1 October 2008

Maserati opens training centre in Dubai Airport Freezone

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The UAE is the leading luxury car market in the GCC for Italian luxury car maker Maserati who have tripled their sales in two years from their base in the Dubai Airport Freezone, according to Mr. Umberto Maria Cini, Managing Director of Maserati S.p.A.

'The luxury automotive industry in the GCC is growing at a very fast rate. In the past two years, we more or less tripled our sales,' said Mr. Cini. 'We set up our base in the UAE in the Freezone because of its strategic location for our customers. As such, it is now possible for us to manage the African countries out of Dubai.'

'Dubai Airport Freezone provides added value to tenant companies ranging from speedy logistics, air cargo, networking and efficient handling through the Freezone Logistics Centre. Our e-administration services and online customs procedures make our facilities even more attractive,' said, Ibrahim Ahli, Marketing Director, Dubai Airport Freezone.

Mr. Cini concurs with this view: 'The facility at the Freezone is very well structured, the administration is proactive, and is quick in establishing an office. Over and above, the benefit of the facility is the quick management response as well as the tax exemption and full foreign ownership of our company.'

'The administration department at Dubai Airport Freezone is very helpful and cooperative. For instance, getting visas and certificates was very quick and easy. We also really appreciate the on line facilities on Dubai Airport Freezone website.'

Mr. Cini said Maserati S.p.A. is currently conducting a feasibility study to expand their market into the Middle East and Africa regions. 'This in return, will result in an increase of investments. On another note, we have reinforced our structure in the area by opening a Maserati training centre for our staff.'

Further, Mr. Cini said being in the niche market, 'Our plan is to consolidate the presence of Maserati in the area. We are working with our partners by investing in new premises to better serve our customers. And thanks to our strategic location, we are also evaluating other opportunities in the MEA region that we manage .

The choice of Dubai Airport Freezone as the regional office of so many multinational industrial companies from all over the world attests to the excellent service and infrastructure that the Freezone offers,' Mr. Cini remarked.

Officine Alfieri Maserati was founded on December 1, 1914 in Bologna, Italy. Since then, Maserati has played a consistently important role in the history of sports car culture and its development.

In nearly a century of history, Maserati has left important milestones, like the 246.029 km/h world speed record set in 1929, the 1957 F1 World Championship title won by Fangio aboard the 250F, and many others.

Maserati is a marquee that began life in a local context but then went on to become a major international concern, with representatives in 45 countries and now is synonymous of perfect combination of luxury, sportiness, and exclusivity. '

Established in 1996, the Dubai Airport Freezone is home to nearly 1425 multinational companies from various sectors. With flexible operations processes that meet client demands, the Freezone makes up a vibrant community of some of the biggest international companies. Companies at the Freezone enjoy 100% tax exemption, 100% ownership rights, and easy access to airport facilities, rapid cargo clearance and availability of competitively priced multinational talent in a cosmopolitan city. Leading companies located at the zone include Ferrari, Rolls Royce, Airbus, Isuzu, HTC, Benq, Victoria's Secret, Boeing and LaCie.

Companies at the Freezone enjoy 100% tax exemption, 100% ownership rights, and easy access to airport facilities, rapid cargo clearance and availability of competitively priced multinational talent in a cosmopolitan city. Leading companies located at the zone include Ferrari, Rolls Royce, Airbus, Isuzu, HTC, Benq, Victoria's Secret, Boeing and LaCie.