Business & Money | Saturday 22 October, 2016 2:24 am |

DESPITE the steep decline of oil prices and the challenging political situation in the region, the Saudi market continues to be a key market for Cadillac and GM in general, said Johan De Nysschen, president of Cadillac & General Motors Executive Vice President.

De Nysschen, who is visiting the Kingdom for the first time, told Saudi Gazette during his press conference along with Sheikh Ibrahim Al Jomaih, chairman of Al Jomaih Automotive Company (AAC) that the importance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia market is recognized and they see more opportunities for Cadillac.

Speaking about the purpose of his first visit to the Kingdom, he said, “I am here firstly to strengthen our partnership with Al Jomaih, view plans and strategy of AAC as well as the future of Cadillac in Saudi Arabia in the shadow of the Saudi Vision 2030.”

“Despite growing regional tensions, the Saudi market is a very attractive place, which can lead to even higher limits of sales and with their vision, we do feel optimistic,” he said.

He affirmed that upgrades and considerations include implementing new technologies in showrooms and building newer and more modern facilities around the country.

De Nysschen added “We have been serving the automotive market in the Kingdom for years and we take great pride in announcing a reinvigorated Cadillac offering for the Kingdom. We are taking steps to ensure the future will be even more successful.”

Meanwhile, Sheikh Ibrahim Al Jomaih, chairman of AAC, expressed his optimism that the Saudi market for cars will recover its health due to the wise and bold steps taken by the Saudi government to ensure the stability of the Saudi economy and noted that the Saudi Vision 2030 is sure to bring about a transformation, and Saudi Arabia will be shift from total reliance on oil to other sources.

He said, after meeting the president of Cadillac who is making his first visit to Saudi Arabia, “This fact gives the consumer optimism that there are large areas to rely on the private sector to contribute strongly in the national income. This is a strong indication all of these steps, which from my point of view, will create opportunities for new jobs and new businesses despite the difficult current circumstances. It is time to be ready for what is coming and that’s why we are optimistic.”

Al Jomaih praised the bold steps taken by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and the government confirmed that its contentment index is high in spite of the challenges surrounding the area.