geared up for anything that comes your way.

Straight to the design In touch with the technology it bears, the Tissot T-Touch Expert Solar’s design is truly modern and dynamic with strong lines, whether straight or angular. The push buttons are given an ergonomic aspect, while the milling provides the strap with further modernity and a better grip to the bezel on which it also features. You will still find the iconic features of the classic T-Touch Expert such as the lugs, shaped in a triangular shape, which detach from the case and are unique to that collection.

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THE LUXE WATCHES

Walter von Känel President of Longines

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atchmaking has always fascinated me,” says Walter von Känel, who spent his childhood, from 1945, at the top of the Saint-Imier Valley in the Bernois Jura, the heart of Swiss watchmaking. “When I was a boy, the great Longines company in the foothills of Saint-Imier, where most of the people of our region worked, always impressed me, and I was convinced that one day, I would work there. Already at the time, watchmaking was the thriving force of our region, and I knew that it would enable me to discover the world.” He joined the company in 1969, and has been its President since 1988.

A relationship with Longines since 1969 is quite fascinating, what would you say have been the major milestones since then?

There are several, I would say first and foremost, I have been through three systems of ownership within the company, the end of the old family business, then the mini-joint venture and then the major fusion between the major groups of this industr y. So, it was interesting to see this evolution. Number two, for me, it was to change the attitude of the technicians. In the late-70s the technician’s motto was basically “we produce what we want, you sell what we produce.” It took us quite some time to change it to “you produce what the market wants and not what you want.” Number three is the change in the technology, it was a total mechanical approach, and then step by step with the arrival of the analogue batter y watches, we played a little bit with the digital technique.

In China we became number one in the watch making industr y. There were a couple of big changes, and then the group arrived; we were no longer a single company, rather, a par t of a big family.

In the watch-making industry, what sets Longines apart?

Our turnover. When you are four th in this industr y, you are somebody. We are only involved in watchmaking and nothing else. Moreover, like with the car business, in this industr y the segmentation is the price; the price gives you the volume and we are number one in this segment. We focus on watchmaking and not on phones or jewelr y; this has given us a ver y good position in the market with the capacit y of 7,0 0 0 pieces a day. We multiplied our turnover more than five -fold during the past decade.

THE LUXE WATCHES

In your opinion, how did the customer’s perception of watches change over the years?

The watch industry – and I insist on this fact – is very similar to the car industry; it is primarily categorized based on price.

This is an industry where you have watches priced from twenty dollars to five million. The functions that display you the time on a watch are still there, but it’s not as important as it was in the beginning. A watch today is a branded and emotive consumer good. It’s our mission to make sure we keep our focus on the consistency of this motto. One notable thing today, especially in the Middle East, is that the traditional watch is still very strong, but there is an invasion of fashion watches that have a high demand in this part of the world.

How did your career affect your life choices?

I have spent 50% of my life in this field and I feel very blessed to have this career and I’m very lucky to have a military career in Switzerland. Our contact with the infantry people is strong, we eat with them and suffer with them – it’s a great experience because it’s one to one. You learn one thing in army, that is, not to do everything. I always made sure that the soldier knows his duty, be it important or simple. With the sales people, who are the soldiers in this industry, you have to make sure they understand the brand. I am always concerned about asking about my product in every store. I have to be a leader and an example – I have to be fun with my people, I have to be on time in the morning and I have to accept mistakes.

What can you tell me about the emotional attachment to a watch from a consumer’s perspective?

One of our key mottos is to focus on sports and activities in addition to brand ambassadors that represent our brand, such as Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. From the very beginning, we were convinced that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is not only an asset for India, but that we could promote Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s beauty all around the world. If we take Simon Baker, he was a very big success in his field too. Kate Winslet, also, thanks to the success of her movie ‘Titanic’ in China was very well accepted in there. Those emotional feelings are linked to those stars and this is how we believe our campaigns gained success. We have amended our advertising policies and retained its consistency.

Longines seems to have made an equal appeal for both men and women, how did you manage to maintain this balance?

I ask myself this question very often. Having been in this company for so long and having been involved in the decisionmaking process when it comes to products, I can say that the product is the name of the game in this industry. In the 1970s, we began to systematically produce watches for ladies and gents; the same watch in two different sizes. Today, we produce watches for both ladies and gents, with ladies watches in a minimum of two sizes and for gents. We are also lucky to have Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to promote our ladies watches.

Longines is closely associated with the equestrian spor ts. How is this spor t reflected in the brand’s DNA? The first Longines chronograph left Ernest Francillon’s factory in 1878. The precision and reliability of this first chronograph no doubt partly explains the image of excellence that the brand was already enjoying in the 19th century, but in particular the origin of its rich history in relation to sports timing. At that time, equestrian racing was one of the very rare sports and we were, from the very beginning, timing equestrian races. Today, Longines has a dominant position in equestrian sports, alpine skiing, tennis with RolandGarros, gymnastics and archery – five areas that all display elegance, one of the brand’s key characteristics.

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THE LUXE STYLE

Urban Romanticism Preview – Gucci Menswear Fall / Winter 2015-16

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ultivated through time and place and projected by experience and mood, individual style is the starting point of the Gucci Men’s Fall/Winter 2015-16 collection.

Visceral storytelling through fashion, the collection celebrates the idiosyncrasies that define personal style today. From a flourish of a chiffon bow to mink-lined men’s slippers to smatterings of signet rings, a dreamy ambiguity pulsates throughout.

An attitude not a silhouette; an experience not an era—the new collection is a point of departure that blurs the masculine/feminine divide and champions the youthful energy and natural confidence of today’s urbanites. Contemporary non-conformists, modern romantics, they have hidden spots in every city and a shared intellectual curiosity that informs how they live and what they wear.

THE LUXE STYLE

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THE LUXE STYLE

Tod’s Stardust A project by David Bailey

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od’s presents Stardust, a project by David Bailey, one of the most important photographers of the contemporary era. The exhibition, curated by Bailey, includes portraits, locations and personalities, mixing India with Australia, Sudan with Papua New Guinea, East End Londoners with ‘Pin-Ups’. Among this diverse range of subjects and groups are portraits of Jean Shrimpton, Jack Nicholson, Kate Moss and the Rolling Stones. In creating the exhibition Bailey made new silver gelatin prints to allow him to reassess each image.

Inspired by the Hogan’s archive, the ‘Traditional-2015’ sneakers are a blend of heritage and modernity in nappa, printed suede and techno mesh.

The classic penny loafer re-imagined in a fusion of polished calf or crocodile with innovative rubber detailing.

An over-sized gym-bag in washed leather trimmed in nylor or a plain leather version plays with an ‘80s videogame print.

Hogan’s ivy-man wears unstructured slim tailoring in athletic fabrics pared with buttondown knit oxfords and ties. Chinos and sweats coupled with letterman jackets. Short trench coat in embroidered cotton poplin, ultra-lightweight down jackets and vests. Bonded and perforated leather jackets. Varsity and game icons are debossed into cotton t-shirts and leather sweatshirts.

Simon Holloway's collection for Hogan is part of the evolution in the brand’s innovative vision of casual luxury for every occasion. A philosophy where quality and style are always cherished.

Colours white, heather grey, regatta-blue, black, checks Materials calfskin, nappa, techno-mesh, rubber, printed suede.

THE LUXE STYLE

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THE LUXE STYLE

A Vision of India Louis Vuitton Men Spring 2015

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vision of contemporary and eternal India, which predates European traditions and spans over five to six hundred years, has been remixed by Louis Vuitton into a glamorous blend of sophisticated embellished fabrics, smart military tailoring and inventive sport style.

In a spectacular modernization of classic Indian embellishment, Shisha mirrored embroidery with LV engraved mirrors, appears constellation-style across flight jackets with blue tone-on-tone high textured embroidery in ceramiccoated and Mako yarns; a glamorous sport hybrid that can be worn with high-waist military shorts, or zipped into an all-inone military flight suit.

Pattern is omnipresent. The Louis Vuitton Karakoram motif is translated into a range of subtle zigzag herringbone variations in fine suit wools for peaked lapel jackets and pants with a more defined, slightly higher waist and long, straight leg.

Modern India with a 70s accent shows in the tailoring colorations from warm, natural military khakis and browns to indigo denim blue for crisp cotton suits with embossed leather buttons, and the subtle sheen of silks in a range of formal darks and princely white for evening.

Patterns continue in a more pronounced way for shirts inspired

by Indian turban fabrics and embroidery motifs. Large scale multicolor Karakoram, shot with the season’s blue, shocking pink and orange colors, appear on a dotted ground taken from India’s Mothra tie dye technique, which places the dots very tightly as a traditional mark of social rank.

White cotton/silk shirts are a shadowy Chikan style sampler of traditional Indian patterns interspersed with the Gaston V in patchwork jacquard. And filmy silk organza short sleeve shirts, some with Karakoram display strikingly airy Indian exoticism. Polo shirts in a V patchwork of bright orange and pink on khaki, evoke India’s chic maharaja sportsmen.

Outerwear associates refined leathers, military tailoring, silks and sophisticated technical fabrics in pieces that are chic and performing. The trench in twill textured Louis Vuitton signature natural cowhide leather is both sumptuous and rugged, and the overcoat in dark silk with Indian military gold sundial buttons has a technical Aertex silk and cashmere bicolor lining for elegant performance.

Twill leather reappears in a military flight suit and wool twill trench coats sport suede epaulettes, while blousons show in traditional and tunic versions in suede with suede ribbing at the waist. Knits combine Louis Vuitton Karakoram stripes and symbolic Indian patterns. The tee-shirt is treated with the collection’s caravansary elephant in ornate jacquard instead of print on Indian style super-mercerized cotton.

Super fine 21 gauge cashmere sweaters are narrow striped at the neck and hem with silk, while silk sweaters are given the same treatment with cashmere stripes. Spring’s cardigan looks like a bomber jacket with matte jersey body and satin sleeves, and silk chenille knit in bicolor appears as a warm-up vest under a jacket.

Four special edition trunks, a desktop case, guitar case, record case and composer’s case designed to hold music paper, ink and notebooks, have been included in this collection in aged natural cowhide with fine calf interior.

The Maison’s classic Monogram signature has been reversed in three new bags featuring LV Monogram trim on solid tanned deer leather in the season’s doctor bag, soft weekend suitcase and vertical tote with Monogram straps and tags.

This season also marks the launch of the new V bag collection.

Made of an exclusive light, supple and water-repellent leather, it is especially designed for modern urban nomads: multipurpose bags fitting all daily activities, from gym to the office.

Signed with a Gaston V, the collection provides a contemporary vision of travel, matching the pace of 21st century.

Singh’s 19th century descendant, Sawai Ram Singh II’s crossed bridge glasses also inspired this season’s eyewear, while Indian sundials appear on belt buckles, cuff links, rings and bag charms along with a guitar flectrum pendant in malachite on a necklace.

Footwear for this modern Indian vision is both contemporary and precious featuring alligator leather sneakers in simple black or white.

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THE LUXE STYLE

Into The Blue

H with TUMI

armonize your journeys with a serene color that recalls the sea and sky.

1. VOYAGEUR Brive Sling Backpack 2. VOYAGEUR Sumatra Crossbody 3. PRISM Leather Snap Case for iPad Mini 4. SINCLAIR French Wallet 5. MONACO SLG Double Billfold 6. MONACO SLG Slim Card Case 7. KEY FOB Retractable Key Leash 8. KEY FOB Alpha Patch Tracer 9. KEY FOB Multi Valet 10. KEY FOB Slim Monogram 11. PRISM Cosmetic Case 12. PRISM Luggage Tag 13. OPTICAL TUMI Lite 14. VOYAGEUR Calais Backpack 15. ALPHA BRAVO Monterey Sling 16. ALPHA SLG Gussetted Card Case 17. ALPHA SLG Double Billfold 18. PRISM Large Wristlet 19. VAPOR Medium Trip Packing Case 20. SINCLAIR Zip-Around Card Case 21. CHELSEA Zip-Around Card Case

THE LUXE STYLE

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THE LUXE STYLE

Summer Sailing Hackett London - inspired by the sea this season

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esigned for the gentleman on his yacht or spending time down by the sea, this nautical story sees a fresh palette in blues and whites with flashes of red.

Bold, chunky knits with intarsia anchors and minimally branded polo shirts are the perfect uniform for messing around the dock in style.

A standout piece is the rainproof wool and nylon bomber jacket with luxury leather lapel and comes with its own matching pack-away bag. This is available in a blue and grey color-way.

Be a captain in the style stakes with shirts are embroidered with anchors, boat shoes and nautical cufflinks. Anchor buttons and fisherman-style metal hook fastenings are the final touches to the sailing theme.

THE LUXE STYLE

Harvey Nichols Kuwait SS2015 The trendiest fashion pieces hand-chosen at global fashion shows

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arvey Nichols Kuwait has launched its new Spring Summer 2015 collection, curated by a fearless and stylish buying team that has travelled the world to find the most cuttingedge brands in fashion. Offering lines directly sourced from fashion capitals around the globe, including Paris, Milan, London and New York, the new Spring Summer collection offers items that are available exclusively at the country’s premier fashion destination.

Kuwait can look forward to a bold, colourful start to the year across the store’s departments, including the country’s best Footwear offering, which has been infused with the latest head-turning items from the Spring Summer catwalks of designers such as Manolo Blahnik, Salvatore Ferregamo and Isabel Marant. New to Harvey Nichols Kuwait is footwear label Sue Comma Bonnie, a contemporary Korean designer shoes handmade in Korea with premium Italian materials. With a strong and stylish approach to everyday fashion, Sue Comma Bonnie’s creations are not only cool and modern, but also ageless and adaptive, whether completing the look for a funky fashionista or adding a suitable bit of flair for the office.

In menswear, hand-picked pieces from favorites such as Balenciaga, Valentino and Alexander McQueen highlight sporty styles and statement-making designs, with standouts emphasizing comfort, fit and unexpected details. Here, Harvey Nichols Kuwait has added the new hit Wooster + Lardini collection: a collaboration between Instagram icon and exfashion director of Bergdorf Goodman, Nick Wooster, and fashion group Lardini. Together, they have created a synthesis of sophisticated fabrics and unexpected styling. The colors are based on a wardrobe of classic menswear: grey, khaki, olive and navy, and made up of ten colour cards that range from garment dyed cotton/linen, seersucker, Prince of Wales plaid, houndstooth in black and white, a summer tweed in wool and mohair, and a compact panama in cotton and linen.

To highlight its range of cutting-edge brands, Harvey Nichols Kuwait has developed a campaign called “Think Inside the Box”, which aims to get customers to find new ways of expressing themselves through the stunning new collection.

To know more about the campaign and the fresh Spring Summer 2015 collection, follow the @HarveyNicholsKuwait Instagram account to start thinking inside the box.

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THE LUXE STYLE

Brioni

A

Spring Summer 2015

retro imagery of Los Angeles fused with the city’s modern multi-cultural buzz delineates the relaxed sophistication of the SS 2015 collection and a softer side of the Brioni man.

The house’s rich archives continue to inspire Creative Director Brendan Mullane, whose collection takes its cue from Brioni’s American style conquests in the 1950s. Old photos of Hollywood icons such as Richard Burton, Henry Fonda and Cary Grant, snapped during Brioni fittings, sparked the connection with Los Angeles, the pulsating heart of the entertainment industry and a fertile hub for art, culture and media.

At the time, Brioni made headlines with its “Columnar Look,” a statuesquely elongated silhouette featuring tapered trousers that went against mainstream men’s fashion. A look reinvented to precisely tailored modern effect, counterpointed by a new silhouette featuring clean boxy tops or jacket over soft wide pants, a sensual elegance that is constructed but never constrictive.

Los Angeles, a city that from dawn to dusk is soaked in a saturated warm light, casts its rays over Brioni’s sartorial tradition and Italian heritage, setting off an exuberant yet sophisticated color palette of beetroot red, ocean and Capri blues, palm and mint greens, carnation red, turquoise and light blue.

Shades that blossom to artistic glory thanks to the collaboration between Brioni and L.A-based artist James Welling, whose signature floral patterns were elaborately revisited, studied

and meticulously transposed onto Brioni cashmere/silk suits, tissue-thin silk shirts and zipped blousons, in both bright accents or painterly nuances. True bespoke artworks that further display Brioni’s and Brendan Mullane’s long-standing quest to innovate and experiment.

Sports jackets, varsity-inspired styles, fitted knitted polo shirts , cropped pants and Bermuda shorts are mixed-and-matched to create strong combinations of contrasting patterns. Super lightweight parachute silks, traditional Prince-of- Wales checks, houndstooth plaids and herringbone weaves are either overdyed with bold colors or feature hand overstitched checkered motifs that add a 3D texture.

The looks are rounded out by an array of roomy bags in combinations of hand-woven double silk jacquards, suede and calfskin where the added value is once again a houndstooth overstitch while the footwear front is ruled by cross-over sandals, fringed or tasseled loafers and light-weight doublemonk shoes with a Good Year construction and wedged hand-sculpted microfiber inner sole.

At the presentation, the American artist Collier Schorr captures the stolen moments of the Brioni man’s life, which serve as an ethereal backdrop for the floating real life models. A podium inspired by a case study house movement, with a sweeping view of the sunset, brings Brioni’s Los Angeles dream to life.

THE LUXE GROOMING

Davidoff’s New Face Scott Eastwood

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oty has signed an agreement with actor Scott Eastwood to be the new face of the DAVIDOFF Cool Water fragrance advertising campaign starting worldwide summer 2015.

The American actor has already made a name for himself with roles in over 20 films, with his latest, “Fury”, where he costars alongside Brad Pitt and Shia LaBeouf, which debuted in theaters October 2014. Scott recently wrapped his first major studio lead for Twentieth Century Fox, “The Longest Ride,” which will be released April 10, 2015. “The Longest Ride” is based on the best-selling novel by Nicholas Sparks, author of The Notebook. This March, Eastwood starts shooting the asyet-untitled Oliver Stone film opposite Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

Scott’s credits also include supporting roles in “Gran Torino” and “Trouble with the Curve”.

“The ocean has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I’m proud to be the face of the fragrance that is synonymous with that lifestyle”, says Eastwood.

Born and raised by the sea in California and Hawaii, Eastwood is a lifelong ocean lover, a passionate surfer who can nearly always be found outdoors. When he played a surfer in films like “The Perfect Wave” and “Dawn Patrol”, he proudly did his own stunts. The agreement with Coty marks the first time that Eastwood crosses over into the fragrance market.

He truly embodies the spirit of DAVIDOFF Cool Water,” says Steve Mormoris, Coty Chief Marketing Officer Fragrances.

“Scott Eastwood is rising star in Hollywood who has always been committed to the ocean and to nature.

He represents a new kind of man: Scott Eastwood is part of a new generation of man who is outdoorsy, adventurous and cares about the environment but doesn’t take himself too seriously.

The agreement entails Scott Eastwood being the worldwide public face of DAVIDOFF Cool Water. In summer 2015, the first TV commercial and print ad for the fragrance featuring the sexy, down-to-earth actor will appear.

THE LUXE GROOMING

Rock The Ages from Jo Malone London

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Limited Edition Collection from Great Britain. Proud. Illustrious. A little eccentric. A nation renowned for its distinguished history and defining eras. Celebrated in scent by Jo Malone London.

Tudor Rose & Amber The dark grandeur of Tudor Rose & Amber. The heraldic Tudor rose, still used today as a royal symbol of England.

Blended with opulent rose absolute, clove and ginger, to reinforce the spiced facet. Golden amber wraps the fragrance in warm sensuality. Rich, sumptuous.

Lily of the Valley & Ivy Lily of the Valley & Ivy. Reminiscent of the pastel gentility of Georgian London. Sparkling cassis and green ivy open the fragrance while the dewy delicacy of lily of the valley and decadent narcissus add a lavish heart. Captivating, ethereal.

Pomegranate Noir The Victorian era, a golden age embracing the English drama expressed by the enigmatic, ruby-rich depth of Pomegranate Noir. Luscious and juicy pomegranate is layered with heady Casablanca lily and spiked with the

cool spice, pink pepper. Sensual Guaiacwood weaves through the scent. Dramatic, intense.

Geranium & Verbena The cool elegance of Edwardian summers. Of graceful attire and garden parties, captured in Geranium & Verbena. Aromatic verbena and basil are blended with refined and elegant geranium. Enveloped with coumarin and vetiver for a charismatic and unexpected scent. Clean, herbaceous.

Birch & Black Pepper And Britain, today. Its rebellious roots in punk, existing side by side with an enduring respect for tradition, evoked

by Birch & Black Pepper. A scent of contrasts. Black pepper and cardamom add a cool spiciness, layered with smoky birch. An accord of magnetic ink juxtaposed with the smooth warmth of gurjum. A surprising, sensual scent.

Individual, audacious, stylish. Just like Britain.

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THE LUXE TRAVEL

Salt

Showcasing the freshest seafood and international delights

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umeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa, Kuwait’s idyllic resort, has launched a new menu for their signature restaurant Salt, staging a new dining experience.

Created by Chef Indika Bandara, Salt features seafood and international menu showcasing contemporary and classic dishes from around the globe and using the freshest and finest ingredients. Creative starters, Asian inspired delicacies, contemporary seafood and succulent beef, lamb and chicken specialties along with an array of sharing platters makes Salt the perfect venue for intimate dinners or celebrations with friends.

new dining experience in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere”.

“Salt’s new menu takes guests on a culinary world tour with international dishes inspired from the East to the West and ingredients sourced locally, from Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the United States of America” said Mohammed Al Khatib, Director of Food and Beverage.

“We look forward to offering our guests an exceptional

Salt is also the perfect venue for romantic dinners with the atmosphere, cuisine and attention to detail that are guaranteed to make your evening perfect in every way.

The restaurant’s exquisite interiors with dark wood panelling, impressive chandeliers contrasted against aquamarine carpet and elegant upholstery set the stage for a special evening of fabulous food and live piano entertainment.

The restaurant is open every day from 7 pm until midnight, except Sundays.

THE LUXE TRAVEL

THE LUXE ZEITGEIST

ZEITGEIST Good design, where form and function come together so exquisitely, should always be celebrated.

This month Men’s Passion features some of the most desirable and well executed products that define the times in which we are living.

S.T.Dupont Chinese Lacquer and Perfect Gold

THE LUXE ZEITGEIST

L'ATELIER 1953 was created in 1953 at S.T.Dupont’s manufacturing site at Faverges. Used exclusively for creating special orders and exceptional objects, this workshop was the place where all of S.T.Dupont's manufacturing secrets were kept.

With the re-opening of L'ATELIER 1953, S.T.Dupont can now use these age-old techniques to revive and reinvent entirely hand-crafted objects.

Master goldsmiths and master lacquerers work the noble metals expertly, and assemble the high-precision mechanisms of these incomparable objects with patience and skill.

LAQUE DE CHINE by L’ATELIER 1953 Four Chinese lacquer lighters of unmatchable shine and depth have been revived in limited quantities. A shimmering patina effect in dark brown, light brown, blue and cherry red gives them a delightful retro look. A lacquer leaf is subtly engraved under the lighter to authenticate the genuine Chinese lacquer, just as it was on the original object.

Master lacquerers embody the essence of S.T.Dupont's unique know-how, transforming the sap of a precious tree into the lustrous and deeply coloured product that is Chinese lacquer. It is a living substance, and handling and working it is no easy task. Chinese lacquer is applied by hand in up to six layers, and can also be applied with a sponge, using an age-old technique which produces a cloudy effect and different shades of colour.

L’OR PARFAIT by L’ATELIER 1953 A gold lighter with a perfect ping. Shaped like a gold ingot with a brushed finish, this unique lighter combines simplicity with the highest technical sophistication. Its distinguishing feature is the powerful and unique crystal-clear sound it makes when the cap is opened. The lighter is painstakingly worked, with adjustments by hand requiring many years of experience; to emit the "perfect ping" that is the ultimate sign of recognition for connoisseurs.

Master goldsmiths work with rare and precious metals: they sculpt, cut and engrave their raw material, carving intricate guilloche patterns and teasing it towards the required shape, feel or shine.

After more than 600 operations and 300 quality tests, a functional object has turned into a genuine work of art.

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THE LUXE YACHTS

Officine Panerai Sets Sail at the Dubai International Boat Show 2015

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fficine Panerai, the luxury Italian watchmaking brand joined the elite crowd and boat enthusiasts at the Dubai International Boat Show 2015, for the sixth consecutive year. The show took place at the Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi from the 3rd to the 7th of March and hosted an exceptional crowd of boat specialists, sea lovers, collectors and marine fans from various parts of the globe.

In line with its tradition, Officine Panerai was the ‘Supporting Partner’ of the Dubai International Boat Show, confirming its patronage with the VIP registration lounge of this prestigious event.

Panerai recreated a marine like atmosphere inspired by the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge, the international route of regattas reserved for Classic and Vintage sailing boats, and unveiled a selection of exceptional novelties from its 2015 collection, recently launched in Geneva during the Salon International of the Haute Horlogerie 2015.

While the brand was founded in Florence in 1860, the Panerai watch came into the world from the depths of the sea. Starting from the 1930s, Panerai was the provider of high precision devices and ageless timepieces to the special submarine forces of the Royal Italian Navy, and has become now a renowned haute horlogerie sports watch brand. Since the Dubai International Boat Show provides an ideal regional platform to showcase the latest news from the maritime world, partnering with this powerful event, emphasizes Panerai’s historical lineage and tradition of being related to the sea.

The 23rd Dubai International Boat Show revealed more than 45 global and regional premiers taking place, offering boating enthusiasts a first look at some of the most technologically advanced and magnificent crafts on display.

Local manufacturer Gulf Craft announced the global premier of their latest superyacht, Majesty 122 – a luxury fly-bridge designed to suit the Mediterranean lifestyle with indoor and outdoor lounge areas, two decks and luxurious accommodation for 10 guests. A new collection of yachts – Nomad - has also been announced and is designed for passionate seafarers who enjoy long-range exploration with friends and family.

Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss) member Oceanco used the Dubai International Boat Show as a platform to launch its 107m superyacht on a global stage. The six-deck, Ken Freivokh-designed STILETTO will feature a double storey saloon, glass elevator, and spiral staircase capped by a massive skylight, along with a gymnasium, spa and toys and tender garage.

Marking its first ever public appearance, the AS100, a modern

megayacht from local manufacturer Al Shaali Marine estimated at USD 5.45 million has been unveiled to visitors. The AS100 is the largest yacht ever built by the company, which describes it as the first of its kind designed and manufactured in the Middle East, bringing together space, luxury, and comfort alongside performance and balance.

Iconic Australian yacht builder Riviera has announced a majestic new flagship for its fleet of premium recreational yachts – the new and deluxe 77 Enclosed Flybridge, touted as the largest, most luxurious and most technologically advanced Riviera ever. Brought to the show by Riviera’s exclusive dealer in the region, SF Yachts, the 77feet premium yacht offers 360-degree views from its luxurious saloon deck, as well as four staterooms.

Comar Shipyards from Italy, a first-time exhibitor at the show, has chosen this important showcase to present the world premiere of its line of power catamarans: Comet Power Cat 38, Comet 50 Power and Cat Power Cat 62. Ideal for experiencing the sea in great comfort and ease, CAT powerboats have elegant lines and spacious, customisable interiors.

THE LUXE YACHTS

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THE LUXE EVENTS

New Iconic Boutique at Symphony Mall

Yacob Behbehani Sons Co. has launched a new iconic boutique of multi-brands of luxury watches, jewelry and pens in new Symphony Mall.

Among a jubilant gathering and breathtaking event, the company launched the new boutique offering multiple luxury watch brands, jewelry and pens.

Yacob Behbehani Sons Company is a well-known company in Kuwait that was established by the late Mr. Yacob Yousef Behbehani in 1938 and now 77 years later it had continued to grow with the leadership and vision of Mr. Aqeel Yacob Behbehani.

The Boutique introduces the latest collection of luxury watches from international brands, sophisticated Spanish jewelry and Pens.

The other prestigious brands are: West End, Armand Nicolet, Azimuth, Sheaffer Pens, Luxenter Jewlery, Dimacci Bracelet, Daniel Wellington, Triwa and many more, for a total of 17 brands.

“It’s with great pleasure and pride, we launch the Yacob Behbehani Boutique at Symphony Mall,” says Mr. Aqeel Y. Behbehani, the Managing Director.

Mr. Behbehani concluded:” Since inception, we have targeted polices that aim to exceed our customers’ expectations. We are greatly dedicated to service excellence, product innovation and cost- effective price. Such policies are expected to be followed in line with our commitment towards the society and the market as well”.

THE LUXE EVENTS

Mercedes-Benz Kuwait treats loyal AMG customers to AMG Performance Tour

The region’s most loyal AMG customers have returned from Abu Dhabi after being treated to an exhilarating on-track experience at the 2015 AMG Performance Tour. A.R Albisher & Z. Alkazemi Company flew 35 of its highly valued clientele to the UAE for the exclusive chance to drive the full AMG portfolio of cars on the world class Formula 1 Grand Prix track. The group also included 5 customers from Boubyan Bank – Platinum-banking.

With the most impressive line-up of Mercedes-AMG vehicles to date, the 2015 AMG Performance Tour generated as much adrenalin for drivers as the 15,300 horsepower unleashed around the Yas Marina Formula 1 Circuit in Abu Dhabi. In addition to the fleet of high performance Mercedes-AMG cars in this year’s exhilarating AMG Performance Tour, the debut of the much anticipated Mercedes-AMG GT S and brand new C 63 AMG models took place – facing each other as dynamic, powerful and poised as the heavyweight fighting machines they are.

Taking place at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit where last year the Mercedes AMG Petronas team won the F1 championship, the participants experienced the unrivalled thrill of testing the ‘Driving Performance’ of Mercedes-AMG vehicles in an environment that showcased the power, speed and agility of

these exceptional machines. With unprecedented access to the world-class Formula 1 Grand Prix track, this year’s AMG Performance Tour included an impressive line-up of models: A 45 AMG 4MATIC, CLA 45 AMG 4MATIC, C 63 AMG Coupe, C 63 S, CLS 63 AMG 4MATIC, E 63 AMG 4MATIC, SL 63 AMG, S 63 AMG 4MATIC, S 63 AMG 4MATIC Coupe, ML 63 AMG, GL 63 AMG, G 63 AMG and the new Mercedes-AMG GT S. Michael Ruehle, CEO, Abdul Rahman Albisher & Zaid Alkazemi Company: “Speeding around one of the most highly rated F1 tracks and experiencing the power of an AMG at every turn is something that many car fanatics dream of. Participating in the AMG Performance Tour was the perfect opportunity for us to demonstrate our appreciation to some of our most loyal AMG customers in a memorable way. We have no doubt that they had an incredible time and have left with even more of an appreciation of the engineering masterpieces that are the Mercedes-AMG family.”

An annual event that is an unquestioned highlight on the calendars of AMG enthusiasts across the region, the 2015 AMG Performance Tour was attended by customers and media, and comprised a series of on-track events that allowed the participants to fully experience the ‘Driving Performance’ of AMG vehicles.

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THE LUXE EVENTS

Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive Awarded ‘Regional Dealer Of The Year’

by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Alghanim & Sons Automotive, the sole authorized dealer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and the official importer of BMW and MINI in Kuwait, was recently recognised for its stellar performance in 2014, as it was awarded an impressive five accolades at the annual Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Regional Dealer Awards for the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia and South America.

The awards included the coveted Regional Dealer of the Year, awarded annually to the dealer that performs most successfully across all areas of the business including vehicle sales, target achievements, Provenance sales, and Aftersales. In addition to the Regional Dealer of the Year award, Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive also received awards for the Highest Year on Year Sales Growth, Brand Ambassador for 2014 (awarded to Mr. Abbas Ashmar), and two Certificates of Excellence for outstanding achievements in Aftersales (Mr. Gavin Varnham and Mr. Peter Farkas) as well.

Speaking af ter the Regional Dealer Conference Awards, Mr. Yousef Al Qatami, General Manager of Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive said: “It is with great pleasure and pride that I congratulate the entire team at Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive for its fantastic per formance throughout 2014.

Such recognition by our regional colleagues is testament to the unwavering dedication and passion of the entire team in Kuwait, and is a truly well-deserved achievement that I have no doubt will propel us into an even stronger and more successful year in 2015.”

Having grown its Rolls-Royce sales by an impressive 42% in 2014, Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive has already star ted the year in a strong position and will maintain its commitment to delivering phenomenal results across all ver ticals of its Rolls-Royce Motor Cars fur ther into 2015 as well.

THE LUXE EVENTS

Longines & Behbehani

Longines and Behbehani Group announced their partnership in Kuwait. Longines Ambassador of Elegance Aishwarya Rai Bachchan enhanced this announcement by her presence.

To spread their wings further, on 11 March 2015, Mr. Walter von Känel, President of Longines, and Mr. Ali Morad Behbehani, Behbehani Group President, announced the partnership of Longines with the Behbehani Group by adding Longines to the multi brand boutique belonging to the Behbehani Group in The Avenues Mall, Kuwait. The announcement was graced by the presence of the Longines Ambassador of Elegance and former Miss World, Ashwariya Rai Bachchan.

Henceforth, Longines will be having a display space dedicated to its watch collections in The Avenues Mall, offering high level shopping experience in Kuwait. “Watch enthusiasts, collectors and customers will have the opportunity to view Longines watches in one of the largest malls in the world. The good reputation and long-term partnership of the Behbehani Group with the Swatch Group make it an ideal and solid partner for opening a new point of sale in the Middle East region,” said Mr Walter von Känel, President of Longines.

On the occasion of this press launch, Longines Ambassador of Elegance Aishwarya Rai Bachchan caught the spotlight with a Longines watch from the Conquest Classic collection on her wrist. The brand highlighted indeed the stainless steel and pink gold model with its diamonds set bezel for the opening of the new point of sale at The Avenues Mall .

“I am very pleased to be invited to share this occasion and show my support to Longines.

The sophisticated atmosphere of Behbehani Avenues Showroom perfectly mirrors the elegance of the brand and its timepieces”, she said.

Mr. Ali Morad Behbehani, Behbehani Group President said “having the Longines brand in our multi brand showroom is just another step closer to our aim which is to bring luxury brands from around the globe to Kuwait. Based on this new partnership with Longines, we will continue offering the customers the best shopping experience in the country”.

The press announcement in Behbehani Showroom was followed by a launch with guests and media in the evening, which was enhanced by the stunning presence of Longines Ambassador of Elegance Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.