Oman Ideal for supercar launches

https://omanobserver.om/oman-ideal-supercar-launches/

CONRAD PRABHU –

Saturday 22nd, October 2016 / 19:03 Written by Conrad Prabhu in Features

The Sultanate’s dramatic panoramas make for fantastic backdrops tailormade for the high-profile launch of marquee supercar models in the future, says a top representative of one of the world’s most coveted automotive brands.

Neil Slade, President Middle East North Africa — Aston Martin, said he would not rule out some form of high-profile media launch or press touring of a future product taking place against the breathtaking natural settings that the Sultanate is renowned for.

“Watch this space! I’m a big supporter,” quipped Slade, when asked by the Observer about prospects for a future launch of an Aston Martin product in the Sultanate. “Why not? In Oman you have beautiful hills, fantastic roads, diverse landscapes… I really believe in the future.”

The executive was in the city last week for the high-profile launch of the latest offering from Aston Martin — a brand that, among other things, has been closely aligned with the transportation requirements of fictional British super-spy 007 in the James Bond series.

Last week, the iconic British luxury carmaker joined hands with local distributor Al Hashar Group to unveil its latest best-seller, the Aston Martin DB11, which is styled on the British luxury carmaker’s stunning DBX concept car at the heart of the James Bond blockbuster ‘Spectre’.

The global media launch for the DB11 took place in picturesque central Italian region of Tuscany, an area that is endowed with rich natural beauty not very different from Oman’s, albeit in the winter months at least.

“(Oman) has all the ingredients to actually assist supercar producers like ourselves to bring cars here so that people can actually enjoy nice driving, nice views, nice environment and the nice climate you have here,” said Slade. “You have beautiful roads that are just perfect for the Aston Martin,” he remarked.

Earlier, the executive described the DB11 as the bold new figurehead of the illustrious ‘DB’ bloodline and an authentic, dynamic sporting GT in the finest Aston Martin tradition.

“The DB11 is the first car of Aston Martin’s second century plan; this beautiful car has made waves in the industry and already won numerous awards in Europe following the first test drives in August and September. Coming with the latest technology and most up-to-date electronic architecture, DB11 is truly groundbreaking for Aston Martin.”

Asked about the outlook for strong car sales amid the ongoing fiscal slump weighing down the Omani and Middle-Eastern economies, Slade acknowledged that global automotive sales were down almost 40-50 per cent. However, luxury carmakers like Aston Martin have sought to counter this trend by launching new products targeted at the high-end of the market.

“People want to have new products. They are really up to date with their automotive (aspirations), especially in the Middle East. Sales of the DB11 are already very strong, and I believe we will be soon be announcing that we are almost sold out for the whole of next year, which is pretty good for this day and age,” he added.

Oman’s star motor racing driver Ahmad al Harthy is the brand ambassador for Aston Martin in the Sultanate.