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Asif Iqbal
Doha
Qatar is the best performing market for Japanese automaker Toyota and has the largest market share compared to any other country in the region, a top official of Abdullah Abdulghani and Bros Company (AAB), dealers of Toyota in Qatar, has said.
"Currently our market share in Qatar is 36.2 percent, which is the highest in the region. The average market share of Toyota in the region is 36 percent and we are the market leader in passenger vehicle segment," Chief Operating Officer of AAB's Automotive Division Ramalingam K Murugan told Qatar Tribune on the sidelines of the launch of the all-new 2018 Toyota Yaris hatchback on Wednesday.
On being asked about vehicle sales in 2017, Murugan said the sales slowed down a little last year due to the economic situation but Toyota still managed to retain its market share in the country. He said the slowdown of vehicle sales was not only in Qatar but there was a slowdown across the globe.
The AAB official further said he expects sales to pick up in 2018 and the market share to improve further.
Earlier AAB, launched the all-new 2018 Toyota Yaris hatchback at the Toyota showroom.
The all-new Toyota Yaris hatchback is part of Toyota's"Value Beyond Belief" concept, featuring a class above fuel economy and dynamic performance along with the safety and durability that Toyota is known for. It also boasts leading safety and technology features, an interior with high quality materials, a more spacious cabin with improved legroom, larger trunk capacity, as well as enhanced comfort and handling stability.
Murugan, while speaking about the success of the Yaris in Qatar, said,"Small on the outside, the Toyota Yaris is very big on safety, value, and now more than ever, style. The latest-generation Yaris hatchback has instant appeal, thanks to a sporty exterior that grabs attention from every angle."
He said the 2018 Yaris gets a fresh new face with a bolder front grille and updated headlight design. Yaris radiates a dynamic and sporty personality as it continues to give plenty of surprises making each and every moment more active, more of a delight.
"Its sharp, advanced form impresses you the moment you see it. Then, there's the superb comfort you can feel whenever you drive. As well as a powertrain that delivers both exceptional driving performance and fuel economy. On the inside, the Yaris has a premium feel. The cockpit's emotional design features a sweeping, dynamic look front-to-back as well as expansive roominess."
Yaris' drive is smooth and energetic. Qualities one can feel as one turn the steering wheel and step on the accelerator.
Integrated control of the advanced transmission Multidrive 7S and engine delivers a smooth, powerful drive and excellent fuel efficiency.
Toyota's 36-month/100,000 km new-car warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items."We are bringing only one option of Yaris hatchback in Qatar which is 1.5-litre engine and priced at QR54,000," Murugan informed.
Regarding the demand for small cars in the country, Murugan said there is great potential for small cars in Qatar.
He said with the population increasing and the hosting of events like the 2022 Fifa World Cup would spur sales of small cars.
"We, at AAB have been in constant endeavour to attain the highest levels of quality and service to our valued customers.
"We are sure that our relationship with our customers will go above and beyond the conventional framework of automobile and peripheral services," Murugan said.
