Monday, December 26, 2011

2011 ET ZigWheels Car of the Year2011 --MAHINDRA XUV5OO

The most talked about vehicle over the past year, even prior to its launch was Mahindra’s so-called global SUV which as everyone now knows manifested itself as the XUV500. The term global SUV is a misnomer for this is a vehicle which blurs the distinction between saloon, SUV or soft-roader and also MPV while being right on the ball as regards design and build, mechanicals and packaging, ride and handling, performance and fuel efficiency. However, what is important is that all these attributes which we mention are always a given for any decent car maker offering an all-new product.

But for Mahindra & Mahindra it was also a mighty challenge to move into mainstream automotive manufacturing courtesy the XUV500 breaking new ground as the firm’s first all-monocoque offering, the first Mahindra with a transverse engine layout driving the front wheels (of course an all-wheel drive offering is also part of the range) via a six-speed transaxle, again a first for the venerable jeep maker.

 

Monday, December 5, 2011

Dubai International Motor Show 2011 reported spectacular sales

Dubai, United Arab Emirates:  Dubai International Motor Show 2011 has reported spectacular sales, drawing record crowds to not only admire, but also buy cars from some of the most impressive brands in the world. Shelby Supercars, who participated at the show purely to raise brand recognition, ended up selling a stunning ten Tuatara models valued at US$1.3 million (AED4.8 million) each.
The 11th edition of the show generated deals across the board, with economy, mid-range, luxury and supercar exhibitors all reporting an excellent response in terms of footfall, leads and sales, with many describing their results on a par with the Motor Show boom year of 2007.
Jerod Shelby, founder of Shelby Supercars (SSC), said the results of exhibiting at the show were far greater than he could have imagined: “This has been a huge show for us we’ve sold ten cars, which is phenomenal. Our expectation was nothing more than to create awareness of the brand in this region and find a distributor, but this has been amazing. The business has been outstanding.”
As the Dubai International Motor Show closed its doors on an exceptional show, the event’s global importance is becoming even more obvious to worldwide exhibitors: “Of all the trade shows I’ve been to around the world, this has been phenomenal. Breaking into a new market like this is a hard thing to do and this show has been outstanding in helping us to achieve that. The exhibition and the organisation has truly been world class,” said Alan Leverett, Chief Administrative Officer, Shelby. 

While the Shelby sales made a new record for supercars, the 2011 show has also been a sell-out success for many of the ultra-premium marques. Lamborghini, with the regional launch of the exceptional Aventador LP 700-4, was among one of the busiest in terms of both footfall and contracts, with well over AED17 million worth of sales conducted during the course of the show. 

“This year was an exceptional motor show for us, and the sales results were well above expectations. The world class quality and reputation of the Lamborghini brand fits in perfectly with many of the visitors to the show. To have sold 14 models from one of the most famous names in the motoring industry in five days is a credit both to our brand and to the world class quality of the Dubai motor show,” said Abdul Rehman Al Jaziri, Managing Director, Al Jaziri Motors, exclusive distributors of Lamborghinis in the UAE. 

For Porsche, the star of the show was the redesigned 911 Carrera, which took centre stage on a stand with some of the marque’s latest models. George Wills, Managing Director of Porsche Middle East and Africa, said the show had been a great platform: “As a result of a very busy show for Porsche, we now have bulging order book for this truly head-turning vehicle.” 

With many manufacturers witnessing unprecedented levels of interest in their latest models and groundbreaking technologies during the five day event, the show has reflected a phenomenal year of growth for the automotive industry in the region. 

Over 100,000 visitors streamed into the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre over the course of the show which covered more than 60,000 of exhibition space with 150 companies participating from over 30 countries.

“The sales from this year’s Dubai International Motor Show have surpassed the expectations of many of the exhibitors and reflect the extremely high level of consumer confidence across the GCC in general and the UAE in particular. From mid-size family saloons to some of the unique supercars, we have seen some of the highest volumes of sales on the stands in recent years and the number of worldwide launches and regional premieres illustrate the show’s significance to the international motoring industry,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of the event. 

With an impressive nine global launches and more than 50 regional premiers, the five day extravaganza included the latest and greatest from some of the world’s most well-known motoring brands, including  Audi, Aston Martin, Bugatti, Bentley, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ferrari, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lexus, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, McLaren, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Peugeot, Renault, Rolls Royce, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo. 

"It is a reflection of the importance of the Middle East market for General Motors that a vehicle as important as TrailBlazer is making its global debut at this show,” said John Stadwick, President and Managing Director of GM Middle East Operations.

Given that the Middle East luxury car segment is forecast to double by 2015, high-end manufacturers were keen to connect with the receptive target audience the show is famed for attracting. With sales signed and sealed on almost every single stand, manufacturers were unanimous in their praise for the show. 

Commenting on BMW Group’s participation, Joerg Breuer, Managing Director, BMW Group Middle East said:  “The Motor Show was a well-organised event that was extremely successful for both our BMW and MINI brands in terms of visitor’s response and sales. For BMW, we sold almost all our BMW Individual Series Limited Edition cars produced to celebrate the UAE’s 40th anniversary.” 

Manufacturers in the mid-range segment were equally buoyed by the phenomenal success of the show this year. Mark Kass, Regional Managing Director, Al-Futtaim outlined the highlights of the show for Japanese manufacturer Honda:  “It has been an extremely successful Motor Show for us at Honda – both in terms of the visitor turnout and sales leads. We revealed the 2012 Honda Pilot and Honda City, models that have been the mainstay of not just the brand, but have been cars of choice for thousands of UAE residents.” 

French automaker Peugeot reported keen interest from a broad range of visitors and brisk trading.  Jeremy Weatherill, Divisional Manager for the company said:  “Dubai International Motor Show was a highly successful event for Peugeot – we sold over 100 Peugeot 207 models at the show itself.”

Simon Frith, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Toyota agreed: “The Dubai International Motor Show is the biggest event for the industry in the Middle East. Over the years it has become a platform that enables us to interact with customers from different age groups and backgrounds in a totally different way than the classic showroom visits.” 
With visitors thronging the halls from the very first hour of opening, exhibitors enjoyed record crowds with genuine interest on their respective stands.  Chrysler’s Managing Director, Jack Rodencal commented: “We are very pleased with the number of visitors this year. Dubai International Motor Show is the best platform to showcase our unique models, with sales at an all time high.”
Exhibitors from all corners of the world, and all segments of the industry, were impressed by the bi-annual automotive event and many have already committed to attend the next edition in 2013. 

James Thomas, General Manager of Marketing and Corporate Communications at AW Rostamani, official distributors for Nissan, Infiniti and MG said:  “From both a sales and communications standpoint we are delighted with the metrics achieved at this year’s show.  With well over 1,000 serious enquiries across the brands we represent, we look forward to another successful edition in 2013.”

Ara Sahakian, Managing Partner of Off-Road Zone and recently appointed distributors of Brembus, the world leader in design, development and production of high performance brake systems, said: “This is the first time we have participated in the Dubai Motor Show and it has exceeded all expectations in terms of response from car enthusiasts, racing professionals and the trade from within the UAE and the GCC. We look forward to participating again.” 
The next edition of the region’s largest and most influential motoring event will take place in 2013, with the world’s major manufacturers already in the planning stages for another opportunity to showcase their latest models to a key market.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

AL TAYER MOTORS SHOWCASES FERRARI 458 SPIDER AT THE DUBAI INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW

Al Tayer Motors, one of the UAE’s premier automobile dealerships and exclusive Ferrari importer-dealer, is showcasing the Ferrari 458 Spider at the Dubai International Motor Show.
Ferrari’s exciting new 8-cylinder convertible, the 458 Spider, shares the spotlight with the Ferrari FF and an exclusive customised Ferrari California that epitomises the new Tailor-Made programme announced by Ferrari.
458 Spider
The latest addition to the Ferrari range is a mid-rear-engined two-seater featuring a fully retractable aluminium hard-top, a world first for a sports car with this layout.
The 458 Spider’s innovative new hard-top is not only 25 kg lighter than a traditional folding soft-top, but is also quieter and thermally more efficient when raised. Aside from taking just 14 seconds to open or close, the hard-top was engineered to occupy a very small space when stored so that the designers were able to include a generous rear bench for luggage behind the two seats.
The rear windscreen doubles as an effective wind-stop which is electrically adjustable. When the hard-top is folded away the wind-stop opens to the height that guarantees the most efficient aerodynamics, reducing buffeting in the cockpit.
The 458 Spider is powered by Ferrari’s 570 CV 4,499 cc V8 which was named International Engine of the Year 2011. This is coupled with Ferrari’s class-leading dual-clutch F1 paddle-shift transmission which delivers 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in under 3.4 seconds and a maximum speed of 320 km/h.
The all-aluminium chassis incorporates new alloys and castings, also adopted on the coupé, which ensure the 458 Spider already conforms to 2020 safety legislations.
Its category-topping performance aside, the new car also boasts class-leading fuel consumption and emissions levels. Thanks to the HELE (High Emotion Low Emission) system, in fact, fuel consumption on the combined urban cycle stands at 11.8 l/100 km with CO2 emissions of 275 g/km.
Tailor-Made Programme
Ferrari stand also has an area dedicated to the Tailor-Made Programme, which enables owners to reach an even more personal level of distinctiveness with the specification of their cars.
The Tailor-Made Programme provides clients with an extensive range of exclusive cloth trim, colours, finishes and technical materials for a final specification inspired by unique classic Ferraris and by motor racing. The selection is available in three innovative collections - Classica, Scuderia and Inedita – specifically conceived by Ferrari’s Styling centre.
In creating a truly bespoke car clients will be assisted by their own Personal Designer throughout the decision-making process, right up until delivery. The Carrozzeria Scaglietti programme continues the range of personalisation options open to clients.
The Ferrari range at the Dubai International Motor Show
Lining up alongside the 458 Spider is the Ferrari FF. This V12 melds to an unprecedented level an extremely sporty, high-performance character with incredible versatility, superb comfort and sophisticated elegance, guaranteeing both driver and passengers an absolutely unique driving experience.
Also being showcased on the Ferrari stand is a specially customised Ferrari California, the mid-front-engined V8 GT that combines performance, versatility and driving pleasure. 





Hyundai brings ‘New Possibilities’ to Dubai International Motor Show


United Arab Emirates, 10thof November 2011- Juma Al Majid Est. – the sole distributor of Hyundai Motor in the UAE – brings the brightest and the best of Hyundai to Dubai International Motor Show (DIMS) from 10-14 November 2011 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Stealing the spotlight this year will be the modern premium concept - Veloster and the Genesis Prada – the essence of special edition luxury.

Senior Executive V. P. of Hyundai, Seung Tack Kim, commented, “At this year’s Dubai Motor Show, it gives us great pleasure to unveil the latest additions to Hyundai’s diverse lineup , each being a great example of the “New Thinking, New Possibilities.” Each innovation is making very clear that Hyundai is now an innovator in the automotive industry, because we don’t follow tradition, we make our own.”

The region’s most exciting platform for powerful motoring marques, Hyundai will join the world’s key automobile players at DIMS to unveil its latest creations that have captured the very soul of modern innovation.

KhaledIssa, COO of Juma Al Majid Group, said, “It is the very insignia of Hyundai that captures the core of what will be on display this year. New thinking and new possibilities are what have inspired the engineering feats that we are witnessing in the new models this year – from the Genesis Prada to the Veloster - making luxury a consumer right.”

Teaming up with Prada to release a special edition luxury sedan to the segment; the Genesis Prada combine’s the sophistication of the Italian fashion house, with its attention to detail and insurmountable quality, with Hyundai’s advanced technology and expertise to provide the truly unique model. Featuring the award-winning Tau 5.0 GDi engine, the vehicle delivers peak power of 430ps and a maximum toque of 52.0kgm, mated with an eight-speed transmission. Coming in three special edition colours: Black Nero, Blue Baltico and Brown Moro, the award-winning car – including 2009 North American Car of the Year – features Prada’s signature top quality ‘saffiano’ leather with a sophisticated finish. Riding on 19-inch alloy wheels, offset by dark chrome trim, the roof features a shark-fin antenna and is marked with GP500 emblem that highlights the exclusivity of the car.

Eclectic and attractive, Veloster is the compact sports car making efficiency and high power a reality. With its aggressive and completely modern design, the functional 3-door vehicle is not only beautiful on the outside, but inside as well, packed with the best-in-class accents and features. Shifting gears on 6-speed ecoshift dual clutch transmission, with paddle shifters for smooth and effective power, the vehicle runs on 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) Engine – both strong and efficient - generating 138 horsepower and delivering up to 40 Hwy MPG, which means better fuel economy for its owners. Veloster is the sports car dream for the real world.

“Hyundai is definitely showing off with the Genesis Prada and the Veloster, and it has every right to do so. The engineering capabilities and the ground-breaking revelations, which the brand has uncovered on its journey to go beyond what is possible, have inspired the genius’ at Hyundai to really go above and beyond this time. We are absolutely certain that our customers will stand and take note,” said Issa.
Customers will also be moved like never before with the new 2012 Azera from Hyundai. It has it all: style, luxury, comfort, performance and above all safety. Alongside the Azera and the limited edition models being presented this year, Hyundai continues to develop all segments with its dynamic ‘fluid sculpture’ designs and unrivalled power train package in the Sonata, Elantra and Accent.
“Hyundai’s model mix gives customers a chance to drive smart sophisticated vehicles that are redefining the meaning of attainable luxury,” concluded Issa