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One of Bahrain’s leading motoring companies has taken a giant stride into the future as it continues to oversee the launch of its time and resource-saving rental app, which aims to make the experience of hiring a car as simple and hassle-free as possible.
Kanoo Daily Rental, a separate entity under the umbrella of E K Kanoo, has launched its digital app, which can be accessed on an array of devices including iPhones and iPads.
General manager Matthew Nicklin said: “The app is essentially a checklist for the car. Each listing on it has a picture of the vehicle and a breakdown of all the features. We’ve done this to cut down on paper, save the environment and make the whole process a lot smoother.
“Furthermore, it eliminates all the arguments about the car and possible incidents. We take a photograph of the driving license and email all documents to the customer immediately. So, once you sign the iPad electronically, it’s an automatic feed and the documents are sent to you via the live system. This also reduces pressure on the customer to carry paper and forms everywhere.”
The KDR team spoke to GulfWeekly from its new office in Saar Mall, which comes in addition to branches in Tubli, Juffair, Arad and Sitra. The space is a contemporary design, featuring tables made from car tyres and fully-functional seats ripped from designer vehicles.
Georgina Apostol, KDR manager, says this decision was a tactical one. “We decided to set up in Saar as it’s a large community and there’s only one other rental place in the entire area,” she explained.
“So we thought it would be a good market, especially so close to the Saudi Causeway. We also offer a limousine service and offer drivers who can take people over to Saudi and back.”
The digital app won the prestigious ‘Oracle Excellence Award 2015’ and as well as featuring pictures of the vehicles, it includes a complete service history too.
Matthew said: “We have very high service standards and this is pushed through to the rest of the company. All repairs are done through the respective service centres by the actual agent, we don’t get it done on the cheap somewhere-else.
“We can guarantee when someone takes one of our cars, it’s in guaranteed working condition. We’re not here to cut corners, we provide quality and service and that’s now immediately visible to all, thanks to our new app.”
KDR offers a varied fleet from the E K Kanoo and Motorcity agents; from two-door sports cars to family sedans and even commercial vehicles such as pick-ups, trucks and vans.
The company also offers a value-added service too. This means that if a car is rented for four days, for example, at a daily price, then if the vehicle ends up being rented for a week then the price will be automatically recalculated to the weekly rental rate.
For more information, visit www.kdrbahrain.com or call 17784042
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E K Kanoo launched the new 2016 Toyota Innova multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) last weekend at the Toyota showroom in Sitra. The Innova is a seven-seater that combines the comfort of a family SUV with a tough exterior for versatility and performance both on the road and off it. The model is available with a 2.7L four-cylinder petrol engine which produces 164BHP and mated to a six-speed transmission.
Inside the car, a 4.2-inch TFT colour Multi-Information Display allows the driver to access a multitude of vehicle information, important warnings, navigation and in-car entertainment.
Safety features include an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), which prevents the tyres from locking during braking. It also features a Pedestrian Protection Performance system and Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags for the front seats along with a knee airbag for the driver.
The 2016 Toyota Innova is available for BD10,300. For more information, visit the Toyota showroom in Sitra, call 17730730 or visit toyota.com.bh
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Motorcity unveiled the new BAIC X65, the first urban SUV for the Chinese brand, at a ceremony at Bushido Restaurant and Lounge last week.
Its designers say it combines performance, smart configuration and stylish design to appeal to customers.
The X65’s body comprises 64 per cent high-strength steel and is equipped with integrated punch-formed doors for safety and protection.
The infotainment console features an eight-inch TFT touch screen which includes radio, Bluetooth, GPS navigation, USB, AUX, iPod compatibility and more.
The BAIC X65 is available with a starting price of BD6,600, or as little as BD72 per month on a special plan. The higher option vehicle costs BD7,200. For more information, visit the Motorcity showroom in Sanad, call 17621162 or visit motorcity.com.bh
