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By Rodolfo C. Estimo Jr.
RIYADH: The Riyadh Motor Show kicked off on Tuesday in the Saudi capital with Deputy Minister of Transport and Roads Hathlool Al-Hathloul cutting the ceremonial ribbon to mark its opening.
The minister visited the participants’ stands, taking time to appreciate the new models and talked to the distributors about these.
The car show’s 30th edition has rolled out more than 10 models from the biggest and well-known car manufacturers and being shown to the public for the first time. Organizers of the car exhibition, which is being held in concurrence with the Saudi Auto Shop and Saudi Power Sports, said the number of guests during the opening day was estimated at 10,000.
Over 60 car distributors are participating in the show, which continues till Dec. 2, in a 4,000 sqm area inside the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC).
Participants said the industry was down compared to last year but they expressed optimism as far as the industry is concerned.
“The industry may be down but it’s only temporary. The local car industry is faced with challenges and we have to make the necessary adjustments,” Simon Frith, managing director of Nissan Saudi Arabia Co. Ltd., said
He added that every company that does not respond to challenges will lose but if it gives what the customer wants, it will grow and continue to prosper.
“We have to remain close to the customer and give him what he wants and what he needs,” he added.
The organizers said that the Riyadh Motor Show is the ideal platform for automotive companies to display their latest car models.
© Arab News 2016
