Short list for CAR ME Awards announced

"Serious motoring enthusiasts in the UAE, who are also coincidently big spenders, opt for the newest, latest and most clever models, always competing to be the first with the latest 'car of the moment' even if that means paying a premium. For high-end performance and luxury car buyers, the Gulf is one of the world's most exciting and fast-paced markets," stated Sheikh.

To help these and other potential car buyers select the highest performance and most luxurious models currently available, the region's premier motoring magazine, CAR Middle East, has announced the launch of its first Car of the Year awards to coincide with the 9th Middle East International Motor Show.

The awards will be presented to senior executives from the automotive industry at a gala event at the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club on 14 November, with Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Emirates Automobile and Touring Club announced as the official awards patron.

Between them, over the last twelve months, the judges have driven more than 350 cars, over a combined distance of 250,000kms. After much deliberation, the short listed cars from five separate categories have been announced. The award categories include Performance Cars, Luxury Cars, Passenger Cars, SUVs and Industry Awards that will include Manufacturer of the Year and Automotive and Motor Sport Industry Person of the Year.

"In total, twenty winners will be announced along with a prestigious overall Car of the Year accolade. When making our decision, criteria such as desirability, image, driver involvement, market positioning, and relevance to the Middle East market all had a role to play. Further, with such an extensive range of cars to choose from, our decision was also based on what we would aspire to own personally and happily recommend to family and friends," Sheikh explained.

The aim of the awards is to celebrate key products, innovations, services and persons in the context of the Middle East's automotive market over the last year. The awards are being judged by a panel of unbiased experts, with more than 50 years combined experience in the automotive market, led by the magazine's editorial board and joined by CAR UK International Editor, John Sootheran.

Short listed Car Categories

1. Performance

A. Sports saloon
• Chrysler 300C SRT-8
• Chevrolet Lumina SS
• Lexus IS300

B. Coupe/sportscar
• Aston Martin V8 Vantage Sportshift
• Audi TT
• Ford Mustang GT500

C. Convertible
• BMW 3-series cabriolet
• Lamborghini LP640 Roadster
• Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe

D. GT car
• Bentley Continental GT Speed
• Jaguar XK/R
• Maserati Granturismo

E. Supercar
• Audi R8
• Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
• Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera

2. Luxury

A. Compact executive saloon
• Infiniti G35
• Lexus IS
• Mercedes C-Class

B. Executive saloon
• BMW 5-series
• Chevrolet Caprice Royale
• Volvo S80

C. Luxury car
• Bentley Arnage T
• Lexus LS460
• Maserati Quattroporte Automatica

3. Passenger

A. Small car
• Daihatsu Materia
• MINI Cooper / Cooper S
• Volvo C30

B. Saloon
• Chevrolet Caprice
• Nissan Altima
• Toyota Camry

4. SUV

A. Compact SUV
• Honda CRV
• Jeep Patriot
• Land Rover LR2

B. SUV
• BMW X5
• GMC Acadia
• Mercedes GL

C. Off-roader
• Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
• Mercedes G-Wagen
• Toyota FJ Cruiser

5. Car of the Year
Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
MINI Cooper S
Rolls-Royce Drophead Coupe
Mercedes C-Class
Aston Martin V8 Vantage Sportshift
Land Rover LR2
Bentley Continental GT Speed