-26 July 2010

• The Range Rover celebrated its 40th birthday on 17 June 2010
• The Range Rover was the world's first fully capable luxury 4x4
• There have been three generations of Range Rover: the original (Classic) in 1970, second-generation (P38a) in 1994 and third-generation (L322) in 2001
• Second model line – Range Rover Sport – launched in 2005 became Land Rover's biggest selling vehicle worldwide in 2007
• Third model line to be revealed at Paris Motor Show 2010

- 14  Jan  2010


 
Ecolab Inc. is the global leader in cleaning, sanitizing, food safety and infection prevention products and services with sales of over $ 6 billion. Ecolab’s decision to tie up with Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC will deliver comprehensive programs and services to the food service, food and beverage processing, health care and hospitality industries in Oman.

Commenting on the tie up Mr. Ashwell – Company Manager – Ecolab Gulf mentioned that looking at Oman’s focus on tourism, infrastructure and healthcare the tie up with a strong Omani Company would enable Ecolab to offer its sanitizing and hygiene services to the various hotel chains, hospitals as well as food services companies.

The Projects and Building Materials division of Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC well known for commercial kitchen and laundry supplies would be trained and supported by Ecolab Inc to add synergy to their existing operations in providing complete hygienic solutions to their clientele.

This tie up would bring to Oman world class cleaning and sanitizing products, programs and services for the foodservice, hospitality, healthcare, retail, building services industries. Ecolab offers different ranges of housekeeping chemicals such as room care, floor care, carpet care etc, laundry chemicals such as detergents, bleaches and stain removal etc and ware washing & stewarding chemicals such as machine dish washing, manual pot wash, oven cleaners and specialties, vegetable wash, food safe sanitizers, hand soaps and specialty products.

- 4  Jan  2010


 
The Volvo XC60 took first prize in the "Family Car of the Year" category in the first-ever Women's World Car of the Year competition. All told, 21 cars competed in four categories when eight female motoring journalists from seven countries voted for their favourite cars.

"It is naturally immensely gratifying that women appreciate the Volvo XC60 and that our product meets their requirements. With the Volvo XC60 we feel we have truly succeeded in creating a car that appeals to many different customer groups," said Johan Rasmusson, Car Line Manager for the Volvo XC60 and XC90 at Volvo Cars.

Over the past year, eight female motoring journalists from Britain, the USA, Canada, South Africa, India, Australia and New Zealand put 21 selected cars to the test. The group and the award were created to educate the world's car makers about female customers' requirements.

"We searched a long time to put together a team of female motoring correspondents qualified to vote for the winners. This was no easy task since there aren't that many female motoring journalists," said Sandy Myhre, jury chairperson from New Zealand.

All the winners in the four categories were recently presented in London. The Volvo XC60 won the "Family Car of the Year" category. The overall winner of the competition was the Jaguar XF.

Child-friendliness important

The cars were assessed on a wide range of criteria described as a "women-specific shopping-list". This includes parameters such as storage space, child-friendliness, design and driving pleasure. Acceleration and torque were also assessed, but were not among the top priorities. Climate impact was another factor.

The voting procedure and the competition itself were monitored by globally renowned auditing firm Grant Thornton. In order to qualify for this year's competition, the cars had to be sold in at least ten countries throughout the world and must have been available on the market between September 2008 and September 2009.

More details on the Volvo range of cars can be obtained from the Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC , by visiting their showrooms in Azaiba, Sur, Sohar & Salalah. An exclusive toll free number 800-74747 is also available for Volvo customers in the Sultanate of Oman.

- 20  Dec  2009


 
TYRE PLUS, a Michelin franchised retail network was launched on 14th December, 2009 at Salalah by Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC. The new outlet in Salalah inaugurated by Mohsin Haider Darwish, Managing Director of MHD LLC promises an outstanding experience for the car owners in Oman. Also present during the inauguration were S. K. Wig, General Manager, MHD LLC and Tahseen Kamal, Michelin Tyre Plus Consultant.

TYRE PLUS offers a wide range of products and services and is backed by a professional fully trained team. The TYRE PLUS outlet in Salalah offers Michelin, B F Goodrich, SAVA, Federal, Hero, BKT and Infinity brand of tyres, Optima & NBC batteries, Schrader Tyre Accessories, HATCO wheel weights as well as Castrol lubricants. The services available through this outlet include tyre changing, wheel balancing, wheel alignment, tyre repairing, nitrogen inflation, battery charging & testing as well as lubrication service, minor mechanical repairs and car wash.

While introducing the gathering to the products and services of the new outlet, S. K. Wig mentioned that the TYRE PLUS concept is based on offering a choice of products at various price levels and a range of services under one roof. The operations of TYRE PLUS are subject to very stringent ‘Standard Operating Procedures’ so as to ensure a highly professional service to their customers. The customers will also experience the comfort of getting their vehicles attended to in a clean and congenial environment. In a nutshell, TYRE PLUS is a ‘one stop shop’ for car owners.

Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC, the sole distributors of Michelin in Oman, now have two TYRE PLUS outlets in operation, the first one in Barka and the second in Salalah. In the next two months, two more outlets will open for business in Oman. The final objective is to expand the TYRE PLUS network all over Oman and reach out to customers in every corner of the country.

- 9  Dec  2009


 
Conmix Ltd - Sharjah and Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC - Projects & Building Materials Division conducted a Seminar recently on Pre-Mixed Plaster & Applications at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.

Conmix Ltd is a leading Manufacturer of Pre-Mixed Plasters. The Conmix product range includes Cement Plasters/Renders; Gypsum Lime Plasters; Decorative Plasters; Tile Adhesives; Grouts. Their operations are spread across the GCC; Africa; and the Far East. Conmix has state of the art dry mortar plants supported by well equipped laboratories. Conmix Pre-Mixed Plasters have been supplied to numerous prestigious projects in Oman since the last 2 decades. MHD - Projects & Building Materials Division are exclusive distributors in Oman for Conmix.

The Seminar was presented by Mr. J.K. Menon (Business Development Manager) and Mr. C.V. Anandan (Export Manager) - Conmix. Detailed Presentations on Pre-Mixed Plasters & its various Applications was given during the Seminar. A new range of Acrylic Plasters/Coatings under the brand name Contxtra was launched during the Seminar.

The Seminar was attended by key representatives of Royal Court Affairs; Ministry of Defence; along with Architects & Consultants from leading Companies in Oman.

- 30  Nov  2009


 
Workhorse, tow car, law enforcer, status symbol, people carrier; few cars can claim to fulfil any of these duties with genuine conviction. Yet since 16 November 1989 – 20 years ago – one car has consistently met all those challenges and more, earning itself iconic status as the ultimate all-purpose vehicle. That car is the Land Rover Discovery now known in the Middle East and North America as the Land Rover LR4.

Designed originally to fill the gap between the utilitarian attributes of the iconic Land Rover Defender and the more luxurious characteristics of the flagship Range Rover, Discovery soon became the perfect niche vehicle for the growing demands of the family 4x4 market.

Robin Colgan, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover Middle East and North Africa said, "From its introduction as Discovery to the newly launched Land Rover LR4; the vehicle is truly the best loved SUV globally and in the region with 111 awards to its name. The vehicle moves to a new level this year with innovative design, advanced and efficient technology; and looks set to follow on from the enormous success of its predecessor.”

Having revolutionised the mid-sized 4x4 sector in 1989, it’s no surprise that the Discovery evolved to reflect the needs and tastes of its increasingly urbane and discerning buyers. Today’s Land Rover LR4 continues that ethos of evolution to winning effect: Its strikingly architectural interior design, clear-yet-stylish dashboard, user-friendly features and luxurious interior creating an attractive, well-appointed and practical environment for driver and passengers alike.

While go-anywhere ability is synonymous with any Land Rover product, the Discovery’s enduring success comes from a combination of all-terrain capability and all-important practicality for the demands of family life. Like its predecessors, Land Rover LR4 comes with seven seats – the rearmost pair offering legroom for full-sized adults, providing a versatile space for family and friends.

The vehicle is sold in 91 countries and sales to date have hit over and above 900,000. Adaptable, capable, indefatigable, unmistakable; the Discovery legend is wholly deserved. Here’s to the next 20 years.

Land Rover is represented in Oman by Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC. The 2010MY Land Rover LR4 in now available at their showrooms at Azaiba, Sur, Sohar & Salalah. More details on the Land Rover range are available upon request on 24523200.

- 22 Nov  2009




The annual Long Term Service Awards were given away to employees by Mr. Mohsin Haider Darwish, Managing Director, MHD LLC at a special function organized on the evening of 18th November at the Al Falaj Hotel. Employees who have served the company for more than 15 years of service were recognized for their sincerity and commitment towards the company. The highlight of the function was the special awards, which were given away to individual employees in different categories such as Best Astt. Manager of the year, Best Employee in Sales Function, Best Employee in Support Function, Best Employee in Service/Technical Function & the Best Driver of the Year.

Two of the business divisions within the MHD LLC group also received special mention. While the Gases, Chemicals & Medical Equipment Division was selected as being most compliant with Health, Safety & Environment standards, the Projects & Building Materials Division was rated as the most Dynamic Division.

Speaking on the occasion Mrs. Lujaina Mohsin Darwish made special mention of the difficult times faced by the corporate sector during 2009 & the fact that the Sultanate of Oman has weathered the recession much faster than most other countries, the credit for which goes entirely to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said’s wise policies.

Mrs. Lujaina Mohsin Darwish also highlighted the company’s active role in corporate social responsibility by making major strides in Omanisation through the MHD Training Institute. The MHD Training Institute has trained 50 young Omanis this year through the national funded programme and they have been inducted in various divisions and subsidiaries within the MHD LLC Group.

- I8 Oct  2009




Jaguar Land Rover produce the most technically advanced vehicles in their market segment. The 2010 model years vehicles especially feature a host of new technologies including the first in class dual view in-car entertainment system and a range of new engines.

Keeping this in view the Jaguar Land Rover MENA region office organized a technical training programme for workshop staff of all importers from across the MENA region at the Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC Automotive Division facility in Azaiba.

David Aziz, Director Automotive said, “Regular training is most essential to ensure that we deliver efficient and timely service to all our customers. Jaguar Land Rover vehicles are premium products and the aftersales support has to match the customer’s expectations.”

The training programme was organized in batches over a period of two weeks during which all participants were given thorough training on the new products. They were then tested on their knowledge and certified as being compliant with the new technology.

Gary Sampson, Technical Trainer, Jaguar Land Rover MENA Region said, “We are working together with the importers to ensure that their technical staff is ready and waiting to deliver their expertise to the customers. I am pleased to say that all of the trainees over the past two weeks have passed the course! Congratulations on their hard work.”

Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC are the official importers for Jaguar & Land Rover vehicles in the Sultanate of Oman with showrooms & parts/service facilities at Azaiba, Sur, Sohar & Salalah.

-7  Oct  2009

Ultimate balance of dynamic ability and refinement


The Jaguar sports car experience moves on to new levels with the introduction of a new generation of the XK and XKR coupe and convertible – cars that utilize advanced technologies at a higher level and with greater performance than ever before.

There are three models in the new XK range: the XK, the highly equipped XK Portfolio and the supercharged XKR, all available in coupe or convertible form. Each is seductive, powerful and elegant; introducing revised exterior and interior styling that underlines Jaguar’s contemporary thinking on design.

With the introduction of all-new 5.0-litre direct-injection V8 engines, the XK comes with improved power, performance, efficiency and less CO2 emissions. Coupled with improved acceleration from standstill and stunning in-gear acceleration times; all models are electronically limited to a maximum speed of 250kph, but the 0-100kph sprint for naturally aspirated coupe models is now 5.2 seconds (previously 5.9 seconds), while for the supercharged XKR coupe, 0-100kph is 4.6 seconds (previously 4.9 seconds).

The new AJ-V8 Gen III engines are the most advanced and efficient Jaguar has ever produced. They deliver significantly more power and torque than the previous generation of engines: 510PS and 625Nm in the new supercharged XKR and 385PS and 515Nm in the XK models.

Jaguar’s acclaimed electronically controlled, six-speed ZF 6HP28 transmission offers an unparalleled combination of driver control matched to virtually undetectable gearshifts. With control either from steering wheel-mounted paddles or full automatic mode via the JaguarDrive Selector™, which is new for the 2010 Model Year XK, the transmission is now paired with an advanced electronic differential on the XKR model. This enables the supercharged car to accelerate even faster, handle even more precisely and set new standards of dynamic control.

Robin Colgan, Managing Director, Jaguar Middle East and North Africa said, “With dramatic new looks and advanced technologies, the XK has all the performance, power and elegance that you expect in the ultimate sporting car and moves the Jaguar sports car experience on to a whole new level.”

Carefully revised exteriors matches the seductive, elegant lines that define Jaguar’s new design direction with contemporary, sporting luxury and exceptional quality of craftsmanship reflecting the enhanced interiors.

Built on 60 years of legendary performance to deliver the best of everything Jaguar, the XK was the beginning of Jaguar's new design direction. It was followed by the XF and the recently unveiled all-new XJ. The complete Jaguar range is available at Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC’s showrooms in Azaiba, Sur, Sohar & Salalah.

-7  Oct  2009



Members of the Jaguar Land Rover Global training team UK and the MENA Regional Office based in Dubai recently made a visit to MHD LLC in Oman as part of their international training initiative to further develop the overall customer experience with both brands. The emphasis was on ensuring that all of their customers receive the premium brand experience expected by Jaguar Land Rover.

The training focus combined all departments including After Sales, Sales and Management.
The training topics ranged from delivering a premium experience to Jaguar Land Rover customers, Customer relationship management to planning & coaching.

Desmond Alphonsus, Manager- Jaguar Land Rover Dealer Network Development said, “MHD LLC has always committed itself to portraying the expected brand behaviours in all dealings with their customers and the local community. The recently concluded training can only strengthen their position in excellent customer service.”

David Aziz, Director Automotive, MHD LLC said, “ Jaguar Land Rover have provided us an excellent opportunity to be involved in a training programme that demonstrated a pro active approach in the way our staff deal with valued customers”.

Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC are the official importers for Jaguar & Land Rover vehicles in the Sultanate of Oman with showrooms & parts/service facilities at Azaiba, Sur, Sohar & Salalah.

-3  Oct  2009

Auto Express Motoring and Digital editor, Daniel Strong said: "When it comes to off-road credentials, few firms can match the history and experience of one of Britain’s best loved motoring brands. Land Rover celebrated its 60th anniversary last year, but it shows no signs of slowing down.

"A host of new models have arrived in the past 12 months with the aim of knocking the LR2 off the top of the off-road summit, but the Land Rover’s depth of talent has seen it retain its title as the best compact SUV. The entry-level Land Rover is accomplished on road and absolutely peerless in the mud, where it feels every bit as capable as models from the class above. It’s this ability, along with its practicality as a family car, which made the LR2 such a big hit with our judges."

On the LR3 model, Strong continued: "It’s not hard to see why it took our top award, because its versatile design fulfils many roles – from seven-seater MPV to off-road workhorse."

Land Rover UK's managing director, John Edwards, said: "We are very proud to receive these two awards from Auto Express. Winning the Best Compact category with the LR2 for the third consecutive year is an incredible achievement in this highly competitive sector.

"The LR3 continues to receive numerous high-status accolades and we are confident that its successor, the new LR4, will build upon the superb achievements of the outgoing model with new powertrain, improved dynamics and a fresh design."

Land Rover is represented in Oman by Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC with showrooms at Azaiba, Sur, Sohar & Salalah.