Emirates Motor Company EMC in Abu Dhabi hosts Mercedes GP PETRONAS F1 Drivers at opening of Historic Airport Road Showroom

EMC in Abu Dhabi hosts Mercedes GP PETRONAS F1 Drivers Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg at opening of Historic Airport Road Showroom !

Emirates Motor Company (EMC), Mercedes-Benz general distributor in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain and the flagship company of Al Fahim Group, proudly announces the official opening of the reborn and historic Airport Road Showroom.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held prior to the press conference of the Mercedes GP PETRONAS Formula One (F1) drivers Mr. Michael Schumacher and Mr. Nico Rosberg in the run-up to the 2011 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix F1 GP.

Mr. Rashed Abdul Jalil Al Fahim, Managing Director of Al Fahim Group, welcomed guests of honour Mr. Norbert Haug, President of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport Activity, Mr. Ross Brawn, F1 Team Principal and Motorsport Engineer, Mr. Ola Kaellenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz AMG, Mr. Helmut Groesser, Head of Sales for Mercedes-Benz AMG, Mr. Mike Belk, CEO & President of Daimler Middle East & Levant (DMEL), Mr. Frank Bernthaler, Director of Sales & Marketing for Mercedes-Benz Cars DMEL.

Among the guests were also Mr. Wolfgang Schattling, Press & Communication Director of Mercedes F1 GP Motorsport, Ms. Katja Heim, CEO of KHP Consulting and Mr. Saeed Al Mehairi, top UAE GT driver, as well as EMC Mercedes-Benz customers from Abu Dhabi and Al Ain and selected local and international media representatives.

Popular for the rotating Mercedes-Benz star on Airport Road, EMC returns to one of the first showrooms in the country, and celebrates the rebirth of EMC’s Airport Road Showroom. “We have witnessed the growth of this showroom from 1964 positioning us into becoming one of the most recognized locations and brands in the emirate,” reminisced Mr. Al Fahim.

“Today, we are delighted to be sharing this memorable milestone with the Formula One Mercedes GP Team, Mr. Schumacher and Mr. Nico; and, I would like to thank our partners from Daimler AG and DMEL for joining us in this special day.”

Stunning mid-air acrobatic aerial displays formed the Mercedes-Benz star adding art and originality to the high-profile event which also featured, classical tunes played by a talented harpist and a caricaturist who entertained guests by quick-drawing their expressions. EMC customers had the opportunity to meet the F1 drivers at and were also treated to a special art exhibition by Emirati artist Khalid Ahli.

“We are thrilled to have Mercedes GP F1 drivers Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg here today on this special occasion. I wish the team all the best in the upcoming Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix,” said Mr. Chris Preston, CEO of Al Fahim Group’s Automotive Division.

Mercedes is currently in fourth position in the Constructor’s Championship, with a total of 145 points after the October Indian GP. Seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher finished fifth earning 10 points for the Mercedes team, while driver Nico Rosberg finished sixth, earning eight points. The team is looking forward to the forthcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which is the home of Mercedes F1 co-owners and partners Aabar Investments.

EMC hosts this annual F1 Drivers’ Appearance event to induce the spirit of motorsports activities and encourage emerging talents to follow their dreams and aspirations. General Manager of EMC, Mr. Kamal Rafih, added, “EMC is dedicated to inspiring gifted individuals among the local community and we’re delighted that one of the region’s top race car drivers is sharing this occasion with our partners, customers and employees.

Mr. Al Mehairi’s presence is an important motivation for talented performance drivers to pursue their dreams, especially during Abu Dhabi’s F1 season. “

A special display of Mercedes-Benz classic cars, privately owned by the company’s Honorary Chairman, His Excellency Mohammed Abdul Jalil Al Fahim, was showcased at the event. Along with other classic models of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s such as the legendary SL 190 and the unique and very powerful 450 SEL 6.9 luxury sedan, were among the displayed models.


Emirates Motor Company:
As the flagship company of Al Fahim Group, Emirates Motor Company (EMC) symbolizes the phenomenal growth and success that Al Fahim has achieved. EMC is one of the Middle East’s leading distributors for Mercedes-Benz and owns the largest Mercedes-Benz facility in the world. EMC has been the authorized general distributor for Mercedes-Benz in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain since 1962. From the beginning, dedicated customer service has played a major role in the company’s success. EMC is also the first ISO-certified Mercedes-Benz distributor in the Middle East. EMC markets, distributes and services all Mercedes-Benz vehicles, from luxury saloons to the largest trucks, and provides qualified service with the constant availability of genuine parts. Innovative customer-oriented marketing programs, designed to provide comprehensive support to its loyal clientele, remain EMC’s focus.

EMC is constantly involved in community-driven activities that include social, environmental, charity, and sports efforts. Combining the finest marketing skills with state-of-the-art service facilities, EMC guarantees what the Mercedes-Benz name stands for, namely the highest level of customer satisfaction.


Al Fahim Group:

Established in 1958 by late Abdul Jalil Al Fahim (mercy be upon him), Al Fahim Group is one of the largest family businesses in Abu Dhabi and in the UAE.

In five decades, the business has transformed from a simple shop in Al Ain market into a remarkable, multi-faceted conglomerate with numerous business lines and an array of growth avenues.

Al Fahim Group has a stronghold on luxury car sales, provides specialized services to the oil and gas industry, and is the largest private sector owner of hotel rooms in UAE.

Also, Al Fahim Group strategically invests in industrial development, travel & tourism and real estate.