Isuzu Motors Limited of Japan, which has a 50 per cent market share in the light, medium and heavy vehicles sector in the GCC, opened its marketing office in the Dubai Airport Free Zone.

The Japanese automaker is a leading player in the GCC with sales volume last year of 50,000 units. Isuzu Motors is a part of Mitsubisihi Corporation, the diversified Japanese conglomerate which also has its offices at the DAFZ.

“The decision to set up a regional base at DAFZ was an easy decision as it was close to the airport and we travel frequently to Saudi Arabia, one of our crucial markets in the region and Africa,” said Takatoshi Hiroshe, general manager of Isuzu Motors Limited.

“Another benefit that DAFZ offers is the ease of setting up an office and the quality of service.”

Hiroshe said the Dubai office will support the activities of Isuzu’s distributors “in each country of the GCC and Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Yemen.”

In the Gulf, Isuzu’s main market is Saudi Arabia where it has a 72 per cent market share. Hiroshe said part of the company’s plan is to expand into North Africa.

In the UAE, he said the heavy duty container truck EXR received a good response with its introduction last year. The other products sold by Isuzu in the market are the Dmax double cab pickup in the light vehicle category and a light cargo truck.

'Our products are well liked in the Middle East and Africa for their durability, quality and service,' he added.

'Our facilities and services at DAFZ have been acclaimed and earned an international reputation and Dubai International offers services to more than 127 international airlines,' stated Mohammed Suwailem, director sales, Dubai Airport Free Zone.

'Dubai International Airport has been used by 35 million passengers by the end of 2008.'

DAFZ boasts of excellent cargo and logistics facilities and online services are proving to be a boon to a diversified clientele such as luxury automobiles, international cosmetics and perfume brands, pharmaceutical companies, jewellery and precious stones, IT and electronics companies and air charter businesses.

Dubai Airport Free Zone offers investors the most attractive incentive packages like tax incentives and investment incentives. Companies operating at the Free Zone get corporate tax exemptions, import and export tax exemptions, which allow businesses to grow.-TradeArabia News Service