International Automobile Show witnesses major launches

The International Automobile Show is a five-day biennial event and is considered to be the region's most popular auto exhibition.

The show got off to a spectacular start on November 14, 2006, and the opening day saw a number of auto makers from across the world unveiling their latest models for the UAE at the exhibition venue.

Among the major launches that have taken place so far are those of Xterra by Nissan, Expedition and Mustang by Ford, and SX4 by Suzuki.

Besides launches, the first time display of a number of models including the Mercedes CL and GL series, the new face lift X3, B6 Alpina, and M6 Coupe' by BMW, the Jaguar XK and XJ, Range Rover Sport HST, Lincoln town car 07 model, the DB9 Volante by Aston Martin, Lamborghini LP640, and the G35 by Infiniti, is keeping visitors to the show completely enthralled.

This year's International Automobile Show is featuring over 25 brands of automobiles. Some of the major brands at the Show are Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, Infiniti, Suzuki, Aston Martin, Bugatti, Bentley, Mitsubishi, TemSa, Kia, BMW, Rolls Royce, Mini, Mercedes Benz, Maybach, Jaguar, Land Rover, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Skoda, Lamborghini, Hummer, and Chery.

However, it is not only the latest models at the venue that is making heads turn. The display of a 1961 Mercedes Pagoda and other classic cars is attracting considerable attention from vintage car lovers and collectors.

The International Automobile Show witnessed huge visitor turnout on the first two days. The total number of visitors on November 14th and 15th exceeded 15,000. Given that the weekend is approaching, it is expected that by the time the show wraps up on November 18th, the total number of visitors would swell up to 40,000.

"The large visitor turnout in the first two days clearly indicates towards the popularity that the International Automobile Show enjoys in the region," said Mr. Saif Al Midfa, Director General, Expo Centre Sharjah.

"Given the large number of visitors that the Show attracts every edition, global car majors consider it to be a perfect launch pad for their new models in the region," he added.

However, it is just not the fascinating display of some of the finest cars that is attracting attention from the region's car enthusiasts. The two-4X4 tracks specially laid out behind the Expo Centre Sharjah complex to provide the ultimate driving experience is also turning out to be hugely popular.

The first track is a dedicated Hummer Zone and offers visitors the chance to be driven around in a Hummer vehicle. The Zone is the first of its kind in the Middle East.

The second track is a twelve obstacle course and here visitors can get driven around in 4X4 vehicles manufactured by Mitsubishi, Nissan, Suzuki, BMW, and Mercedes.

The 4X4 track is also displaying a Mercedes Unimog vehicle, something that visitors really can't afford to miss.

Among the other crowd pullers at the ongoing International Automobile Show are the play station area that would enable visitors to compete in various exciting games and the demo area to experience the thrill of driving a Mercedes Benz.