JEDDAH – The Saudi automotive industry is projected to reach around SR26 billion in the coming years, industry experts said. With an estimated 75 percent of all Saudi males of driving age owning at least one vehicle, Kingdom's high automobile penetration rate has been driving the rapid growth of the country's auto parts and after-sales service market, while creating opportunities for leading international brands to sustain their expansion initiatives in the Kingdom and across the region. Saudi Arabia already tops BMI's Risk/Reward Ratings for the autos sector in the Middle East and North Africa. New-car sales in Saudi Arabia are projected to cross one million units in 2018 in view of rapid trade and economic expansion in the Kingdom. The study said the estimated value includes direct sales, spare parts and accessories, and after-sales services. Recent statistics from the Board of the Saudi Chambers of Commerce confirmed that the Kingdom has evolved into one of the largest automotive markets, rolling out around 700, 000 vehicles in 2011. Saudi automotive companies typically augment their market share by driving up competitiveness in genuine spare parts, providing superb after-sales services and introducing new vehicles for different audiences whether individuals or companies. With this in mind, Suzuki Saudia, the sole distributor of Suzuki vehicles in Saudi Arabia and part of the Bamarouf Group, has decided to introduce the new 2013 Suzuki Swift DZire sedan. The move reflects the company's strategic expansion within the Saudi automotive sector, especially as the Kingdom is enjoying steady economic and business growth and is witnessing heightened demand for vehicles. “The 2013 Suzuki Swift DZire” offers a perfect suspensions – the front integrating a MacPherson strut with coil spring and the rear featuring a torsion beam with coil spring – provide higher mounting rigidity and confident stability. This results in a more enjoyable and steady drive. Moreover, the new 15-inch ventilated front disc and the rear drum brakes along with a Brake Assist System (BAS) provide greater braking efficiency even in emergency situations. Additionally, the “Swift Dzire” sedan also maintains dual airbags, an ABS (Anti-lock Breaking System), fog lamps, a CD player with an mp3 player as well as a USB outlet, with remote control. And finally the vehicle is portrayed with alloy wheels, signal lights and a power package. The Suzuki Swift DZire sports a K-12 engine powered by an impressive Variable Valve Timing (VVT) technology which synchronizes valve opening and closing to deliver enhanced power and efficiency, smoother acceleration, and quicker response. Maher Al Nabawi, Deputy General Manager of Suzuki Saudia, said: “The 2013 Suzuki Swift DZire is perfect for small- and medium-sized families, young drivers, and sedan enthusiasts who want a small mid-sized vehicle that can deliver high standards of performance, safety, luxury, and durability. Drivers will definitely enjoy its workhorse capabilities and how it deftly handles on the roads.” – SG
