Cars & Autos | Wednesday 6 May, 2015 10:08 am |

Nissan has produced a powerhouse all-round performance to dominate the punishing Jeddah Rally, one of the leading motor sport events in the Kingdom.
Twenty of the 29 Nissan vehicles that started the three-day rally in Obhur crossed the finish line with the Japanese automaker winning the T2 category thanks to star Saudi driver Moneef Al-Sulaimani while Emirati Yayha Al-Helaiand powered to second in the overall standings. Both drivers piloted Nissan Patrol; known across the region as the ‘Hero of All Terrains’.
Competitors were flagged off by HRH Prince Mishaal bin Majed bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Governor of Jeddah. Saudi Arabian Motor Federation representatives were on hand and said later they were impressed by the event’s organisation and smooth running.

In a rally of tremendous results for Nissan, its vehicles filled seven of the top 10 positions overall including second, third fifth and sixth. In T2 competition Nissans took out nine of the top 10 positions on the ladder including the winner Al-Sulaimani.
Nissan Middle East managing director Samir Cherfan had the highest praise for the Nissan drivers and their vehicles, adding that the company’s extensive support of the Jeddah Rally was part of its commitment to developing motor sport in the Middle East.

“This has been a tremendous rally from start to finish. We couldn’t be more pleased with our performance with so many vehicles prominent in the overall results plus the T2 victory. And the fact that 20 of 29 Nissans stormed over the finish line in such a grueling rally bears testimony to how tough our vehicles are,” Cherfan said.
“These results show that Nissan has the best cars to combat the twisty tracks and generally demanding conditions that constitute a major challenge to not just novices but seasoned drivers competing in this kind of rally.”

Nissan was also involved in sponsoring the recent Ha’il Rally in Saudi Arabia and Cherfan said its success prompted the company to show similar support for the Jeddah event. Nissan also sponsors the high-profile Desert Challenge in the UAE.
“The Jeddah Rally is one of the most important sporting events in Saudi Arabia and we have been delighted to be involved. Nissan is keen to do all we can to help Saudi drivers hone their skills so they can compete successfully at international level,” Cherfan added.