KUWAIT

A win-win partnership By BRETT SOSO Managing Director, Middle East, Africa & Latin America, McLaren Automotive

he story of McLaren Automotive is further enhance our position as a global player in the quite unprecedented. The company supercar market and set us on a path to an exciting and was officially established in 2010, with a successful future. heritage rooted in racing and a vision to None of this success would have been possible beT an iconic supercar manufacturer. without a dedicated network of retail partners Despite being a newcomer in the world of high- that support our global operations with their local performance supercars, our history goes back to 1963 understanding and expertise. McLaren Automotive when Bruce McLaren founded his Motor Racing entered Kuwait in 2012 through partnership with team in , . Our founder was born in Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive, one of Kuwait’s New Zealand and is today remembered as one of the most eminent families and renowned for the highest BRETT SOSO great motorsport pioneers of his era. In addition to standards of business operations. The brand opened was appointed Managing being a fearless racing driver, Bruce was also a savvy doors to a phenomenal reception and gained a strong Director – Middle East, entrepreneur and a talented engineer. He had a long- market share, as well as a loyal customer base of Africa & Latin America held dream of starting his own road car company, automotive and racing enthusiasts. at McLaren Automotive culminating in a road-going prototype called M6GT. Since then, the number of McLaren vehicles in in August 2018. Prior Powered by a Chevy V8, it was meant to be the the market has exceeded 150 examples and we are to joining McLaren, company’s first ever street car. Unfortunately, the humbled to challenge our established competitors. he held a number of dream was not fulfilled as Bruce tragically died whilst To recognise the importance of the market and to executive management testing a Can-Am racing car at Goodwood in 1970 and express our gratitude, we took the decision to host positions within the only three M6GTs were ever built. the regional debut of the new McLaren 720S Spider , His spirit, determination and values remain alive in Kuwait. This latest Super Series model combines including most recently at McLaren and have been guiding us from when we the thrill of open-air driving with unparalleled dynamic Regional Director – started our automotive operations in 2010. Since then, performance, luxury, driver involvement and usability. Middle East and Africa McLaren has been growing from strength to strength The car took centre stage at the Kuwait Motor Show for Rolls-Royce Motor with an award-winning product portfolio and firm in January, and I am fully convinced that it will delight Cars. In his current role, foundations for a sustainable future. We achieved this our discerning customers in the country. based in Bahrain, he through our focus on creating the best drivers’ cars and We are also very excited that our local clientele can leads a motivated team using technology to enhance the driving experience. now experience the thrill of driving a McLaren at the working across twelve We have also remained true to our values and our new world-class Kuwait Motor Town Race Circuit. markets overseeing ongoing commitment to mid-engine carbon fibre This state-of-the-art FIA Grade One race-track brings sales strategy and sports and supercars. As a result, we have come to rival some great opportunities and will further enhance the performance, the retail the establishment in a very short space of time. remarkable automotive culture and infrastructure network, aftersales, 2018 was another milestone year with the ground- which already exists in the country. parts and accessories, breaking McLaren Senna and 600LT launched to To conclude, I want to thank our customers and fans brand and product the highest of critical acclaim. Our global sales have in Kuwait for their passion, trust and enthusiasm for marketing, as well as increased to a record 4,806 vehicles delivered to McLaren. I would also like to recognise our exclusive communications and PR. discerning customers around the world. We have also retail partner Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive for received a number of prestigious awards, not least their entrepreneurship and unparalleled initiative for being Britain’s Most Admired Car Company. All in delivering outstanding customer experience of these are astonishing achievements for a company throughout all areas of the business. With a which sold its first car in 2011. growing line-up of breath-taking supercars and an Determined to build upon our success, we are not excellent local partner, our operations in the country resting on our laurels and have set out a clear road look bright. I believe that we have built strong map for future vehicles, production and technology foundations for sustainable future and that our under our Track25 Business Plan. This £1.2 billion partnership will continue to set new standards for investment will see an astounding 18 new models or driving and ownership experience in Kuwait for derivatives by 2025. These exciting new products will many years to come. F 51