Volkswagen Middle East, the regional office of Europe’s largest car manufacturer, and its partner in Qatar, Saad Buzwair Automotive, have stepped up their commitment to the region’s international rally aspirations by presenting six time FIA Middle East Champion and second place 2010 Dakar Rally driver, Nasser Al Attiyah, with a Volkswagen Touareg V8, galvanizing the Qatari national’s Volkswagen Motorsport contract.
The home grown FIA rally star was handed the key to the top-of-the-line SUV in the presence of Volkswagen officials, local partner representatives, fans and customers in Doha, at a special ceremony held at the Saad Buzwair Automotive Volkswagen Showroom.
“Rally in the region has achieved phenomenal success at an exponential rate in recent years, and Nasser has been integral to those accomplishments,” said Stefan Timmermann, Regional Sales Director of Volkswagen Middle East.
“Nasser has been winning races for 20 years, starting with national wins in Qatar, moving on to regional FIA championships and then winning races on the FIA world arena. Since signing our champion to the Volkswagen Motorsport team in July 2009, he has continued to go from strength to strength. Volkswagen Middle East intends to stand firm in its support for our local drivers,” Timmermann added.
While signing autographs for fans following the ceremony, Nasser said, “I really am flattered by Volkswagen Middle East’s support for me. The Volkswagen Touareg is a beautiful car, but more than that, the gesture represents the company’s dedication and support for Arab rally. There is no doubt in my mind that Volkswagen Middle East is with me, corner for corner, race for race, win for win.”
The Touareg, Volkswagen’s flagship model in the Middle East, unites the world of off-road vehicles with the comfortable dimensions of a luxury sedan and the dynamic attributes of a sports car.
Presenting the car, Saad Buzwair, Chairman of Saad Buzwair Automotive, said, “As a Qatari national, I am extremely proud of the continued success of my fellow countryman. Nasser is not only an impeccable ambassador for our country, but also a hero to Arabs across the globe. As the local partner for Volkswagent, we are honoured to be able to support his achievements.”
Nasser will be competing at a series of rallies planned for 2010 in the Volkswagen Race Touareg - a unique model designed to master any type of terrain at racing speed, including the hottest deserts, highest altitudes and high-speed stretches of gravel - which recently took first, second, and third place at the 2010 Dakar Rally.
