Sharjah Auto Show to witness major launches

The International Automobile Show is the Middle East's most popular biennial auto exhibition for car lovers and enthusiasts and hosts some of the finest automakers from across the globe.

Visitors to the five-day event will not only be treated to a fascinating display of some of the finest cars available in the market, but will also witness the UAE launch of several new models by a host of car majors.

Prominent among the launches will be Mercedes-Benz GLK, the Middle East preview of the "Most beautiful European car" of 2008 PGO Hemera, and several Lamborghini, BMW, Audi and Nissan vehicles, among others.

The Mercedes-Benz GLK had its world premiere in April 2008 and is being introduced here for the first time. It features a choice of 4MATIC models including two V6 petrol engines (GLK 280 and GLK 350). The GLK 280 has 231 horsepower, with a 3.0L engine and an acceleration of 0 to 100kmph in 7.6 seconds.

The GLK 350 has 272 horsepower and 3.5L engine with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/hr in 6.7 seconds; the vehicles have a top speed of 210 kmph.

The highly robust body is a key to the pioneering passive-safety setup, extremely low noise levels, exceptional degree of interior comfort - to produce that typical Mercedes feeling of wellbeing - and the high value retention.

Plus, state-of-the-art systems - such as the leading-edge PRE-SAFE® safety concept and the Intelligent Light System (ILS) - are available in this market segment.

"We are delighted to be showcasing such an array of Mercedes-Benz vehicles at the International Automobile Show in Sharjah this year. Such a prestigious event provides the prefect opportunity for us to exhibit, and the new models we have lined up are sure to impress - especially the S600 Pullman - although all models displayed have been carefully selected to reflect the great Mercedes-Benz name," stated Wassim Derbi, Marketing Manager of Gargash Enterprises.

Not only are passenger vehicles being exhibited, but commercial vehicles also, as they too play a significant role within the automobile industry. Alan Dale, Commercial Vehicle Manager of Gargash Enterprises said, "This show provides the ideal platform from which to launch the new models within the Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles range.

Lamborghini, the Italian manufacturer of sports cars, will be represented at the show by Al Jaziri Motors, the authorised dealers for the ultimate sports cars in the UAE. Several current and new models of the manufacturer will be on display at the show.

New Lamborghini models have always generated huge interest among auto enthusiasts. Lamborghini's announcements that two special and rare models will hit the road in the near future have been the talking point even in the region.

The first of the models, called the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo, is being called the world's fastest "one-make" series. Debuting in May 2009, the one-off model will be a lightweight version of the Gallardo LP 560-4 super car that was launched earlier this year.

The special-edition 570 horsepower Trofeo weighs in at just 1,300 kg and features permanent four-wheel drive.

Playing both sides of the field, Lamborghini has also created the only police car with the performance to hunt down speeding Blancpain Super Trofeos on public roads.

Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Car is a 5.2-litre V10 with 560 horsepower, 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds, a top speed of over 200 mph and one of the most beautiful modern designs to ever come out of Italy.

French replica-maker PGO is showing its first self-designed, all-new model PGO Hemera. Set to be the eye-catcher at the show, the Hemera is a low-slung shooting brake-style coupe, with a 1.6-litre, 150bhp natural gas-compatible engine, and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km in seven seconds.

Elegant and refined with its dazzling design and distinct urban style, the PGO Hemera perpetuates the grace and beauty of the previous models, the Speedster II and the Cevennes.

Based on the same technical specifications, Hemera features a spacious open interior, accentuated by its unique glass bubble, creating a new driving experience. The commercialisation of Hemera is scheduled for 2009's first quarter.

Audi, through the participation at the show, is aiming to boost its Middle East sales further. Audi Middle East sales rose by 38.2 per cent to 6,380 cars in 2007 (2006: 4,616).

The current Middle East model range comprises the Audi A3 Sportback, A4 Saloon and Cabriolet, A5, A6 and S6, TT Coupe and Roadster, the A8, S8, the Q7 and the R8. Visitors can expect to see the 2009 models of some of these vehicles at the show.

AGMC, the exclusive importer for BMW Group products in Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, is also looking to boost its sales figures. It sold a total of 1,953 vehicles in the first half of 2008, a growth of 19 per cent over the same period in 2007, representing the highest sales figures across the Middle East for any BMW Group importer.

In 2007, AGMC delivered a total of 150 BMW 5 Series vehicles to Dubai Police, as well as a fleet of BMW 7 Series and BMW 5 Series to the Dubai Protocol and Guest House department.

In addition, BMW will host a speed driving challenge. Visitors to the show who own a valid driving licence can participate in the contest and take home valuable gifts.

The Emirates Motor Sports Federation will organise the challenge on the sidelines of the show.

The challenge, sponsored by BMW, will not only test the driving skills of participants but will also highlight the importance of abiding by traffic rules and regulations.

To be held on a specially laid out track in the outdoor arena of the Expo Centre Sharjah's sprawling complex, participants in the BMW Driving Skills Challenge will be expected to negotiate the various turns and twists with the aim of driving through the track without dislodging any of the traffic cones. Participants will incur a penalty for every cone dislodged.

Of the approximately 30 participants per day between 5.30pm and 9pm, all will receive a certificate while a surprise gift awaits the overall winner.

Pirelli, Cerruti and Mobil 1 are the other co-sponsors of the challenge.

The International Automobile Show will also feature a Hummer Driving Zone, where visitors can test-drive latest models of Hummer 2 and 3.

The current edition of the show will host more than 40 exhibitors and over 25 brands including Lexus, Lamborghini, Nissan, Infiniti, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Maybach, Skoda, and Hummer, among others.

The show will also feature the latest models in convertibles, prototype cars, 4x4 vehicles, luxury coaches, motorbikes, water vehicles, classic cars, accessories, audio and video systems, navigation systems, commercial vehicles and auto finance facilities. The exhibition space will cover 16,000 square metres in addition to the boulevard and outside display areas.

The International Automobile Show is organised by Expo Centre Sharjah in association with Emirates Motor Sports Federation and Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry.