Hot Rod Fuller Smashes Two Personal Bests in the Yas Marina Circuit

In the third and fourth qualifying rounds of the Uni-Select Auto Plus NHRA Nationals in Reading, Pennsylvania over the weekend, Hot Rod Fuller, in the Yas Marina Circuit Top Fuel Dragster ran the fastest time of his career to date.  Rod came in under the esteemed 3.8 second Elapsed Time (ET) mark, with an ET of 3.785 seconds. 

Rod also broke his highest speed record, for the second time this season.  Set just weeks ago in Minnesota, Fuller reached a speed of 325mph, beating his previous best by nearly 3mph.   

These efforts positioned the Yas Marina Circuit Top Fuel Drag Team in a respectable fifth place leading into the eliminations, only to smoke the tyres and be knocked out in the first round.

“We made our career quickest and fastest pass, which says a lot for this team. I’m so proud of all of the Yas Marina Circuit guys, especially with how well we’ve done these last couple of races. We struggled on race day, but we really moved up and we’re running with the top guys after only 8 races all season. You know, that’s nothing to hang our heads about,” commented Hot Rod Fuller.

“Getting above the 320mph barrier again, just goes to show that we have the speed; we just need to get everything to line up now.  It’s frustrating that we haven’t won, but we know we have a car that can win,” he continued.

The team has only two races left in the ten race season, with Rod having previously performed well at both tracks.   The next race will take place in Phoenix, Arizona from 14-16 October, followed by the final meet in Las Vegas at the end of October. 

Aston Martin awarded UK’s coolest brand fifth time in six years

Gaydon, Warwickshire, 28 September 2011. Aston Martin has been awarded the prize of the UK’s coolest brand, winning this prestigious accolade for an unprecedented fifth time in six years.

Once again, Aston Martin has topped a poll which comprises an array of leading international contemporary design-driven brands, including Apple and Bang & Olufsen, as well as other leading automotive brands. Aston Martin was also voted the top automotive brand surpassing a host of other luxury and specialist manufacturers to complete a double success.

Stephen Cheliotis, Chief Executive, The Centre for Brand Analysis and Chairman of the CoolBrands Council commented: “Smooth, sexy and sophisticated; British built, high quality and hand finished, let’s be honest, young or old, male or female, opinion former or British public, who wouldn’t aspire to own what is truly the coolest car on the road. Number one in five of the last six years, this British icon is truly the coolest of the cool.”

Since it was established in 2001, the CoolBrands initiative has been canvassing the opinions of experts and consumers to identify the coolest brand in the UK, based on factors including style, innovation, authenticity, originality and desirability.

This year’s council of 36 influencers includes music artist Jessie J, DJ and Bestival founder Rob da Bank and actress and fashion designer, Sadie Frost. After 10,000 brands are initially identified, a shortlist of 1,500 brands is established and the panel and consumers then vote to produce a top 500 of the most highly rated brands.

The past decade has seen Aston Martin transformed from a small-scale manufacturer of specialist sports cars to one of the world’s best-known luxury brands, boasting its strongest ever line-up. From the breathtaking One-77 supercar and the elegant yet brutal V12 Zagato to the Tailor-Fit luxury city car, the Cygnet, from the powerful Vantage range and new Virage to the exquisite DB9, DBS and Rapide, every Aston Martin expresses the core values of Power, Beauty and Soul. The Aston Martin range was expanded further at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, where the company unveiled the striking new DBS Carbon Series. 

Aston Martin is globally represented with a network of 136 dealers in 42 countries, most recently opening new dealerships in Istanbul, Turkey, Las Vegas, USA and Mumbai, India. The company also has ambitious growth plans for up to four new dealer sites in China over the next 12 months, doubling the existing network.

Aston Martin remains at the forefront of contemporary manufacturing, a cultural force that embodies design and engineering excellence, and a brand with a truly special heritage. Renowned around the world, Aston Martin enters the next decade with the promise of radical innovation and change, without losing the core qualities that make this strong, independent British brand so widely revered.

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.