Motor Show Opens on Upbeat Note

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Motor Show Opens on Upbeat Note

DUBAI - The 10th Dubai International Motor Show opened on Wednesday on an upbeat note as recession-stricken car-makers from around the world exhibited their finest and newest models in anticipation of better days ahead.

By Issac John

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Published: Thu 17 Dec 2009, 11:19 PM

Last updated: Thu 2 Apr 2015, 3:48 AM

The biennial event was inaugurated at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre by Shaikh Mansour bin Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.

Since the opening, the show venue was bustling with excitement as leading global automobile brands raced to grab limelight for their newest line-up that they hoped would help restore their flagging fortunes.

“Our 10th anniversary is a true landmark occasion and we are delighted to have received such strong and committed support from our exhibitors and partners, many of whom have been part of the Dubai International Motor Show from the very start,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai World Trade Centre.

Visitors to the show, which is running until 20 December 2009, can witness a host of exclusive global and regional debuts by global automobile brands. Most exhibitors felt the Dubai Motor show set the stage for a faster recovery after a challenging year of dismal sales across the globe.

“Looking around us here today at what has become a truly world-class automotive event, BMW Group can only be proud to have been part of the development of the Dubai Motor Show,” said Phil Horton, Managing Director of BMW Group Middle East. “This is the most important automotive event for the Middle East region and we are delighted to be part of the success.”

The Dubai Motor Show has consistently provided an excellent platform to showcase Nissan’s automotive brands to a wide cross-section of the region’s car buyers and all within a facility that is easily accessible for the public and user-friendly for exhibitors, said Michel Ayat, CEO of Arabian Automobiles, Nissan distributor the UAE. Mike Devero, Middle East President of General Motors said the manufacturer is now a ‘new company’ that is ‘leaner and better able to compete’. In the Middle East, he said GM’s focus was on satisfying customers and building its remaining brands — Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac.

Tom Purves, chief executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said the initial response from customers, prospects and enthusiasts to its latest model “Ghost” demonstrated the importance of the Middle East region for the car-maker’s global business. “Ghost will add substantially to the success story of our dealerships in the region. Currently four out of the top ten most successful dealers in the world are based in the region,” he said.

Aston Martin releasesd the first official images of the ‘Cygnet’ – a new luxury commuter concept car.

The highlight cars at Audi stand were the newly launched Audi A5 Sportback, A5 Cabriolet and Audi R8 V10 accompanied by the new Audi Q7, S5 and many others. As a surprise reveal Audi presented the new Audi TT RS, a 340 bhp suped up version of the Audi TT. Jeff Mannering, Managing Director of Audi Middle East, said the German automaker is investing 2 two billion Euros annually into new product development.

Bryan Nesbitt, Cadillac general manager, said the CTS Coupe Concept that is making its regional debut would be the new focal point of the luxury brand. “It is intended to appeal to a new generation of car enthusiasts.”

Haima one of the largest Chinese automobile manufacturers introduced 6 new models. “We believe that UAE has a lot of potential and are targeting the mid income segment,” said Fred Huang, General Director, Haima Automobiles.

LUXGEN, Taiwan’s first automobile brand also made its global debut at the Motor Show. It unveiled the world’s first electric 7-Passenger vehicle.

The Dubai International Motor Show runs in conjunction with the inaugural Outdoor Adventure Dubai 2009, the UAE’s only complete outdoor adventure and sporting event. Outdoor Adventure Dubai 2009 opens tomorrow at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre and runs until December 19. The co-location of the two events offers a natural synergy for visitors looking to find the latest in the motoring industry, while exploring products and equipment for a wide variety of outdoor land and water activities.

issacjohn@khaleejtimes.com


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