Toyota Launches Biggest SUV ‘Sequoia’ in UAE

DUBAI — Al-Futtaim Motors, the exclusive distributor for Toyota in the UAE, on Wednesday launched the biggest ever Toyota SUV, the New Sequoia in Dubai. Al Futtaim Motors Managing Director Simon Frith said, “Whilst the global economic downturn has had a significant impact on the automotive sector in the UAE, there is still consumer demand for new vehicles. Although the last three months have been challenging, Toyota sales in 2008 recorded 23 per cent jump over 2007.”The New “Sequoia” is named after one of the largest trees in the world, reflecting it’s size, strength, durability and imposing presence.Among the existing vehicles that make up this full-size City SUV segment, sales in 2008 increased by around 25 per cent in 2008 over the prior year, reflecting the strong consumer demand for such vehicles. Frith said, “This success mirrors the Toyota Motor Corporation’s recent success in becoming the world’s top selling auto manufacturer. The introduction of the New Sequoia will enable us to provide even more choice to UAE motorists, and further strengthen our market leadership of the Large SUV segment. It is the first of several new vehicles that we will launch this year, evidence of Toyota’s commitment to continued investment in product research and development and meeting the changing needs of motorists.”Motoharu Araya, the Chief Engineer from the Toyota Vehicle Development Centre in Japan explained that he and his team had conducted extensive research in the large US and Middle East markets on the needs of SUV owners, prior to developing the New Sequoia. This consumer research showed that there is a large and growing group of SUV owners with larger families, who use their vehicle predominantly for on-road journeys in the city, and between cities. These families want a full-size City SUV that is spacious and comfortable. To meet the key owner requirement of space for up to 8 people, the Sequoia has both the longest and widest interior space in it’s class, providing an exceptionally comfortable and relaxing space for all passengers. Special attention has been given to ensuring easy vehicle entry and exit for passengers.Despite its large body size and long wheelbase, the Sequoia is very responsive and easy to handle. The Sequoia’s 18 inch disc brakes and ABS braking system deliver class-leading braking performance, which together with the Vehicle Stability Control, and Traction Control work seamlessly together .