DUBAI INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW SET FOR SELLOUT SUCCESS

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

UAE man buys world's most expensive car - Bugatti

 The custom-made Bugatti cost a cool Dh9 million
A UAE resident has bought a custom-made Bugatti L’Or Blanc – the world’s most expensive car in the world – for an estimated $2.4 million (Dh9 million).

According to a Bloomberg report, Bugatti – which makes the world’s fastest cars – has tied up with German porcelain maker KPM in order to fit in a porcelain caviar tray in the custom-made car. There is little known about the owner of the car except that he owns around 200 exotic cars.

"Installing porcelain in the world's fastest convertible car seems like a pretty odd idea... but Bugatti has made a name for itself by not shying away from extravagant ideas," said Stefan Brungs, Bugatti's sales chief.

The streamlined vehicle, which has a white exterior with royal blue lines, has also been fitted with porcelain wheel badges, fuel caps and oil caps.

The car was introduced recently in Berlin, Germany.

The most expensive car title was earlier held by Bugatti 300 Veyron 16.4s with an estimated price of $1.74 million.

Dubai International Motor Show 2011 -Worlds most elite motoring names revving up for Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: From the classic car makers for Superman and James Bond to the modern motoring favourites of Donald Trump and Prince William, the most celebrated names in the auto industry will be out in force at this year’s outstanding Dubai International Motor Show.

Running from 10 – 14 November 2011 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, the event will launch the latest models, parade the greatest designs and present the best business opportunities in a region which is famous for its infatuation with motoring.

The rise in car sales across all classes for the beginning of 2011 has been phenomenal, with many of the leading manufacturers recording exceptional trade. General Motors stated their figures for the Middle East were up by 21% for February compared to the same month last year and Ford declared a remarkable 51% increase in sales in Q1 compared to 2010.

The event, now in its 22nd year, presents an excellent business platform for the entire spectrum of motoring, from family saloons to off road vehicles and motorbikes, as well as many of the spectacular elite brands.

As one of the most important premier car markets in the world, the Middle East is a magnet for the manufacturers whose brands have become bywords for style, elegance, speed and luxury – and the prestige sector is still accelerating fast. AGMC, the authorised Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dealer in Dubai, Sharjah & Northern Emirates Rolls Royce, for instance, recorded a 178 per cent growth in sales in the first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010, and Bugatti recently announced that the Middle East now accounts for around 30% of worldwide sales.

The Dubai International Motor Show is not only a showpiece for enthusiasts, it presents an ideal business arena for all auto dealers, distributors and franchisees who either already operate in the region or are looking to expand.

Top brands which have already signed up for the show include Audi, Aston Martin, Bentley, Bugatti, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ferrari, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Infinity, Jeep, Kia, Koenigsegg, Lamborghini, Lexus, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo and many more. First time exhibitors include Invader Technologies, Lotus, MG, McLaren and Spyker.

“The Middle East has always attracted a significant market share of high-end motoring brands and manufacturers,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO of Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of the event, “and the potential for domestic growth and international expansion makes the Dubai International Motor Show a unique prospect for those businesses.

“The growth in sales of luxury brands in particular is a clear affirmation of the buoyancy of the market and also reinforces the economic confidence in the region. This event is not only a great business driver for the regional auto industry, it is a gauge for the rest of the world to measure the appetite of Middle East motoring customers and, more importantly, their willingness to buy.”

With Mercedes posting early 2011 figures up by 14% on the previous year, and Bentley stating that the region accounts for one in every ten of their cars sold around the world, the Dubai International Motor Show is sure to draw customers and companies looking to invest in elite brands.

George Duncan, General Manager of Bentley Emirates said: “We are in a region that is synonymous with luxury vehicles and there is every sign of that bond growing stronger. The Bentley, Bugatti and McLaren brands typify the classic images of prestige motoring and there is no doubt that Middle East owners and drivers expect the ultimate products. The Dubai International Motor Show is an excellent way for us to present those products and also for our potential clients to experience them. For us it is an essential date in the diary.”

As part of the Dubai International Motor Show, a dedicated tuning section will include such world famous names as Brabus, Hamann, Fab Design, Gemballa and Depp-At, and an exhibition of the leading motorbike manufacturers and brands will showcase the latest models available in the Middle East. The accessories and parts section will provide a full aftersales area and running alongside the show a lifestyle feature will include exclusive watches, fashion, gadgets and even grooming to complement the parade of prestige cars.

Continental, one of the auto industry’s most famous and respected tyre manufacturers is the Dubai International Motor Show’s first ever official tyre sponsor. With 130 years of experience and sales figures at more than 37 billion dollars according to the company’s 2010 annual report, Continental is among the most successful brands in its field.

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.

AUTO SHANGHAI 2011- 21 April - 28 April 2011

•Founded in 1985 as the earliest professional international auto show in China.

•The first Chinese international automotive exhibition that joined UFI.

•An impressive and recognized gathering of international automotive industries brings great attention, support and participation of automotive industries home and abroad.

The rapid development of Chinese automotive industry demands new, advanced technologies and R & D concepts. As the biggest new market all over the world, all automotive industry giants and their suppliers are focusing China.The Auto Shanghai 2009 with a total exhibition area of 170,000 square meters, attracted 1,500 exhibitors from 25 countries and regions, 7,287 journalists from 38 countries and regions which jointly witnessed the success and resplendence of the Auto Shanghai.

Both domestic and overseas organizers who are highly specialized and authoritative would plan the exhibition thoroughly and continue innovating, based on the success of Auto Shanghai 2009, offering first-class service and management, to present you a superior Auto Shanghai 2011. Hereby we warmly invite you to be a part of it.

The 14th Auto Shanghai will reveal itself in April with brand new visions before China and the world. We extend our warmest welcome to your participation in the most valuable event in autombolie industry.

Kia Naimo - electric concept car

Taking its name from the Korean word “Ne-mo”, (pronounced ‘Neh-mo’, meaning ‘square shape’), the Naimo electric crossover utility vehicle (CUV) was conceived by Kia’s international design team in Seoul, and is characterized principally by its simple lines and solid, muscular stance.

The uncomplicated overall design is accentuated by a number of striking key details, such as the wraparound windscreen and asymmetric sunroof design, and the front and rear dot-style LED head- and positioning-lamps. This juxtaposition of simple and complex is a common trait of many traditional Korean arts and crafts. Asian Celadon-style pottery, in particular, was a major influence on the car’s styling – with the pottery’s asymmetric form lending itself to the sunroof design, and the typical jade coloring giving Naimo its unique exterior finish.

Naimo’s interior was designed to evoke a strong sense of tranquility and features hand-crafted materials throughout. Korean oak is used to trim the interior door panels and the entire interior floor, Korean “Han-ji” paper is used for the head lining. Alongside these traditional elements sit modern features such as a TOLED (transparent organic light emitting diode) storming display instrument panel and full device connectivity.

Power comes from a PMSM (Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor) electric motor with a maximum output of 80 kW (109 ps) and maximum torque of 280 Nm, enabling Naimo to reach a top speed of 150 kph (93 mph).

A twin-pack 27 kWh battery is located under the trunk floor and uses innovative LiPoly (Lithium Ion Polymer) technology that offers numerous advantages over other battery types. Equipped with this battery, Naimo provides a driving range of 200 km (124 miles) on a single charge. To enhance range, the showcar is fitted with special low-drag 20-inch diameter alloy wheels.

Under the quick recharging cycle (50 kW) the Naimo’s battery can be recharged to 80 percent of its capacity within 25 minutes.