THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2014 BUSINESS The new Mercedes-AMG C 63 sets benchmarks KUWAIT: Pure fascination and breathtaking dynamics - the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 sets benchmarks. The high-tech drive, the signature AMG handling and the high level of individuality in equipment choices guarantee an utterly unique driving experience. The top model in the C-Class line-up is driven by a 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine closely related to the power unit that provides breathtaking propulsion in the Mercedes-AMG GT. The power spectrum ranges from 350 kW (476 hp) in the C 63 to 375 kW (510 hp) in the C 63 S. The extensive range of standard equipment includes the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers and the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programmes. As a sports saloon and high-performance estate car the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 offers compelling engine data with exceptionally low consumption figures, outstanding longitudinal and lateral dynamics and a high level of everyday usability. The V8 top model in the C-Class is available in a choice of four variants - the saloon and the estate are both offered as the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S and C 63, with the C 63 S set up for even more dynamic handling and performance. “We are also marking the beginning of a new era with the new nomenclature. The successor to the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG, which has been incredibly successful worldwide, will now be called the Mercedes-AMG C 63,” says Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG. “At 40,000 units, the 204 C 63 AMG was the bestselling AMG model. We will now add to this success with the new Mercedes-AMG C 63. Be it in drive, handling or equipment, the Mercedes- AMG C 63 sets new benchmarks and will further strengthen our brand promise ‘Driving Performance’. AMG customers can look forward to an exceptionally dynamic driving experience.” New V8 biturbo closely related to the engine in the Mercedes-AMG GT The C 63 is at the forefront of the competitive field. The new high-performance vehicles are the only ones in the segment to be equipped with an eight-cylinder biturbo engine. The result is sporty power delivery and a highly emotional engine sound - a signature of the AMG brand. The C 63 S accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds and the C 63 in 4.1 seconds (Estate: 4.1 and 4.2 seconds respectively), with the top speed electronically limited at 250 km/h. Impressive efficiency improvement is rooted in the new drive package. The M177 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, the newest member of the BlueDIRECT engine family. The innovative eight-cylinder is notable for its outstanding power delivery, targeted lightweight design, high efficiency and environmental compatibility. It also fulfils the highest standards in terms of noise and vibration comfort. Variable dynamics - the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sport transmission A large part of the direct and sporty character of the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 is attributable to the transmission. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sport transmission offers a compelling mix of tailor-made dynamics and exceptional variability. The MCT transmission was extensively redeveloped for application in the C 63 and is now even faster in its reaction times. Be it automatic or triggered at the steering wheel paddle by the driver, a manual up or down-shift is noticeably faster. The transmission is now significantly more spontaneous in the “Sport +” and manual modes in particular. One look at the drive programs shows the high variability of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sport transmission. The available choices are “Controlled Efficiency”, “Sport” and “Sport +” and “Race”. The driver chooses from the various drive programs with the aid of the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT switch. The “temporary M” function, activated by using the paddles, delivers a further increase in dynamics. The AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs influence the characteristics of the C 63. The C 63 S exclusively features the “Race” program, which enables a maximum level of individualisation, the “Individual” drive program also allows extensive selfconfiguration. Stunning interior design Every detail in the interior of the C 63 contributes to a stunning overall effect. The Air Arabia marks 11th anniversary First flight to 100th global destination Tbilisi SHARJAH: Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa, yesterday marked its eleventh year of successful operations with its first flight to Tiblisi, Georgia. Tibilsi, the capital and largest city of Georgia is Air Arabia’s 100th global destination. Since it was established in 2003, Air Arabia has recorded impressive and sustained growth in terms of destinations, passenger volume and profitability. In eleven years, the airline has expanded operations from five destinations with just a pair aircraft, to 100 destinations spread across the Middle East and North Africa, Europe and Indian Subcontinent, served by a fleet of 40 aircraft today. Marking the occasion, Adel Ali, the airline’s Group Chief Executive Officer, stated, “Air Arabia has been a vanguard in the UAE aviation sector -we have creat- ed opportunities for more people to travel by introducing a new pricing segment to popular or untapped destinations. Our first flight to Tibilisi, the social and economic centre of Georgia epitomises this philosophy.” “We have witnessed unprecedented growth in the past ten years, and as we continue our journey in to the second decade, we aim to fulfil our mission of providing value for money services and greater connec- tivity across our award-winning route network,” added Ali. Air Arabia, the first publicly listed airline in the Arab world and the largest airline by market value, today carrying millions of passengers across100 destinations from four operational hubs in the UAE, Morocco and Egypt. The inaugural flight was received by officials from the Georgian Government, Civil Aviation and press. Air Arabia will fly twice weekly to Tbilisi from its primary Sharjah International Airport hub on Tuesdays and Fridays at Adel Ali, the airline’s Group Chief Executive Officer KUWAIT: Alghanim Industries is proud to announce the launch of the innovative lineup of 2014 Lenovo smartphones in Kuwait, including the flagship Vibe X2 and other exciting mobile models. The new range of Lenovo products will be available starting November, and can be purchased at any Xcite store by Alghanim Electronics and online at xcite.com. Lenovo smartphones are designed to fit every style, budget and personality, whether they are top-end users, stylish trendsetters, multimedia enthusiasts or conscious spenders. Headlining the brand new lineup of the sleek Lenovo smartphones is the Vibe X2, which, despite its lightweight and slim size, packs a wealth of exciting features and design elementsthat make it a must-own for any smartphone fans and collectors out there. Multilayered color design and smartly crafted to fit any person’s lifestyle, the Vibe X2 comes packing a MediaTek’s 4G LTE True8Core processor, enabling it to display a host of multimedia experiences without sacrificing battery life or performance. Photography fans and selfie takers will particularly appreciate Vibe X2’s advanced camera and simpli- fied UI; it features multiple shooting modes, beautification features, gesture and voice control and anti-distortion components. Additionally, thanks to its fast 4G speed, users can easily upload and share their favorite photos and videos online as well as enjoy browsing pages, watching videos, gaming with others, reading web content and chatting with friends, all displayed via Vibe X2’s breathtaking and vibrant full HD screen. As for customers juggling between work and personal life, the dual SIM card will help organize and maintain their daily schedule, chaos-free. The Vibe X2 is only but a small part of Lenovo’s commercial strategy to expand in the GCC market, targeting high-end consumers and conscious spenders alike. “With the continued expansion of 4G networks in the region, and a strong push towards smart cities and connectivity, there is a natural consumer need for smartphones at all levels,” said Shashank Sharma, Director of the Mobile Business Group at Lenovo Middle East and Africa. He adds, “Lenovo fans have been asking us to bring our products to the market, and we’re happy to finally be able to provide consumers with our flagship smartphones”. X-cite has the largest network of retail electronic stores in Kuwait and the Middle East. It offers a convenient, dynamic and modern shopping experience that aims to add joyous, entertaining moments to shoppers’ time spent in the store. With its engaging and easy-to-use product display that encourages customers to get hands-on with the product of their choice, X-cite’s shopping experience is further enhanced with its Easy Credit program, a highly skilled and multi-lingual team of sales professionals and the latest and newest electronic devices and gadgets in the market. X-cite by Alghanim Electronics has branches in 17 locations situated in strategic areas across Kuwait as well as an online store, www.x-cite.com, a website that parallels X-cite’s unmatched in-store experience as it provides customers with valuable offers on quality brands. Customers can also enjoy many of X-cite’s convenient services including Easy Credit, shopping at any of X-cite’s select stores that are open 24-hours, extended warranty programs in addition to their new damage warranty program, free delivery and installation services and X-cite’s bilingual online store, www.x-cite.com, that enables customers to buy any electronic device or gadget they want at any time and any place. Highest safety levels The C-Class features many of the new and extensively enhanced assistance systems that celebrated their world premieres just a few months ago in the S and E-Class. Standard equipment on-board the C 63 includes enhanced drowsiness warning system ATTENTION ASSIST and COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, which helps to avoid rear-end collisions. The assistance systems increase both comfort and safety. Mercedes-Benz calls this “Intelligent Drive”. The predecessor to the new C-Class already demonstrated impressive results in terms of passive safety. The new model exceeds these and sets new benchmarks. The Mercedes-AMG C63 and C63 S will be available in February 2015. Pricing starts from US$88,000 for the C63 and US$97,000 for the C63 S. CNBC interviews Gulf Bank’s CEO, César Gonz·lez-Bueno KUWAIT: In his interview with CNBC, César Gonz·lez-Bueno, the Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Bank, commented that since he joined Gulf Bank last March, he has formed a very positive impression on the Bank’s financial position which, he confirmed, has completely recovered from the repercussions of 2008 crisis. Gonz·lez-Bueno said that the efforts by Gulf Bank to achieve a successful recovery since 2008 makes him look to the future with both confidence and determination. He added that the ratio of NonPerforming Loans (NPLs) have decreased this year from 6.3 percent to 5.1 percent while the total NPL coverage reached 238 percent. The excess General Provisions have increased from KD158 million to KD201 million, a growth of 27.2 percent during 2014. The Bank’s loans have grown by 13 percent and the capital adequacy is at 16.6 percent against the regulatory ratio of 12 percent. Commenting on these results, Gonz·lez-Bueno said: “This is an excellent achievement. I have never seen such a high coverage ratio, even in International Standards. This ensures that the Bank can face any unforeseen situation in the future with confidence.” Gonz·lez-Bueno indicated that Gulf Bank’s share of the Kuwaiti market is close to 15 percent, and is growing steadily through Gulf Bank’s consistent efforts to pioneer product innovation and services. 13:00, arriving at Tbilisi International Airport at 16:30 that afternoon. Return flights will depart Tbilisi on the same days at 17:10 and arrive in Sharjah at 20:20. Alghanim Industries brings exciting new 2014 Lenovo smartphones to Kuwait careful choice of select, first-class materials, their sumptuous tactile qualities and their precision craftsmanship deliver a sense of quality that is seldom seen even in higher vehicle classes. Like the exterior, the more powerful C 63 S is distinguished from the C 63 on the inside by a number of design details. The dashboard is finished in black ARTICO man-made leather, with the premium look-and-feel further enhanced by stitching in crystal grey, the wing-like trim element in aluminium and the AMG-exclusive, IWCdesign analogue clock (depending on equipment choice). Next to the touchpad is the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT switch as well as a number of AMG-specific controls, such as the button for the 3-stage RIDE CONTROL sport suspension, the 3-stage ESP(r) and the optional button for the performance exhaust system with flap control. He said: “We have been the very first in launching the famous Al-Danah Account, and we have made remarkable progress this year in Retail Banking, where we have seen 25 percent growth. In terms of corporate banking and projects, I believe Gulf Bank is ready to accommodate future growth, which I hope will take place soon enhanced by the State’s developmental projects. We are fully ready and prepared to participate in the financing of these projects.” Gonz·lez-Bueno ended by saying: “I feel most fortunate to have joined the Gulf Bank team and I have great confidence for the future. Settling in Kuwait has been very easy and the Kuwaiti people are one of the most hospitable and warm people I have come across in the world.” Moayyad Ibrahim Al-Awadhi wins KD 125,000 in NBK’s Al Jawhara draw for October K U WA I T: N a t i o n a l B a n k o f Ku w a i t ( N B K ) a n n o u n ce s t h e w i n n e r fo r O c to b e r ’s K D 1 2 5 , 0 0 0 A l -J aw h a r a monthly prize, Moayyad Ibrahim AlAwadhi. The draw was held under the supervision of the Ministry of Trade and Industry. The winner’s name was announced live on Marina FM. N B K re - l a u n c h e d A l -J aw h a r a a cco u n t o f fe r i n g c u s to m e r s m o re chances to win bigger prizes; KD 5,000 week ly, KD 125,000 monthly and a grand prize of KD 250,000 quarterly draw. Al-Jawhara account offers numerous benefits to NBK customers. Not only is it an interest-free account with regular deposit and withdrawal privileges, but also entitles account holders to enter the weekly, monthly and quarterly AlJawhara draws. Each KD 50 in an AlJawhara account entitles the customer to one chance in any of the draws. All prizes are automatically credited to the winners’ accounts the day after the draw. The more money held in your Al-Jawhara account, the greater your c h a n ce s o f w i n n i n g. A l -J aw h a r a accounts are available to both Kuwaitis and expats and can be opened at any one of NBK’s branches around Kuwait. Zain begins offering iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus in Kuwait KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecommunications company in Kuwait, yesterday announced it will start offering the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus smartphones today across its branches in Kuwait. The devices represent the biggest advancement in iPhone history and will bring Zain customers, who love and enjoy Apple devices, an unparalleled telecommunications experience over a nationwide 4G LTE network. One of Zain’s main priorities is to place customers at the forefront of enjoyable experiences and provide them with appealing products and service offerings, reinforcing the company’s position as a leader in the Kuwaiti telecommunications market. The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus feature stunning 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch Retina HD displays, and are both packed with cutting-edge technologies encased in an all-new dramati- cally thin and seamless design that is comfortable to hold and easy to use. Both models offer marked many improvements to previous iPhone versions, and include the Apple-designed A8 chip with second generation 64-bit desktop-class architecture for blazing fast performance and power efficiency; advanced iSight and FaceTime HD cameras; and ultrafast wireless technologies. The new iPhones also include iOS 8, the most significant release since the Apple App Store launched. The iOS 8features a simpler, faster and more intuitive user experience with new Messages and Photos details, predictive typing for Apple’s QuickType keyboard and Family Sharing. The iOS 8 also includes the new Health app, giving you a clear overview of your health and fitness data, and iCloud Drive, which allows users to store files and access them from anywhere. On the occasion of iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus’s availability in the market, Omar Al-Omar, Zain Kuwait’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “A great number of our customers are devoted iPhone users who are keen to enjoy what the latest technology has to offer, and Zain’s strategic relationship with Apple allows us to provide such iconic devices to them in a timely fashion, soon after they are released globally.” Al-Omar continued, “Our commitment to our customers is unyielding as we strive to meet their needs and expectations with the latest devices available in the world, supported by the biggest network in Kuwait.”