Emirati Filmmaker Ali F. Mostafa Named Brand Ambassador For Range Rover Evoque

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Luxury automotive manufacturer Land Rover is proud to announce its partnership with Emirati Film Director and Producer, Ali F. Mostafa, who will become a brand ambassador for the launch of the much anticipated Range Rover Evoque in the MENA region. Mostafa is the first Emirati to write, co-produce and direct a multi-lingual feature film made exclusively in Dubai – ‘City of Life’, breaking box office records for an Emirati film.

The exciting collaboration, which kicks off this month, will involve Range Rover working closely with Mostafa to support the launch plans for Evoque, the newest edition to the Range Rover line-up. The Evoque will be the smallest, lightest and most fuel efficient model to date when it goes on sale at the end of the year.

The collaboration with Mostafa is part of the unique global Range Rover Evoque launch strategy to partner with ‘City Shapers’ from the world of fashion, design, music and film, who have helped shape the cities they live in. The campaign, which has touched every corner of the globe from San Paolo to Shanghai, is designed to engage and generate buzz and excitement amongst Evoque target audiences, and communicate the Evoque’s unique urban and stylish credentials.

”Ali Mostafa is a pioneer within the Emirati film industry. Coupled with his unique creativity and style, he is the perfect ambassador for our Evoque launch campaign. We are thrilled to be entering into such an integrated partnership with someone who is so passionate about the city that he grew up in, and has a deep connection with the people living here. The Range Rover Evoque has received an overwhelming response so far and we hope to continue this growing excitement across the region through our partnership with Ali.” said Robin Colgan, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover MENAP.

Dubai-based Mostafa is the first Evoque City Shaper to be selected in the Middle East region. The collaboration will provide a unique level of integration between Range Rover and Mostafa. This will give Mostafa the chance to incorporate his personal creativity and filmmaking expertise into every element of the communications campaign to ensure a fully integrated and truly unique collaboration that engages consumers both on and offline. As an Evoque ambassador, Ali will also drive his own personalised Range Rover Evoque, make appearances at prestigious events from motor shows to film festivals, and engage in social media activation across his own channels as well as Range Rover’s dedicated sites and blogs.

Ali Mostafa commented “I am honoured to be working with such an iconic brand as Range Rover to communicate the launch of the Evoque in the region. When I heard what Range Rover was doing with the new Evoque, the decision to get involved was straightforward to me on many levels. As I prepare for the shoot of my next film later this year, I have gladly taken the time to collaborate with Range Rover on this exciting and unique campaign.”
 

Licensing Agency Inaugurates Online Allocation Of Number Plates, Prices Range From AED1000 To 3000

The Licensing Agency, Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has kicked off a new e-service enabling customers to be allocated with distinguished number plates of vehicles at the nominal value through RTA portal.

Explaining the new service, Mohammed Abdul Kareem Nimaat, Director of Vehicles Licensing Dep’t, said: “This service is intended to upgrade the level of e-services on offer and facilitate the procedures for customers as the process of selecting number plates used to be made only through the counters of Customer Service Centers spread all over the Emirate, or RTA strategic partners. In the past customers might experience difficulty in reviewing all numbers on offer or selecting the suitable numbers due to the time factor and huge number of visitors in these Centers. Therefore the new e-service will contribute effectively and positively in offering customers ample opportunity for selecting the suitable numbers without the hassles of waiting and time pressures”.

He continued: “This service will be permanently available through RTA website. Numbers available, which are about 6000 plates including 1000 plates for motorcycles, are offered at prices ranging from 1000 to 3000 dirham plus 610 dirham as fees of other related services such that the total cost of each number ranges from 1610 to 3610 dirham. Numbers offered through RTA portal include 4 and 5-digit plates under various categories, the new (J) category included.”

As to the mechanism of buying through the website, the Director of Vehicles Licensing Dep’t said: “The customer can buy the number offered through a credit card, following which the selected number will be directly downloaded to the customer’s traffic file; rendering the customer capable of registering and mounting the plate to the vehicle.

Afterwards, the plate’s ownership certificate will be delivered to the customer through the concerned company.”
 

Eros Group Introduces Hitachis New Range Of LED TVs In UAE

Eros Group, the sole distributor of world-renowned brands – Samsung, Hitachi, Candy, BenQ, Linksys by Cisco, TCL & Taurus – and one of the leading players in consumer electronics, telecom and allied multi-products in the Middle East, announced the launch of Hitachi’s new range of LED Backlight LCD TVs, which put together an ultra slim design, vivid picture quality, and eco-friendly value.

Launching the range, Mr. Niranjan Gidwani, Deputy CEO, Eros Group said: “Today consumers expect a combination of cutting edge technology and stylish design when selecting a television suitable for their home. We are surrounded by immense competition and that makes it necessary to come up with innovations that go beyond just satisfying consumer demands. Hitachi’s new range promises to provide a great entertainment experience with value for money- all in an environment-conscious product.”

The new ultra slim and sophisticated design promises to meet today’s lifestyle trends and modern home interiors. Its exclusive flexible design and slim light body perfectly fits into your designed room and wall space, and the finishing gives a feeling of precision. Hitachi LED Backlight LCD TVs provide functions to produce the highest LED picture quality, with stunning bright colors never experienced before, including the Hitachi Intelligent Sensor, which automatically controls the backlight according to the viewing conditions. Hitachi’s LED Engine delivers exceptionally beautiful LED pictures in dynamic contrast with brighter colors and deeper blacks.

The latest range of Hitachi LED Backlight LCD TVs comes in 3 models for you to choose from: 55 inches (LE55X04A), 47 inches (LE47X04A) and 42 inches (LE42X04A). All models incorporate an Edge-LED backlight and full HD resolution (1920*1080). Other features include an analog built-in TV tuner, 4 HDMI ports, 2 video inputs, 1 RGB input, and 2 USB 2.0 inputs. The 55” is equipped with 16W+16W surround sound speakers while the other models come with 8W+8W speakers.

Hitachi LED backlight LCD TVs have an environment-friendly mind that considers the impact on the planet. Hitachi LED backlight LCD TVs are designed to be eco-friendly, consuming 30% less power than CCFL LCD TVs and are completely free of mercury products. You can also enjoy listening to music and TV without the display on, which further reduces power consumption. Using these eco-friendly LED TVs in the long run will enhance your contribution to the environment.

Other Salient Features include:
• Full HD panel (1920X1080)
• 100/120Hz scanning
• Media player enabling quick and easy access to external media data.
• You can enjoy sharing photos and movies with your friends and family, and view photos with your favorite background music.
• USB 2.0 connection that allows you to view photos, music, movies, and text files from external devices.
• 4 HDMI inputs giving high-speed, high definition and external multimedia connection.
• Full HD 1080p.
• 178 perfect viewing angles
• SRS TruSurround HD Digital system.
• Front Touch Sensitive Buttons.
 

Sony Gulf Launches Complete Range Of 3D Compatible Products In Middle East

Sony Gulf FZE, a subsidiary of Sony Corporation, today marked the dawn of a new era in the Middle East with the launch of its complete range of 3D-enabled products, offering consumers an immersive experience in 3D movies, music, sport and PlayStation® games.

Sony’s 3D product range includes the BRAVIA LX900 and BRAVIA HX800, the new Full HD 3D TVs that build on the BRAVIA reputation for legendary picture quality, and the new 3D-enabled Blu-ray Disc player BDP-S470, as well as the 3D compatible Home Theatre Systems and channel sound bars including BDV-IZ1000, BDV-E970, HT-CT350 and HT-CT150 that have been specially designed to align with the 3D BRAVIA LED HDTVs.

To complement this extensive 3D portfolio, Sony Gulf will also be rolling out a free firmware update for PlayStation 3 consoles, making the hardware 3D compatible to enable 3D gaming.

In addition, the company already offers the Alpha NEX-3 and NEX-5 digital cameras that can take stunning 3D panoramic shots.

With the new range, Sony now offers consumers the most diverse line of 3D compatible home entertainment products including BRAVIA LED HDTVs, Blu-ray Disc players and home theatre systems, the PlayStation 3 and Alpha digital still cameras with interchangeable lenses.

Osamu Miura, Managing Director, Sony Gulf, said: “3D technology in home entertainment is an immersive phenomenon. Unlike the 3D entertainment experiences of the past, which were characterised by objects coming towards the viewer, the emphasis has now shifted to adding an element of depth. Sony’s 3D world is about subtlety and detail, to totally engage the viewer.

With its expertise in 3D from lens to the living room, Sony has assumed a leadership role in the research and development of the technology to drive its growth at every level – from supporting creators of content by providing them with custom-made professional equipment to influencing cable network operators into adopting systems that facilitate the relay of 3D content.

“Due to our involvement in the development of original content and our efforts over the years to create ‘Good 3D’ content captured on Sony’s professional equipment, we believe this will translate into a superior and seamless visual experience on Sony’s entire range of 3D compatible products,” added Mr. Miura.

A Monolithic design theme has been extended by Sony across its entire suite of home entertainment products launched in 2010. Apart from the new BRAVIA TVs, Sony’s Blu-ray Disc™ players and Home Cinema systems are all designed to create one seamless home entertainment experience, even in terms of design.

Sony’s entire array of 3D products is currently available at all Jumbo Electronics showrooms in the UAE and other major retail electronics outlets across the region.
 

Philips Launches Range Of Smart Consumer Products That Will Help Save Energy

As part of its EcoVision plan, Philips launched today across the Middle East its range of energy efficient consumer lifestyle products that enable consumers to save energy. The strategy, which aims to generate 30% of Philips’ revenue through environmentally friendly products by the year 2012, highlights the company’s commitment to contributing towards a greener environment. The launch of these new eco-friendly products also addresses a growing consumer demand for sustainable options that enable them to contribute to the environment through small everyday steps.

The new Philips energy efficient range of consumer lifestyle products is made up of three ingenious vacuum cleaners, a powerful handheld vacuum cleaner, a range of energy saving steam irons, a family of volume control and temperature regulating kettles, Blu Ray home theatre systems, Blu Ray DVD players and a range of LCD TVs. Designed to conveniently reduce their impact on the environment without compromising on performance or design, these appliances benefit from new Philips technology which allows them to work at the same capacity as regular ones but by using less energy or incorporates unique features that enables consumers to actively save energy themselves. Switching to these energy saving appliances will help every household reduce its CO2 emission without having to change their lifestyle.

Consumers won’t be letting off unwanted steam when it comes to ironing with the new range of EnergyCare steam irons which give great results while saving energy. Unlike normal steam irons, the EnergyCare’s smart steam technology stops steam creation when the iron is lifted from the garment, resulting in energy savings of 20% per ironing session without compromising on end results. No steam wasted, more energy saved.

Also launched this year, the new MiniVac is the world’s most powerful lightweight handheld vacuum cleaner. The new minivac, which saves up to 79% energy, has a drastically reduced standby power and uses a non-hazardous Lithium-Ion battery which charges 50% faster than standard MiniVac batteries. The Lithium-Ion battery technology also makes the new minivac longer-lasting, more lightweight and more powerful than other handhelds on the market.

The new Philips EnergyCare vacuum cleaners with 1250W motors use up to 35% less energy while giving the same results as other high-powered 2000W vacuum cleaners on the market. Made from 95% PVC-free materials, the new Philips vacuum cleaners are also packaged with at least 95% recycled materials which can be completely recycled.

The energy efficient kettles with a One Cup Indicator enable consumers to save energy by avoiding boiling more water than needed. By boiling the exact volume of water needed, consumers can achieve an energy saving of up to 66% reducing their impact on the environment. The Philips Temperature Control kettles allows consumers to control the temperature at which water is heated – with options of 40°, 60°, 80° and 100°C – resulting in an energy saving of 25% on household kettles, and a reduction in individuals’ carbon footprint.

Philips has by far made giant leaps in building energy efficient TVs. Most TVs carry the Eco- Flower rating and the new LED backlight powered TVs are 40% – 50% more energy efficient than regular LCD TVs with 0W consumption during power-off. However, that is not all. Philips has taken additional steps in reducing the impact on the environment. The new slim bezel TVs consume less plastic and eliminate the use of hazardous substances. In 2009 Philips started integrating user manuals for its TVs electronically in the on-screen software and also smartly integrated electronic point of sale material thereby helping to save 10 mill kilos of paper annually! The company also uses re-cycled material for packaging its televisions.

Consumers can start contributing to the environment today by taking simple steps with the new Philips Energy Saving range – who said going green had to be complicated?

Vincenzo Ventricelli from Philips commented, “Philips technology has been advancing and simplifying consumers’ lives since 1891.” Designed around the Philips brand pillar of ‘sense and simplicity’, these eco-friendly products make it easier for consumers to save energy. “Consumers are increasingly searching for simple ways to make an everyday contribution to the environment and Philips is committed to creating products that meet this need.”

All of the energy saving products meet the recognized Philips green certification and carry the Philips Green Logo. Philips is a leader in the Dow Jones sustainability index and is dedicated to stimulating energy saving on a global level. Furthermore Philips ranks 3rd in the Greenpeace guide to greener electronics.

Philips consumer lifestyle energy saving products are available Al Ghandi Electronics Showrooms, Carrefour, Plug-Ins, Sharaf DG, Geant, E-max and Galleria Lafayette.
 

Emirates NBD Unveils Range Of Exciting Summer Offers

This summer, Emirates NBD, a leading bank in the region, offers something for everyone as it launches “Summer Freshest Offers,” a host of special deals for its Personal Banking customers. The special promotion covers a wide range of products and services and is in line with Emirates NBD’s ongoing commitment to provide its customers with exciting opportunities on a regular basis.

Available throughout the months of June and July, the promotion is aimed at consumers looking for attractive personal banking solutions. Those shopping around for competitive rates on auto loans will be pleased with rates starting from just 1.99 per cent interest on select Jaguar models. Similarly, those wishing to own their dream home can avail of introductory rates of 6.99 per cent on Emirates NBD home loans.

The cluster of offers includes 25 per cent off food & beverage across 12 restaurants at Atlantis The Palm when using an Emirates NBD credit or debit card, a one-month waiver on critical illness cover when opening a Value Account, free roadside assistance and VIP registration service with every auto insurance, a one per cent discount on overdraft rates when applied for against salary earnings and up to 3.5 per cent interest per annum with a Recurring Deposit Account.

Customers also stand the chance of winning back their remittance when they remit any foreign currency via telegraphic transfers. In fact, whether customers wish to open a new bank account, take a personal loan or apply for any number of Emirates NBD credit cards, the summer offer makes this the most appealing time to do so.

“We are pleased to announce our new summer promotion designed to meet the needs of a wide-ranging cross-section of our personal banking clientele,” said Vikram Krishna, Head – Group Marketing, Emirates NBD. “At Emirates NBD, we always strive to anticipate our customers’ evolving needs. That is why we have launched a promotion with products and services to suit all, ensuring everyone benefits from our unbeatable offers.”

“With our frequent programme of value-added deals and promotions, Emirates NBD promises to deliver more,” he continued. “This is part of our overall strategy to provide innovative, competitive financial solutions and remain the most accessible and rewarding choice for personal banking products and services.”

For further information on the offers available, customers can visit www.emiratesnbd.com
 

Iconic Range Rover Turns 40

Alfardan Premier Motors, exclusive importer of Land Rover in Qatar, announced that this year Range Rover celebrates its 40th birthday on 17 June, 2010. One of the most significant vehicles in the history of motoring, the Range Rover was the world’s first vehicle as good on-road as off-road. It was the first fully capable luxury 4×4 and was a milestone in the development of the SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle).

The Range Rover celebrates its 40th birthday on 17 June 2010
The Range Rover was the world’s first fully capable luxury 4×4
There have been three generations of Range Rover: the original (Classic) in 1970, second-generation (P38a) in 1994 and third-generation (L322) in 2001
Second model line – Range Rover Sport – launched in 2005 became Land Rover’s biggest selling vehicle worldwide in 2007
Third model line to be revealed at Paris Motor Show 2010

Alan Whaley, General Manager, Alfardan Premier Motors, said: “With the growing success of the Range Rover brand and the increasing demand for premium vehicle brands in Qatar, we would like to reiterate Alfardan Premier Motors’s commitment to promoting Range Rover in Qatar amongst our discerning clientele.”

Phil Popham, Land Rover Managing Director said \\\”Land Rover has a unique history of product innovation. But the Range Rover probably remains the most historically significant vehicle we have ever launched. It is one of the most important vehicles in the history of motoring.\\\”

Robin Colgan, Managing Director Land Rover MENA said “Range Rover is by far our best selling model in this region – our flagship Range Rover Vogue and Range Rover Sport account for around 80% of our volume and are very popular with ex-pats and local buyers alike. When the Range Rover arrived in the region it was the world’s first luxury utility vehicle, and its arrival coincided with the regions first major oil boom, which meant people had the disposable income to purchase a vehicle that was luxurious but could handle the arduous conditions of the Middle East. This established a special relationship between Range Rover and the Middle East and it’s a relationship that endures to this day.”

There have been three generations of Range Rover. The original, now known as the Classic, went on sale in 1970 and continued in production, with numerous upgrades and a multiplicity of variants, for just over 25 years.

The second-generation vehicle, known as the P38a, went on sale in 1994 and was replaced in 2001 by the current model. The continuing success of the Range Rover ensured that other premium makers jumped into the booming luxury SUV market. The latest version has enjoyed higher annual sales than any previous models and continues to be popular around the world. Sold around the world, from London to Los Angeles, Sydney to Shanghai, Turin to Tokyo, the Range Rover remains the ultimate choice for the luxury SUV customer.

\\\”The Range Rover is really four vehicles in one,\\\” says managing director Phil Popham. \\\”It’s a seven-days-a-week luxury motor car; a leisure vehicle that will range far and wide on the highways and noways of the world; a high performance car for long distance travel; and a working cross-country vehicle.\\\”

From princes to politicians, from rock Gods to rock climbers, from footballers to farmers, the Range Rover has always appealed to a diverse group of customers.

A second model line, the Range Rover Sport, was launched in 2005, aimed at more sports-oriented driver-focused customers. It has been a great success, and in 2007 was Land Rover’s biggest selling vehicle worldwide.

Later this year, a further member of the Range Rover family will be added, taking the portfolio to three model lines. The new vehicle will be smaller, lighter and more fuel efficient, tying in perfectly with the Range Rover brand’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Yet it will be no less premium, no less luxurious, and no less special than the other Range Rover models.

A Brief History of Range Rover

1966 Work began on the first Range Rover prototype, known as the ’100-inch station wagon’
1970 The original two-door Range Rover – known as the Classic – goes on sale
1971 Range Rover receives the RAC Dewar award for outstanding technical achievement
1972 The Range Rover is the first vehicle to cross the Darien Gap on a British Army Trans-America expedition
1974 Range Rover completes west to east Sahara desert expedition – 7,500 miles in 100 days
1977 A modified Range Rover wins the 4×4 class in the London-Sydney Marathon, a gruelling 30,000 km (18,750 miles) event and the longest ever speed-based car rally
1979 A specially modified Range Rover wins the first Paris-Dakar rally (a Range Rover wins again in 1981)
1981 First production four-door Range Rover appears along with the first factory-produced limited-edition Range Rover – the ’In Vogue’
1982 Automatic transmission becomes available on Range Rover
1983 Range Rover 5-speed manual gearbox is introduced
1985 The diesel-powered Range Rover ’Bullet’ breaks 27 speed records, including a diesel record for averaging more than 100mph for 24 hours
1987 Range Rover launched in North America
1989 Range Rover is the world’s first 4×4 to be fitted with ABS anti-lock brakes
1990 Limited Edition CSK – named after founder Charles Spencer King – is launched as a sportier Range Rover
1992 Range Rover Classic is the world’s first 4×4 to be fitted with electronic traction control (ETC)
1992 Long-wheelbase LSE (known as County LWB in the US) launched
1992 Automatic electronic air suspension introduced, a world first for a 4×4
1994 Second-generation (P38a) Range Rover goes on sale
1996 Range Rover Classic bows out after total production of 317,615 units
1999 Limited Edition Range Rover Linley appears at London Motor Show
2001 All-New Range Rover (L322) launched
2002 Half-millionth Range Rover produced at the Solihull plant
2005 Second model line – the Range Rover Sport – launched
2006 Terrain Response and TDV8 diesel introduced
2009 Range Rover features all-new LR-V8 5.0 and 5.0 supercharged petrol engines and technology updates
2010 Range Rover celebrates its 40th anniversary
2010 All-New compact Range Rover to be revealed at Paris Motor Show