Seven luxury automobile majors set up base in Dubai Airport Free Zone

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'Dubai is a natural choice for automotive manufacturers targeting the high end segment in particular because of its ability to target the affluent economies of the region and be a trend setter for the Middle East,'

remarked Mohammed Ali bin Suwailem, Sales Director, Dubai Airport Free Zone.

Dubai Airport Free Zone is now the office location for prestigious brands such as Ferrari Middle East and Africa, Maserati Middle East, Porsche Middle East FZE, Spyker Automobielen, Audi Volkswagen Middle East FZE., Isuzu Motors Limited and MAN Middle East FZCO.

Bin Suwailem underlined that the fastest growth in the automobile industry, in terms of both sales and production is expected from the developing economies of Asia-Pacific and Latin America in the next three years.

'The automobile industry in the Middle East is vibrant and is boosted by higher disposable incomes, easy and ready availability of consumer finance, an open trade environment and the region's relaxed policies towards the automobile sector.'

'Dubai's strategic location as the gateway to the Gulf, Africa and the Middle East and the advantages offered by the Dubai Airport Free Zone such 100% tax free, 100% repatriation of capital and a one stop-shop in processing of documents required in operating a business are all advantages taken into consideration by the chief executives of these companies in selecting Dubai as their regional offices,' said bin Suwailem.

'We now play an increasingly important role as the major business and financial link between East and West - with more than 1425 international companies already having established headquarters in Dubai Airport Free Zone,' he adds.

Mr. Edwin Fenech, General Manager for the Middle East and Africa of Ferrari said: 'Being at the Dubai Airport Free Zone, we can take advantage of state-of-the art facilities and high quality of service which is amongst the best in the world. It is phenomenal and there is nothing like it.'

Mr. Fenech added that the UAE is one of the most exciting markets for the international automobile industry and our sales have been in the 'double digits in the last couple of years.'

He noted that although the Gulf countries account for less than 1% of the world's population, it is especially important for luxury car makers 'as this market generates demand for the most luxurious cars.'

'Dubai and the AGCC are extremely important markets for Audi Volkswagen Middle East FZE. Dubai accounts for a large portion of the sales for both Audi and Volkswagen and the rest of the AGCC is the major part of the entire business,' said Mr. Jeff Mannering, Managing Director of Audi Volkswagen Middle East FZE.

'Audi Volkswagen Middle East FZE is a 100% subsidiary of Audi Germany. The company is the only Regional Sales company (The region consisting of AGCC and Near East Countries) of its type globally, responsible for sale of Vehicles, After sales and Genuine Parts and Accessories. While the company is a full subsidiary of Audi in Germany the company is also responsible for the Volkswagen Brand Sales and after sales.

Commenting on the services and facilities offered by DAFZ, Mr. Mannering said: 'There is always a challenge to meet the customer demands, especially when there is enormous growth and expansion of business. The demand for premium services and facilities by prestigious and top international companies is increasing daily in Dubai and the challenge is to be able to provide these premium services at a realistic cost. The priority for business today is to balance the ever increasing costs with the services being provided and this is being closely monitored by all companies.'

He added Audi Volkswagen Middle East is 'committed to our partners in the region.' On his company's business expectations for the region, Mr. Mannering said 'Our expectation is for continued growth in the region. The Middle East has had excellent growth in the past years. If you look at Dubai in particular and the continued investment here the forecast looks promising especially for our products.'