48 February 2019 www.bahrainthismonth.com motoringnews&launches International Motor Trading Agency (IMTA), the Kingdom’s authorised distributor for Mazda passenger vehicles, has shown its commitment to the Bahrain market with the launch of a brand-new Mazda showroom in Sitra. The state-of-the-art facility is spread over 3,753sq/m and has been built at a substantial investment to offer new and existing customers the opportunity to experience the famous brand firsthand in a refreshing new setting. Designed after extensive research and customer feedback, the new showroom reinvigorates the customer experience, offering new car sales, servicing, finance packages and leasing deals. Staff are fully geared to receive the 7th Generation automobiles from Mazda and, as a first step, IMTA started sales operations in Sitra in January 2019; service and spare parts are expected to open soon. IMTA is also building a massive car service centre in Isa Town, spread over 16,000sq/m, details of which will be revealed later. Showing Market Commitment Nissan’s new all-wheel-drive electric car creates a segment of its own. The Nissan IMs, unveiled at the 2019 North American International Auto Show, is a completely new type of car – an “elevated sports sedan” that takes advantage of the packaging, platform and powertrain technology developed through Nissan Intelligent Mobility. While closer to a sedan than a crossover, the IMs concept’s revolutionary proportions create a vehicle segment all of its own. It is defined by its pure electric-vehicle identity, with the battery located under the body, elevating cabin height. Its stretched interior space, a result of the vehicle’s extended wheelbase, features unique “2+1+2” seating architecture. The powerful exterior and interior design of the IMs is made possible by the innovative electric and autonomous technology developed through Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the company’s vision for changing how cars are powered, driven and integrated into society. The IMs’ electric powertrain consists of dual electric motors (front and rear) and a fast charging 115kWh battery that generates 483hp (360 kW) and 590lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque, ensuring that the concept car will not only keep up with modern-day sports sedans but leave most of them in the dust. Capable of travelling an estimated 380 miles on a single charge, the IMs is on the same playing field with its gasoline-powered counterparts in terms of range. Intelligent Mobility An Inspired Launch INFINITI previewed the brand’s electric future with the unveiling of its new QX Inspiration concept at the 2019 North American International Auto Show - Detroit. The vehicle demonstrates the brand’s plans for high-performance electrified vehicles, offering complete range confidence, while signaling a new era for INFINITI design enabled by new technology. Infused with Japanese DNA, a refreshed form language hints at the potency and character of the brand’s future electrified powertrains. The development of new electric vehicle platforms enables the formation of spacious, lounge-like interiors. In the case of the QX Inspiration concept, the cabin has been hand-crafted using traditional techniques and a choice of materials inspired by a subtle Japanese sensuality. New interior technology follows the Japanese hospitality principle of ‘omotenashi’, creating a welcoming environment, while assisting drivers and connecting occupants to the world around them. “QX Inspiration is the beginning of a new era for INFINITI, and an illustration of where we want to go with the brand. New technology has given us the opportunity to evolve our design philosophy – and the new vehicle communicates the ‘serene strength’ at our core,” says Karim Habib, INFINITI’s executive design director.
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