NBK Automobiles posts significant growth in ’16

Nasser Bin Khaled (NBK) Automobiles, authorised general distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Qatar, has achieved significant growth in 2016, a top official said yesterday.
Speaking to media, Khaled Sha’aban, general manager of NBK Automobiles, said that 2016 was a year of success and great achievements with the launch of brand new models despite several market challenges.
“Sales of the all new E-Class has recorded a 12% growth compared to 2015. For the third consecutive year, the A-Class has proven to be the backbone of the New Generation Compact Cars. The luxury sedan S-Class has been the top seller in the Mercedes-Benz portfolio in its segment in Qatar for the 3rd consecutive year,” he explained.  
According to the official, the C-Class also continued its steady sales especially with the arrival of the all new two-door coupe. “The company  introduced the all new S-Class and C-Class Cabriolet. In the SUV segment, the GLE is the top selling model in the Mercedes-Benz portfolio in Qatar. The SUV family is now joined by GLE Coupe and GLC Coupe. The G-class leads this segment and NBK Automobiles has high expectations for the future with the launch of the G 500 4x42. AMG vehicles performed well in the year 2016 with an impressive 4% increase in the share of overall sales of Mercedes-Benz,” he continued.
Sha’aban noted that the company recorded strong sales in commercial vehicles too, which was demonstrated by the top selling van, the new V-class, launched in 2016. “Within three months of introduction to the market, the new van recorded an increase of 16% in sales. The multi-purpose Sprinter also recorded strong sales, especially sold as ambulances. The Mercedes-Benz Buses accomplished 380% increase in sales in 2016 compared to 2015, a huge success in a competing field,” he said.
As for the expectations about 2017, the official said that there will be significant growth for the company. “The year ahead looks very promising  as we have new launches and will offer more high-end services to the customers. We have various plans for this year. We will be launching special promotions and offers for our customers. We expect to achieve greater growth this year,” he added.
NBK Automobiles also launched eight new car models in 2016  including C-Coupe, E-Class, the GLS SUV, the V-Class, GLC Coupe, S-Cabriolet, G 500 4x42 and C-Cabriolet.
To enhance the customer experience, the company introduced the Appointment Booking Service that gives the customers the choice to bring their cars to the service according to an appointment. It has also set up a new vehicle delivery area in the showroom on Salwa Road.
The company conducted a number of branded events as well as offered sponsorships and partnerships for many events. Some of them include Grazia Style Awards, Qatar International Boat Show, Arab Future City, Project Qatar and Hospitality Qatar. The company also organised Mercedes-Benz FashionWeek, Mercedes-Benz Exchange Carnival as well as hosted the first Mercedes Trophy Golf Tournament.