David Aziz, CEO- Automotive Products from Mohsin Haider Darwish, strikes an optimistic tone saying that economic growth will continue in 2016, although oil prices will determine future investments
How do you foresee Oman’s economic growth in 2016 given the continued decline in oil prices?
We hope that the economic growth in Oman will continue in 2016 probably at the same or slightly slower pace than 2015 although the oil price is a major factor that determines the future investments and developments. However, we are very positive and feel that the growth will continue.
What are MHD Automotive’s plans for the financial year 2016?
Our plans for 2016 is to continue with the success story we have had for the last three years by providing our customers the best packages and services and continue developing our facilities and staff.
There will be new exciting models introduced by Jaguar Land Rover which we feel will certainly stimulate the consumer’s appetite in the Sultanate and will play an active role in our plans for 2016.
How was MHD Automotive’s performance in the financial year 2015? What were the major achievements?
The performance for MHD Automotive during the financial year 2015 has been an absolute success story, supported with continuous demands for our luxury brands Jaguar and Land Rover where sales continue to be above budgeted levels. The all new Land Rover Discovery Sport and the Jaguar XE were launched during this period and have received excellent reviews from our customers. The Automotive Division also organised the Extreme Sailing Series event in Muscat wherein our customers and prospects were given an experience of their lifetime on the 40 foot high speed catamarans. Land Rover and MHD also had the honour of presenting Oman Sail- the winners of the “Land Rover Above & Beyond Award,” with the keys to an all new Discovery Sport. Our efforts in this event were further recognised by Land Rover with an award in the “Best Sponsored Event” category across competition from all MENA markets.
What are the new areas that MHD Automotive plans to foray into in 2016?
The MHD Automotive Division is planning major investments in network development with the sales and aftersales facilities in Muscat, Sohar and Salalah being brought on par with Jaguar Land Rover global standards. The continuous training and development of our staff and focus on Omanisation is another key area.
What are the concerns and challenges for the Auto industry in the years ahead?
Concerns and challenges in the automotive industry are a factor that every brand has to face. New models launched by the competitors, markets sentiments and expectations which all are linked to the consumers’ confidence will play an active role on the sales of vehicles in 2016. We hope that we are fully prepared to face these challenges and will be able to facilitate our customer requirements by providing them the most attractive packages and services.