Alfardan Automobiles, the BMW Group importer in Qatar, unveiled the new BMW Pearl Series for the first time in the country at Qatar Motor Show 2013 yesterday.
Alfardan Automobiles general manager Mohamed Kandeel and BMW Middle East area manager Frank Nadler launched the new series from BMW Individual, the German luxury carmaker’s customised optioning programme.
The BMW Group importer has showcased a total of eight models at the show, the highlight of the stand being the BMW Pearl Series. BMW Individual enables customers to tailor their vehicle to a customised design that suits their individual style by using a range of premium materials, paints and interior trims.
A collection of specially designed and produced BMW 7 Series and 6 Series Individual models, the BMW Pearl Series have been produced and inspired by the Pearl – the treasure that brought the region its first taste of wealth.
BMW Individual designers were challenged to transfer the mystery, elegance and beauty of the Pearl to a BMW 7 Series and 6 Series Gran Coupé. The result is a series of unique vehicles that are expected to capture the imaginations and appeal to the discerning tastes of BMW customers in Qatar.
The Pearl Series models feature an exclusive Frozen Matt Brilliant White exterior colour and Merino Amaro Brown leather interior with newly developed white piping and individual wood trim in Ash Grain White. An elegant ‘Pearl’ designation on the chrome trim adorns the rear of both models as well as the door entry seals.
“The BMW Individual programme is the ultimate reflection of style and exclusivity,” Kandeel explained. Established in 1991, BMW Individual was the first of its kind in the premium automotive industry. The programme launched with the aim of leading the trend towards more individuality by concentrating on customers looking for made-to-measure solutions and making tougher demands on their BMW in terms of distinction, design and function.
“The BMW Individual team is dedicated to finding new paints and materials in order to find new ways to develop truly exceptional cars,” Kandeel said.
A BMW Individual vehicle comes fully loaded with features and options permitting the driver to convey their desire for superb quality and unique styling even further.
Customers can also choose their favourite seams in the leather from some patterns proposed by the programme, from the stitching to the vehicle trim.
“It has been a success here in Qatar – our customers have come to expect only the finest and most exclusive ownership experience available in the premium segment,” Kandeel added.


The BMW Pearl Series being presented at Qatar Motor Show by Nadler and Kandeel. PICTURE: Jayaram


Jaguar F-Type makes its debut in Mena region
The Middle East and North African (Mena) premier of limited edition premier car Jaguar F-Type took place at the pavilion of Alfardan Premier Motors Co at Qatar Motor Show 2013 at Doha Exhibition Center yesterday.
Alfardan Premier Motors Co is the exclusive importer of Jaguar in Qatar and one of its officials said they  are proud to unveil the Jaguar F-Type, the all-new two-seater sports car at a premier motor show as Qatar Motor Show which is gaining attention the global level.
The Jaguar official who attended the launch showered praise on the vehicle buffs in the country, who he said, has fewer parallels across the region. “Why we decided to make the Mena launch of Jaguar F-Type  here in Doha was because of the  immense interest being shown by the country’s auto buffs on premium vehicles as this,” he said.
The unveil, which took place at the Jaguar Land Rover stand took place soon after it was unveiled first in Paris late last year. The Jaguar F-Type is a front-engined, rear-wheel drive sports car engineered to deliver pure dynamic driving reward and stunning performance.
Visually, the F-Type’s exterior demonstrates a new sports car design language for Jaguar, with cleaner lines delivered through the discreet use of technology such as deployable spoiler and door handles.
Three different models are on the offer – F-Type, F-Type S and the F-Type V8 S. They are powered respectively by Jaguar’s new 3.0 litre V6 supercharged petrol engine in 340PS and 380PS outputs and its 5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol producing 495PS. All engines drive through an eight-speed ‘Quickshift’ transmission, a centrally mounted SportShift selector offering full manual sequential control as do the steering wheel-mounted paddles.
Justin Weaving, Regional Sales Director for Jaguar Land Rover Mena, said: “Jaguar has a rich sporting heritage stretching over 75 years, and the F-Type is the perfect embodiment of this. The F-Type isn’t designed to be like any other sports car, it’s a Jaguar sports car – ultra-precise, powerful, sensual and most of all, it feels alive. I am thrilled to witness the Middle East debut of the latest addition to the Jaguar family in Qatar.”
Rabih Ataya, General Manager of Alfardan Premier Motors, said: “As the exclusive importer of Jaguar in Qatar, we are honoured to showcase the new F-TYPE to customers and automotive fans at the Qatar Motor Show. Jaguar is a brand that needs no introduction and we are confident that the F-Type will reinforce the loyal customer following that we have for Jaguar in Qatar.”
The Jaguar F-Type will be available from May 2013 at Alfardan Centre on Grand Hamad Street.