Al Jazirah Vehicles Agencies expands into Jazan

Under the patronage of HRH Prince Mohammad bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Ruler of Jazan, Al Jazirah Vehicles Agencies Co. (AJVA) – the importer-dealer of Ford and Lincoln vehicles in the Kingdom, officially inaugurated today its first fully fledged branch in Jazan, marking a key addition to its growing network of facilities across the Kingdom. The Jazan facility is the 18^th AJVA sales outlet of Ford and Lincoln vehicles in Saudi Arabia.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Fahad Al Kraidees, AJVA’s president, toured VIP guests in the 10,000 sqm facility which houses the Ford and Lincoln showroom (1,000sqm), service centre and workshop (2,400sqm), as well as the parts department and warehouse. The property, located at the New Northern Corniche, also includes staff accommodation, ample parking spaces and a car wash area.

“This new dealership facility marks an important milestone for AJVA," said Al Kraidees. "Not because we established a major presence in the Jazan Province, but because it is a testament to our continued commitment to serve more and more customers wherever they are in the Kingdom, while delivering the highest quality products and services. We have made significant progress since we announced our ambitious expansion plans. And currently, AJVA enjoys a network of 18 main branches with two more expected to open by the second half of this year. We are very proud of our 25-year history, during which we were driven by our commitment to be the best and completely focused on the customers – a drive that has helped us become the world's largest Ford dealer.”

Larry Prein, Ford Middle East's managing director said:  “Ford Middle East congratulates Al Jazirah Vehicles Agencies on the opening of their new facility in Jazan and commends the dealership's continued efforts in expanding the Ford customer base across the Kingdom. AJVA's commitment to ensure we have a strong, sustainable representation throughout Saudi Arabia is evidenced by their efforts to continuously improve and provide the highest customer satisfaction levels.”

“Ford and Al Jazirah Vehicles Agencies Co share a major success story all over the Kingdom," added Al Kraidees. "Our sales have increased year over year even during the financial crisis when other brands experienced challenging times. Most importantly, our growth rate in the Kingdom has exceeded the local industry's pace as Ford and Lincoln sales recorded a 75 per cent growth during the first quarter of this year.

"We attribute this success to the new range of strong Ford and Lincoln products and our firm commitment to the Saudi market and customer satisfaction. Today, we offer a completely refreshed lineup of Ford products with exceptional quality and technologies, attractive designs supported by superior customer service and competitive prices. And as we observe our 25^th anniversary, we reiterate our promise to be the best bar none in all aspects that matter to the customer," continued Al Kraidees.

Hussein Murad, Ford Middle East's director of Sales added: "Ford is on the fast track to success. Our continued growth in Saudi Arabia is testament to increased preference for our products, and to the continued efforts of Al Jazirah Vehicles Agencies Co to drive their customers' ownership experience with the Ford and Lincoln brands to higher levels. This is a commendable achievement and we look forward to continue working together to ensure that we bring our customers what they desire in terms of products and services."

Recently, the Kelley Blue Book Brand Watch study showed Ford had reclaimed the No. 1 spot as the most considered automotive brand overall for new car shoppers. Ford snatched the title in a big way, with a significant lead over second-place Toyota/Chevrolet and third-place Honda.

In addition to being the most-considered auto brand overall (regardless of segment) for Q4 2010, Ford has been the highest-considered brand within the truck segment for nine consecutive quarters. Currently, Ford is the most-considered brand in the non-luxury SUV/CUV segment, and continues to gain ground quarter-over-quarter in the non-luxury sedan/coupe/hatchback segment.

Separately, Lincoln received the highest score for long-term durability among all vehicle brands in the annual J.D. Power and Associates’ 2011 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS), where Ford Motor Company vehicles also received awards in four segments:

Lincoln MKZ, Entry Premium Car

Ford Fusion, Midsize Car

Ford Mustang, Midsize Sporty

Lincoln Navigator, Large Premium Crossover/SUV

In total, Ford had nine vehicles ranking in the top three of their respective segments. They include Ford Edge, Ford Explorer Sport Trac, Ford Taurus, Ford F-150 and Ford Ranger.

And most lately, Ford added yet another "Top Safety Pick" to its leading number of top U.S. safety ratings, with the Ford Edge becoming the latest Ford vehicle to earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Ford has 10 vehicles on the road in the U.S. that have earned Top Safety Picks.