HH SHEIKH AHMED TO INAUGURATE THE AUTOMECHANIKA MIDDLE EAST 2009 SHOW

DUBAI (May, 2009) – The Middle East’s largest exhibition for auto aftermarket opens from May 31 – June 2, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. 966 exhibitors from 46 countries will showcase their products in eight halls.

The event has received a huge boost with the confirmation that HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and chairman of Emirates Group, will open the show.

Automechanika Middle East is a highly acclaimed event for tapping worldwide emerging trends of the automotive aftermarket in throughout the wider Middle East. Organized by Epoc Messe Frankfurt GmbH for 3 days, it is a definitive event which is set to open for experts in the automotive sport, workshop equipment, tyres & batteries, parts & systems, repair & maintenance, and auto accessories & tuning industries worldwide.

The exhibition will witness an imposing presence from 14 overseas pavilions from France, Germany, Italy, India, Turkey, UK, USA and many more.

Mr. Michael Dehn, Senior Show Manager of Automechanika Middle East said, “It’s remarkable that even in difficult times, we have not only sustained our mark as an entrusted podium for the auto aftermarket industry in the Middle East, but have also managed to acquire more number of exhibitors than last year, when the number of participating companies was 941.”

Mr. Dehn added, “Our Dubai show is the world’s third largest event in the Automechanika series. It is an honour for us, not only to contribute to the Middle East’s auto industry in this way, but also to the global automotive parts, components and aftermarket industry.”

Thousands of service and repair owners, technicians, retailers, distributors, installers, jobbers, manufacturers, media and industry professionals are expected to attend this year’s event.

The exhibition has attracted some of the world's best automotive suppliers. The Dubai edition of Automechanika has become the ultimate shop window for trade visitors. Some of the highlights will be from exhibitors such as, General Motors Africa & Middle East FZE (ACDelco), MANN+HUMMEL GmbH, Intertruck MENA, Automotor France, Foilacar Middle East, Novocar, VBSA, Capelec, Liqui Moly GmbH, Alsafa Trading Co. (Ed Hardy), Rahimafrooz Globatt Limited and Forte Middle East FZC amongst several others.
ACDelco, the world’s largest provider of branded automotive spare parts, is building its presence at this year’s Automechanika Middle East Show in Dubai around an innovative and interactive ‘Spare parts over spare parts’ themed stand, which will not just be a visual treat for visitors, but the information sharing and technological demonstrations which will be held at the stand, will be the most sought after for.

In times where people have to save money, they take more care of their car; hence, the car care market is lucrative even amid the economic downturn. Forte Middle East, leader in the manufacture of additives and car care products will be doing an exclusive regional launch of its RedWing Professional range at the Automechanika Middle East.

Alsafa Trading Co. is the official distributor of Ed Hardy celebrity car accessories in the Middle East. They will showcase air fresheners, protective covers for cars, anti grinding dust and anticorrosion, sun visors, and car decorations.

According to MANN+HUMMEL, ‘Good lubrication means good running’ - this motto still applies, even for the latest examples of modern engine technology. MANN+HUMMEL will offer oil filters and filter systems that are tailored to particular engine concepts.

On May 31st 2009, Rahimafrooz Globatt Limited, the largest export manufacturing plant in South Asia, will host the worldwide launch of its new automotive battery brand GLOBATT. The GLOBATT range is prepared to hit the international market with a premium range of Maintenance Free (MF) and Sealed Maintenance Free (SMF) batteries, it will also have advanced features like EMT (Expanded Metal Technology) and Silver PLUS design.

VBSA’s smart repair kits for windshield repair and dent removals are innovative products which, with a simple use of an adhesive can repair and lift within minutes. A pioneer in windscreen repair, VBSA manufactures and distributes complete ranges of equipment for automotive glazing market, lifting and replacement. This year the number of space only stands booked by the participants has increased as compared to 2008, implying that the exhibitors are willing to invest more in the Automechanika Middle East platform to educate potential buyers face-to-face on how their technology works, even when the economic crisis has limited their marketing budgets.

The tyres section has received a great deal of interest this year. As compared to 2008, this section has witnessed a high growth rate of 525%, to present 25 key players of the tyre industry at the show.

The trade fair also features the Automechanika Academy, an interactive forum dedicated to the introduction and discussion of the most relevant issues of the regional automobile industry, with the presence of the industry’s key experts in every field from key organizations such as, Dubai World, Frost & Sullivan (UAE), RTA (UAE), and SEMA Association (USA) amongst others.The seminar will serve as a communication bridge between enterprises, buyers and researchers.

Backed with an enriched expertise, Automechanika Middle East is directed towards providing a single most platform to reputed international and regional automotive professionals.

First Look: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Ironically, it's only years after the big divorce that the Jeep brand finally benefits from the DaimlerChrysler marriage. An all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee debuts for 2011, and it now shares its underpinnings with the Mercedes-Benz M-class SUV. Better late than never, we suppose.
A new 3.6-liter replaces the previous 3.7-liter as the base V-6. It produces 280 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque (up significantly from the old lump's 210 and 235) and returns 11 percent better fuel economy, thanks in part to variable valve timing. The optional 360-hp, 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 returns to the playground, and both engines are paired with a five-speed automatic transmission and either rear- or four-wheel drive.
An optional Quadra-Lift air suspension (inherited from Mercedes) can raise the Grand Cherokee's ride height, increasing approach, departure, and breakover angles for even more off-road credibility. No longer constrained by the Commander, Jeep's mainstay family hauler has room to grow--and so the new Grand Cherokee is 1.8 inches longer, 3 inches wider, and, most important, rides on a wheelbase that's 5.3 inches longer. That last measurement contributes to a significant increase in rear-seat room, a welcome improvement over today's cramped bench. Jeep promises more soft-touch plastics and a higher quality interior, as well as an available Alpine sound system.

2009 Detroit Auto show reveals Green 2009 Audi A7 Sportback Concept

The name, Sportback, isn't one with much meaning for Americans, but at Audi it will soon assume greater significance than Avant. Already, the company refers to the A3 four-door hatchback as a Sportback and at the Paris auto show last fall it unveiled the subcompact A1 Sportback concept. Here, Audi wants to show that the Sportback idea isn't just for small cars.
Indeed, this Sportback concept is a preview of the upcoming Audi A7, essentially a premium, four-door coupe variant of the A6, much in the same way the Mercedes-Benz CLS is positioned above the E-class on which it's based.
So this Sportback (nee A7) is not a small car. It's just a shade longer (0.6 inch) than the A6 Avant, but more than three inches narrower and lower than the A6. The design of the large hatchback, however, is supposed to mimic the A5 notchback coupe. The front end gets a more squat version of Audi's large, vertical grille, and the exterior is dressed up with LED lights front and rear, and 21-inch wheels. As befits a show car, the interior is over-the-top plush, with leather everywhere (and a Bentley-esque, diamond sew pattern on the seats), a huge glass roof panel, oak "blockboard" wood trim, and filigreed aluminum.
Mechanically, this concept showcases all the latest Audi goodies. That means a turbocharged, direct-injection diesel, specifically the 3.0-liter V-6 that will be offered in the Q7 SUV starting this April. Here it makes 225 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, and it's mated to an 8-speed tiptronic automatic. The powertrain uses Audi's revised layout, seen already in the A4- and A5-series cars, that reduces the front overhang. Audi claims that this engine can hustle the 3968-pound concept from 0 to 62 mph in less than 7 seconds, and can also achieve nearly 37 mpg in the European test cycle. The Sportback also features a multilink suspension, active dampers (similar to those in the Q7), and ceramic disc brakes.

Chevrolet Cruz continues GM Brands Winning Looks - 2009 GM Cruze Review

The Cruze is said to be the replacement for the Cobalt in Chevrolet's product lineup.Exterior styling aims to provide owners with a sporty, sophisticated look while at the same time retaining key family styling cues, such as Holden’s trapezoidal grill.
In profile the Cruze features both convex and concave curves to offer a unique yet modern design language while at the same time reducing the number of seams and gaps for an all round better finish (all gaps less than 3mm).
At the rear, dual circular lamps sit within a red tinted lens assembly outboard of a chrome garnish that defines the bootlid’s waist line. The bootlid also serves purpose as being specially designed to act as an aerodynamically efficient trailing edge for the car further reducing drag and saving fuel.
With a wide stance, and short overhangs the stylish exterior appearance really only tells half of the story when it comes to the design, and overall fit and finish of this car with just as much thought behind the scenes as is presented outwardly.
Cruze is available in eight different paint finishes (two solid and six metallic) and features 16-inch steel wheels on the base-spec CD and 17-inch alloy wheels on the top-spec CDX.
Paint colours are as follows:
Arctic White Chilli Red Mercury Silver (M) Pewter Grey (M) Light Gold (M) Carbon Flash Black (M) Iced Blue (M) Moroccan Blue (M) Once inside the Cruze aims to create a sporty, comfortable and spacious “dual-cockpit” layout which has drawn influence from all GM markets during its conception.
Retaining similar styling themes as found externally on the vehicle - such as trapezoidal shaping (note centre air-conditioning/infotainment stack) and tight tolerances - the Cruze offers many features as standard that some rivals consider “extras” or simply do not offer at all.
A tilt/slide adjustable three-spoke steering wheel offers a thick grip, leather clad on CDX, along with both audio and cruise controls, which are incidentally standard on both model grades.
The use of all available space is evident through Cruze’s many storage compartments as is the obvious maximising of available cabin space, perhaps most noticeably in the offering of 917mm of rear leg room.
The driving position is comfortable, the pedal box well positioned and reduction in wind and road noise pleasing on all but the most coarse of rural roads.
Instrumentation is logical and concise while still offering a full-trip computer to compliment the four-gauge layout.
Featuring intuitive, simple and logically placed controls and switch gear the Cruze is afforded a pleasant, clean and modern decor using a mixture of colours and textures through all inter-relating materials to assist in a feeling of fluidity and refinement not usually found in cars of this price range.
The base model Cruze CD offers a two-tone sports mesh (cloth) trim with silver and matt black highlights while the CDX gains heated leather upholstery, gloss highlights with chrome and silver accents.
Both Cruze models feature an MP3 compatible single CD tuner with iPod connectivity, express up/down power windows with anti-pinch function, two flip keys, delayed theatre style cabin lighting, full trip computer, cruise control and 60:40 split fold rear seats with a built-in articulating arm rest.
CDX gains front fog lamps, the afore mentioned heated leather trim, rear park assist, and dusk sensing headlamps.
Notably, Cruze misses out on Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, a six-CD stacker and satellite navigation - even as optional equipment.
Cargo capacity on all Cruze (sedan) variants is 400 litres with the seats up.
Interior Dimensions are as follows:
Leg: 1074mm(F)/917 (R) Shoulder: 1391(F)/1370 (R) Head: 999 (F)/963 (R) Under the bonnet Cruze features the choice of petrol or diesel four-cylinder engines mated to either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with Active Select - though we should point out that at this stage, the diesel is only available in CD spec.
The engines are set in a four-mount cradle and are mounted on a slight angle, specifically tuned to the engine’s inherent torque axis, so as to minimise the transfer of vibration and noise.The 1.8-litre Family I, Generation III petrol unit manages 104kW at 6200rpm with thanks to dual continuously variable valve timing, twin continuously adjustable camshafts and a two-step intake manifold with a rotary sleeve (instead of flaps) to minimise any flow losses.
Developing 176Nm of torque, 90 per cent of which is available from between 2200rpm and 6200rpm, the engine isn’t exactly a powerhouse, but manages to achieve decent performance if kept in the upper reaches of the tach.
The petrol engine is capable of running on 91 - 98 RON fuel and is E10 compatible.
However, for my money the pick of the pair is easily the 2.0-litre, intercooled, turbo-diesel unit that utilises common-rail injection and a variable geometry turbo to develop 110kW at 4000rpm and 320Nm, which again offers 90 per cent of its power across a wide band - this time between 1750rpm and 3500rpm.

2009 Mazda CX-7 Review & Road Test

In 2004 it released the MX Crossport concept, which received great praise during the 2005 Detroit Motor Show and when it saw reality as the CX- the production version was almost identical to the concept, aside from the realistic interior, a product of its final price tag.This type of approach has paid dividends to Mazda in a big way. Having a swish looking car won’t help unless it drives well, so I stepped behind the wheel for the week to have a steer of Mazda’s classy SUV.
Our CX-7 test vehicle was finished in a neat white, ensuring it stood out from the crowd. Evident from first glance were the flowing lines that start at the bonnet and continue through to the car’s rear. Even though this car has been on the market for about three years now, it still has a striking presence.
Bulging side guards hint at the car’s sporty intentions, as do the chunky wheels and exposed exhausts.Inside the cabin, it’s a similar story. Although the funky LCD screen and interior layout isn’t carried over from the concept (we could expect a $100,000+ price tag if they were!) the general connotations are the same.Our test vehicle was fitted with a reversing camera, so it also featured an LCD screen, which controls the radio fascia and switches to a rearward facing camera when reverse is selected. Curiously, satellite navigation isn’t fitted as standard equipment and can’t be optioned, quite strange when you consider the screen is there, which is half the job done.
Rear leg and headroom isn’t too flash. With the driver’s seat in my regular position, quite far back more often than not, it’s hard for an adult to remain comfortable when seated behind. The design of the car somewhat inhibits the function. It’s not overly oppressive, but on the same token it’s also no LandCruiser.
This isn’t too much of an issue though when you consider the CX-7’s target demographic. CX-7 buyers have young families and are lifestyle oriented, so in that regard it does a fine job of hauling kids.
The standard Bose sound system offers plenty of punch. Fitted with nine speakers and pumping out 240W of power, there is ample bass and exceptional treble quality. A six-disc CD-changer tops things off with regards to the audio system.
The cabin has a roomy feel to it. The windscreen has a 66-degree rake, making the front of the dashboard feel like it’s very distant.
Boot room is average, and again, the design impinges on the function although 400-litres of capacity is on offer. Boot opening room is impressive though, allowing the loading and unloading of cargo with great ease.
Driving the CX-7 is a mixed bag. Turn the engine over and a humble silence engulfs the cabin. The 2.3-litre, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine produces 175kW and 350Nm, which sounds impressive, doesn’t it?

Specifications:Engine: 2261cc four-cylinder

Power: 175kW @ 5000rpm

Torque: 350Nm @ 2500rpm

Induction: Turbocharged

Transmission: Six-speed automatic Differential/Driven

Wheels: All-wheel-drive

Brakes: 296mm front/302mm rear

Top Speed: N/A 0-100km/h: 8.5-seconds 0-400m: N/A

CO2 Emissions: 273g/km

Fuel Consumption: 11.5-litres/100km (claimed)

Fuel Tank Capacity: 69-litres

Fuel Type: 98RON petrol ANCAP

Rating: Five-stars

Airbags: Six-airbags

Safety: ABS brakes with EBD and BA. DSC.

Spare Wheel: Spacesaver spare

Tow Capacity: 1600kg braked/750kg unbraked

Turning Circle: 11.4m

Warranty: Three-years/unlimited-km

Weight: 1771kg

Wheels: 18-inch alloys with 235/60R18 tyres