November
stands to be the busiest month on wheels this year, with the Dubai
International Motor Show, the region’s biggest and most influential automotive
event, forecasting one of the biggest shows in its 22 year history, and a
number of crowd-pulling newcomers choosing the show for their Middle East
debuts.
Running
from 10 – 14 November 2011 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition
Centre, this year’s Dubai International Motor Show will include first time
participation by some of the world’s most exciting and powerful motoring
marques, including McLaren, Lotus, MG and De Macros. They join a world class
list of international automotive manufacturers preparing to unveil their latest
models, concept cars and technological innovations during the four day show.
Sales
of high-end cars in Gulf countries are expected to grow by 20 percent this
year, more than double the 9.7 percent forecast for the segment globally,
according to data from international market research company IHS Automotive.
Double digit growth for Middle East markets in the first half of 2011 has also
been reported by the world’s leading motoring manufacturers, highlighting the
importance of the region for the industry.
“The
Dubai International Motor Show has earned a place in the automotive world as
the definitive platform for showcasing the latest and most exciting models and
marques, and this year’s event is looking to reach new levels. There is no doubt that the Middle East is one
of the highest growth markets for the world’s premium automotive manufacturers,
and the show attracts the biggest regional audience of motoring enthusiasts.
It’s an unbeatable combination,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World
Trade Centre, the organiser of the biennial show.
The
growing list of top exhibitors confirmed this year include Audi, Aston Martin,
Bentley, Bugatti, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ferrari, Ford, GM,
Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Koenigsegg, Lamborghini, Land
Rover, Lexus, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Peugeot,
Renault, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.
Luxury
automotive manufacturers such as Jaguar Land Rover will showcase their
strongest and most comprehensive line-up of vehicles in the company’s history, choosing
the Dubai International Motor Show to debut the complete 12MY range of Jaguar,
Land Rover and Range Rover nameplates and offer a sneak preview of the XKR-S,
Jaguar’s fastest production vehicle to date.
The company will also introduce its much anticipated Range Rover Evoque,
the smallest, lightest and most fuel efficient Range Rover ever.
Robin Colgan, Managing Director Jaguar Land Rover
MENA said: “Jaguar Land Rover has had a long-standing and successful presence
in the Middle East & North Africa region, and our brands are now available
in over 19 markets. With our regional HQ based in Dubai, we see events such as
the Dubai International Motor Show as absolutely crucial to our success in the
region, offering a fantastic platform to showcase our vehicles to new and
existing customers both in the region and internationally.”
Germany’s luxury car manufacturer Audi promises
to make a powerful statement at this year’s show. Jeff Mannering, Managing Director, Audi
Middle East said: “Audi has lots to present
this year! We are aiming for 25 percent growth in 2011 and new products as well
as exposure to and interaction with Audi enthusiasts are an important part of
that. Visitors of the Dubai Motor Show will have the chance to get up close and
personal with our latest models including the Audi A1, A7 and A6. We will also
show several new models, but we will keep those a secret for now.”
Syed
Ahmed, General Manager, Marketing at Nissan Middle East has also confirmed an
unprecedented line-up for Japanese car giant Nissan, with at least two new
model launches expected on the stand this year:
“Nissan’s distinctiveness and fast developing reputation for innovation
will be further manifested by some thrilling displays of sports cars and SUV
models plus some surprises for visitors to the show.”
This
year’s show includes a dedicated tuning section with the world’s major players
including Brabus, Depp-At, Hamann, Fab Design, Gemballa, TechArt and Vorsteiner
expecting strong sales from a region that embraces customisation and bespoke
enhancement of luxury models. Leading
manufacturers of motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, including Victory and
Polaris who are also Gold Sponsors at this year’s show, are also set to showcase
the latest models available in the Middle East.
Dubai
International Motor Show will be held from 10–14 November 2011 at Dubai
International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The show is open from 5pm–10pm
on Thursday 10 November, 3pm–10pm on Friday 11 November and 11am–10pm on 12,
13, 14 November. Ticket prices are AED 50. For more information visit www.dubaimotorshow.com
