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Dr Afnan Al-Shuaiby,A-BCC Secretary General,visits Jaguar Cars
On 10th February, the A-BCC’s Secretary General & Chief Executive Dr Afnan Al-Shuaiby paid a visit to Jaguar Cars as part of a series of visits to member organisations.
As the economic downturn continues to bite into UK plc the A-BCC is keen to play a role in assisting British companies in raising their profile across the Arab world where the economies remain vibrant.
At Jaguar Cars, Dr Afnan Al Shuaiby and her colleagues were received by CEO Mr David M Smith and George Hassall, Director of Royal and Public Affairs, Michel Mohan Programme Director, Ian Callum Design Director Jaguar, and Gerry McGovern Design Director Land Rover.
The Jaguar senior executive welcomed the A-BCC delegation and conducted them around both the Jaguar and Land Rover sites where we had a preview of the latest vehicles coming onto the market and we informed of other concept ideas.
It was clear that despite the economic downturn both companies were investing heavily in the future and this could be seen in the hive of activity in both their design studios. Using only the best of space age technology, we were made privy to some amazing concepts in design that well demonstrated the high level of skill and perfection that British industry can achieve and should be proud that it can deliver.
A drive through a snow clogged assault course in Range and Land Rover vehicles demonstrated to us at first hand the rigorous pounding that these vehicles undergo before entering the public arena, a pounding that they will never experience under normal motoring conditions.
During discussions with the Jaguar executives, it became clear that the company had not realised their full potential within the Arab markets and Dr Afnan highlighted a number of reasons that may be contributing to this situation.
The meeting concluded with agreement on a number of suggestions as to how the A-BCC can assist Jaguar to realise its full potential in the Arab world, and a further planning meeting has been scheduled to develop a working plan.
