Dubai Motor Show 2007 roars past the chequered flag

Over 101,577 people streamed into the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre over the five days to experience the latest and best from the automotive world. This represents a significant 25% increase over the last events visitor attendance in 2005.

"We are delighted with the overwhelming support from the industry and the public response to the Dubai Motor show. The event has continued to grow in size and stature to provide the manufacturers an enduring platform to educate, entertain and excite the region's buyers with their superb creations. We will continue to infuse the event with greater innovation to maintain our position as one of the best motor shows in the region"

said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre, organizer of the event. Approximately 650 companies from 28 countries were part of the five day extravaganza, with visitors and traders from across the globe in attendance.

With world premiers, regional launches, live car makeovers, timeless classics and futuristic concepts, the show had it all. Manufacturers were in agreement that this year's event was more focussed than ever before.

Premium brands like Mercedes and Ferrari reported better-than-expected responses. Mr. Ashraf Tamim, Marketing Manager for Mercedes, echoed the sentiment of the group. "There was a lot of interest in the Maybach, the SLR, and the AMG series. We have already confirmed sales of three SLR 722 GTs, and expect more confirmations soon" he said. Incidentally, visitors to the show had the privilege of being the first in the world to see the new Maybach Landaulet 62s, which will set the standards for luxury automobiles in the years to come. Two orders for the Dhs2m dream car have already been confirmed, with 30 to 40 serious buyers in the pipeline even before production has commenced.

Lamborghini was also highly appreciative of the show's organisation and potential. "We are extremely pleased with our success at the Motor Show. It has grown by leaps and bounds over the show two years ago, and continues to be an important platform for us in the Middle East" said Ms. Juliet Jarvis of Lamborghini.

West Coast Customs confirmed the sales of 9 Range Stormers worth Dhs1.3m each, after tuning and modifying the vehicles to suit their inimitable style and standards. The Shelby Ultimate Aero, the fastest production car in the world, was expected to be a star attraction at the show and it did not disappoint, as the one model on display was immediately snapped up for Dhs2.16m, two other models are on order and will take 90 days each to build. The superfast Brabus, which is hot on the heels of the Ultimate Aero with top speeds of 365 kmph, also confirmed two sales. Besides the cars, the American MXT Truck, valued at Dhs450,000, proved to be very popular, with 4 confirmed orders and more in the pipeline.

Audi was another instant hit at the show, with the R8 creating most of the waves. 25 R8s were sold at the show, even though there is an 18 month waiting period for delivery. "This show has been fantastic for Audi, and we received positive enquiries on all days, said Mr. Nedal Obeid from Audi.

With this year's show featuring attractions like the Porsche Kids Driving School and the popular West Coast Customs, families turned out in large numbers, making it a fun day out for people of all ages. "My kids had a whale of a time at the Porsche Kids Driving School. I think it's a fantastic idea to broaden the show's horizons to include something for the entire family, and it adds a definite buzz to the atmosphere" said Mr. Keith Sell, a British national.

Numerous visitors walked away with exciting prizes including tickets to the Dubai Motor sports Festival and the thrill-a-minute Yamaha Raptor quad bikes, which made their visit to the show all the more exciting. Many stands featured foot-tapping live entertainment with bands, dancers and entertainers ensuring that there was never a dull moment.

All in all, it was five unforgettable days of high-powered entertainment that showed once again that the region is one of the most exciting automotive markets in the world.

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