Adding to its range of driver assistance technologies that bring unmatched driver engagement, handling and safety features to the luxury performance segment, BMW Group Middle East has launched the industry’s first Arabic-language iDrive control system. The system will be available as a standard feature for most BMW models fitted with navigation, and will be available to customers in the Middle East region from early May.

The BMW iDrive control system has an up to 10.2 inch Control Display with standardised menu guidance that grants easy access to the radio/CD, telecommunication functions and satellite navigation and others. The interface for the satellite navigation system comprising maps, menus, directions, data entry and voice guidance. All these functions are provided in Arabic with a male Arabic voice, and with an option to switch to English and other languages.

The BMW onboard navigation system is extremely easy to operate and guides you quickly and directly to your destination. Your current location is established automatically by the navigator with the help of the Global Positioning System (GPS), down to an accuracy of 10 metres. Using this information, the system calculates the best route to your destination, and guides you step by step to your goal. Instructions are given visually as easy-to-follow arrows, and/or as clear verbal instructions over the sound system.

Hamid Haqparwar, Manager Product & Price for BMW Group Middle East, says: “We are very excited to bring this new feature to our Arabic customers in the Middle East. This project has been a few years in the making and we have invested a considerable amount into research and development, which proves our ongoing commitment to servicing our Arabic-language customers with an added driver-assist benefit.“
For more information on model availability and pricing, please contact the local BMW importer.

24.02.2010

Jeddah - Once again defining a brand new segment in the market, BMW has announced the arrival of the all-new Gran Turismo in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. An embodiment of the leading premium automotive manufacturer’s commitment to innovation, the BMW Gran Turismo combines the characteristic features of a prestigious sedan, the functionality and space of an SAV and elements of a traditional grand touring car.

The exterior of the car combines the proportions so typical of a BMW, an elegantly stretched silhouette and a coupé-like roofline, as well as four doors with frameless windows to create one complete, harmonious unit. The front view of the car animates powerful dynamism through the sheer presence of the upright BMW kidney grille, large air intakes and dual round headlights slanted back at an attractive angle. For the first time the daytime driving light function is provided by corona rings with LED technology, while the rear end is enhanced by L-shaped rear light clusters with illuminated rows of lights in LED technology and a two-piece tailgate.

The luxurious interior of the BMW Gran Turismo enables the driver and passengers to vary the generous space inside the car to their individual, personal requirements. This superior feeling of comfort is further enhanced by the large window areas, the optional panorama glass roof, as well as high-class materials with supreme quality of finish.

Commenting on the arrival of the vehicle in Saudi Arabia, Anees Jamjoom, Managing Director of Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors, the exclusive importer of the BMW Group in Saudi Arabia, said: “BMW has a proud history of pioneering automotive innovations, and the success of the BMW X6 proved that there is a healthy demand for a completely new segment of innovative and aesthetic vehicles. The BMW Gran Turismo is the only vehicle of its kind in the market right now.

“We are confident that this new model will strengthen BMW’s position in the luxury performance class, and our customers can be assured of a truly exceptional offering backed by excellent customer service,” Mr. Jamjoom added.

The BMW Gran Turismo enters the market carrying over BMW EfficientDynamics into a new segment in the automobile world, allowing the model to set new standards in terms of economy and emission management.

The Gran Turismo will enter the Saudi market initially with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the in-line six cylinder 535i.-The BMW 535i Gran Turismo has a maximum output of 306 hp with a top speed of 250 km/hr and acceleration from 0–100 km/h in 6.3 seconds.

A host of safety and comfort options are available on the model, including Integral Active Steering to improve manoeuvrability and safety at low and high speeds, Driving Dynamic Control for variable drive settings depending on road conditions and adaptive headlights - a function that varies the angle of the headlight beam when it detects a change in direction. Active and passive warning systems such as the Lane Change and Lane Departure Warnings ensure that the driver stays within lane limits.

The BMW Gran Turismo also comes with a wide range of comfort touches and innovative entertainment options, including telecommunication and navigation systems, a multi-channel audio system, a DAB double tuner, USB port, 80 GB Hard Disk, DVD entertainment system in the rear, four-zone automatic air conditioning, and a panorama glass roof.

03.03.2010

Jeddah - BMW Group Middle East has announced that 2009 sales of BMW and MINI in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia achieved a 28% increase over 2008 sales figures. Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors, the exclusive importer of the BMW Group in Saudi Arabia, ranked the third best performing market for BMW Group Middle East. The growth also signals the importance and strength of the Saudi Arabian market despite a challenging year for the automotive industry.

Contributing to Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors’ solid performance in 2009, the BMW 7 Series saw a 116% increase in sales in Saudi Arabia and was the top selling BMW vehicle. The BMW 7 Series combines ultimate style, comfort and luxury with supreme driving dynamics and pleasure, and has been designed around BMW’s robust EfficientDynamics strategy to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, making it the most fuel efficient engine in its class.

Anees Jamjoom, General Manager, Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors said, “In a challenging economic climate, where many car manufacturers suffered losses, a 28% increase in our sales confirms the loyalty of our customers and the strength of the BMW and MINI brands.

Another area of business that delivered strong growth was BMW Premium Selection, the company’s approved used-car programme, which achieved an increase of over 41% in Saudi Arabia. Overall BMW Premium Selection sales across the Middle East were up 25% in the eight markets that offer the programme.

Jamjoom added: “We anticipate some of the challenges faced in 2009 will remain, but are confident that Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors is in a strong position to achieve further growth during 2010. We have five new models to launch in Saudi Arabia during the first five months of the year: two ActiveHybrids, the new BMW 5 Series, Gran Turismo and BMW X1. We are confident that these new models will have a positive effect on 2010 sales and our brands will maintain their strength in the market.”

Overall, the BMW Group Middle East ended 2009 with a moderate 9% decrease in sales compared to 2008. Despite the premium automotive sector being down 25%, the BMW brand managed to gain a 4% increase in market share against its core competitors, with a total of 14,557 BMW and MINI vehicles sold across 14 Middle East markets.

06.03.2010

Jeddah - The world’s most successful premium automotive manufacturer has announced that the new BMW 5 Series will arrive in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the end of March 2010. The launch off the sixth generation model marks the epitome of aesthetic design and supreme driving pleasure in the midrange premium segment.

With its sporting and elegant design, excellent comfort and the highest standard in efficiency in its class, BMW’s latest executive sedan sets the benchmark in driving dynamics.

Commenting on the imminent launch, Anees Jamjoom, Managing Director of Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors, said: “The 5 Series is a core product and one of BMW's best selling models, globally and in Saudi Arabia, so we are looking forward to a very successful launch of this new model in March. l. It is a totally different car from its predecessor in terms of design, comfort, technology and engineering. The car comes with new high performance engines and a host of new driver assistant features such as Head-Up Display that projects speed and navigation instructions directly onto the driver's field of vision and Parking Assistant that measures parking gaps and steers the 5 Series while the driver continues to operate the brake and accelerator pedals.

"These are only two of a host of innovative features available in The New BMW 5 Series. The new model is imaginative, creative and effective. BMW designers and engineers have worked hand-in-hand to ensure the perfect interplay of design and technology. It's the perfect combination of sportiness, elegance and charisma." added Jamjoom.


The new BMW 5 Series sedan will initially be available with one eight-cylinder and one six-cylinder petrol engine offering outstanding performance. Two further six-cylinder engines will be available as of May. The model is a class leader in emissions reduction. It has been designed around BMW's successful Efficient Dynamics strategy that encompasses many technology innovations to offer outstanding performance and a reduction in fuel consumption.

The interior of the new BMW 5 Series has a stylish and modern design with exciting lines that create a generous and harmonious ambience. High quality materials and superior craftsmanship underline the premium interior ambience.

The new BMW 5 Series Sedan will clearly stand out from the crowd, convincingly demonstrating its ability to offer the Sheer Driving Pleasure typical of the BMW brand.

09.03.2010

Jeddah – After a resounding success in 2009, Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors (MYNM), of BMW in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, recently hosted a second BMW ‘Passion for Performance’ event in Jeddah.
MYNM organized the drive event to enable customers to experience the performance and handling of BMW cars including the high-performance M cars, without the distractions of traffic and to test the limits of the vehicles in a safe and controlled environment.

“BMW is a leader in the premium segment when it comes to innovation, technology and sporting dynamism, and driving events like ‘Passion for Performance’ are the perfect platform to enable people to experience the thrill of driving a BMW on an open race track,” says Mr. Anees Jamjoom, Managing Director of MYNM.

For the first day of the event, an audience from the College of Business Administration were treated to forum discussions with MYNM that highlighted BMW EfficientDynamics technologies, which minimise fuel consumption and CO2 emissions through maximised engine efficiency and, as in the case of BMW M cars, using lightweight parts which minimise fuel consumption. Students were invited to experience the power and latest technology of BMW cars at the ‘Passion for Performance Drive’ event.

A special ‘M Night’ forum was also held for existing and prospective M customers, and included a presentation by a BMW M specialist at the MYNM showroom in Jeddah. And finally, the ‘Passion for Performance’ Jeddah Raceway event provided an opportunity for those who had signed up to the event to test drive fifteen different BMW cars on the track including the BMW 1, 3, 5, 7 Series and BMW X models. Participants were also able to experience the BMW M cars, which offer pure-bred motor racing technology for everyday use on the road, in a lap around the track with BMW instructors at the wheel.

Mr. Jamjoom added: “’Passion for Performance’ is a continuation of the very successful event series we started in 2009 in Riyadh and Jeddah, from which we had a lot of positive feedback from our customers. So this year we decided to make it bigger and better and give different sectors of the Jeddah community a chance to get up close and personal with the BMW models and experience sheer driving pleasure.

“We were also able to communicate BMW and MYNM’s commitment to social and leading the College of Business Administration students in a discussion about the importance of sustainability and green automotive technology.”

08.03.2010

Jeddah -The Middle East debut of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan marks the epitome of aesthetic design and supreme driving pleasure in the upper midrange segment. With its sporting and elegant design, excellent comfort and the highest standard in efficiency in its class, the sixth generation of this immensely successful executive sedan is expected to continue the success story.

The new BMW 5 Series design is imaginative, creative and effective, with BMW’s designers and engineers working hand-in-hand to ensure the perfect combination of design and technology.

The core product in BMW's portfolio and one of the top selling models in the Middle East, the new 5 Series is set to strengthen BMW’s position in the premium midrange segment.

In terms of design, the new 5 Series has the longest wheelbase in the segment, a long and sleek engine compartment lid, short overhangs front and rear and a coupé-like, graceful roofline. The interior has a stylish and modern design with exciting lines that create a generous and harmonious ambience. High quality materials and superior craftsmanship underline the premium interior ambience.

The new BMW 5 Series will enter the Middle East market with one eight-cylinder and three six-cylinder petrol engines. The top model is the BMW 550i powered by a V8 with BMW TwinPower Turbo featuring High Precision Injection (407 hp).The straight-six with BMW TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC in the BMW 535i delivers maximum output of 306 hp; while the two straight-six power units featuring High Precision Injection and lean-burn operation develop 258 hp in the BMW 528i and, respectively, 204 hp in the BMW 523i.

The new BMW 5 Series is a class leader in emissions reduction. It has been designed around BMW's successful Efficient Dynamics strategy encompassing many technology innovations to minimize fuel consumption and CO2 emissions while maximizing power and dynamic performance.

Some of the wide range of sophisticated driving and comfort features offered in the new BMW 5 Series include Dynamic Drive Control with three modes: comfort, normal, sport and sport +; Comfort Start; Head-Up Display; Multi-Channel Audio System, Rear Seat Entertainment; Four-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning and BMW iDrive control.

BMW ConnectedDrive also offers a unique range of driver-assist technology functions for enhanced comfort and safety. For the first time the new BMW 5 Series comes with a Parking Assistant, an optional feature that facilitates the process of parking; Active Cruise Control , Surround View and Rear View Camera, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning and BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition.

Commenting on the launch of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan, Mr. Anees Abdeljaleel Jamjoom, Managing Director of Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors, the exlusive BMW importer in Saudi Arabia, said: “The launch of the new BMW 5 Series opens up the latest chapter in a truly impressive BMW success story. This sixth generation model is a totally different car from its predecessor in terms of design, comfort, technology and engineering for an experience of ‘sheer driving pleasure.’

The 5 Series has always been one of our best sellers in Saudi Arabia, so we are naturally delighted to introduce this new model into the market. We are confident that it will be well received and help us maintain our position at the forefront of the European luxury car market.”

The new BMW 5 Series sedan is available at Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors from March 2010.

22.03.2010

Jeddah – BMW Financial Services has announced a partnership with AQSAT, the financial company of Mohamed Yousuf Naghi, to provide a Shariah-compliant financial package to BMW Group customers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

From the 28 April 2010, customers looking to purchase a BMW or MINI from Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors, BMW’s exclusive importer in the Kingdom, can avail of a new financial solution which will enable customers to directly finance cars as opposed to only leasing them.

Commenting on the new partnership, Mr. Helmut Maier, Vice President New Markets, Importer Finance for BMW Financial Services said: “With this partnership, we are enriching the BMW and MINI product offering by making financing easier for people to own their own cars in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“BMW Financial Services offers the safest insurance and warranty products specifically designed for our vehicles, providing customers with absolute peace of mind from the moment they drive their BMW or MINI out of the showroom. Our customers now have the option to finance their cars whether it’s a retail customer or a corporate client."

Sheikh Mohammed Yousef Naghi, President and Chairman of AQSAT, said: “We are very pleased to offer our products under this partnership to our BMW and MINI customers, which comes with a comprehensive insurance plan to guarantee a better price and service to our customers. At Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors we always strive to offer a premium quality service, and this partnership with BMW Financial Services is evidence of our commitment both to the BMW Group and our customers.”

BMW Financial Services offers a wide range of finance solutions tailored to meet the needs of the BMW and MINI customer across the Middle East. The company also provides financing to BMW dealers and importers for expanding facility capabilities and enhancing overall operations.

02.05.2010