International Automobile Show opens in Sharjah

More than 40 exhibitors are displaying nearly 25 brands at the International Automobile Show that opened today. It was inaugurated by Sheikh Abdullah Bin Salim Bin Sultan Al Qassimi , Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and will be open until November 22.

The opening ceremony was attended by Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI), Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa - Director-General of Expo Centre Sharjah, Mr.Fasahat Ali Khan, Adviser to the Chairman and Board of Directors of Expo Centre Sharjah, and officials and trade representatives.

After the opening ceremony, Mr Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa said:

"The region has become the new focus area for auto makers from around the world who are looking for markets that can help them beat the slump in their home countries and other traditional marketplaces."

"Top auto manufacturers from around the world have driven into Sharjah in big numbers to make the most of what our robust regional economies have to offer. The increase in the number of new launches and the full line-up of vehicles from top manufacturers stand testimony to this fact," said Mr Midfa.

The show is set to witness some of the major launches for 2009. 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 , BMW, Audi and Nissan vehicles, among others.

Some of the reputed brands that are on display include, Nissan, Infiniti, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Maybach, Hummer, Polarsun, Admiral, Ligier, PGO,Jinbei, Audi (joining the show for the first time), Opel, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Suzuki Motorbikes and Temsa buses .

The show is also featuring 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 displays are occupying 16,000 square metres in addition to the boulevard and outside exhibition areas at Expo Centre Sharjah.

"The 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," Mr Midfa added.

The Gulf Co-operation Council countries currently have around seven million vehicles, including 1.5 million in the UAE. The UAE market is the most active due to the large number of projects and international companies that have set up base here.

This is expected to be one of the highest growth rates in the world's automobile industry.

According to official statistics, 89,467 cars were registered in Sharjah in the first half of the year. In total, 30,663 new cars were registered in the emirate in the first six months of this year, compared to 24,479 during the same period in 2007. In 2006, the number stood at 21,064.

In Dubai, data showed that motor vehicles increased by an annual average of about 12 per cent. Dubai has about 541 vehicles per thousand population, which is higher than New York (444), London (345) and Singapore (111).

The move to phase out older cars from UAE roads, low fuel costs, high disposable incomes, easier financing options, an increase in population and robust construction and logistics sectors are sure to drive up sales at the show," said Mr Saif Al Midfa.

"Though small cars will be one of the focus areas of this year's show, luxury and sport cars will be in demand too. This is because the luxury car buyers conviction is greater, which makes the willingness to buy also greater," said Mr Midfa.

"Car lovers have an ideal venue and a fantastic opportunity to explore the present market and price trends, and the presence of financing and insurance agencies make it easy for them to go for their best choice then and there," said Mr Saif Mohammed Al Midfa.

"Price and specification comparisons, which form a vital part of any buying, are also facilitated due to the presence of almost all top brands under one roof," said said Mr Fasahat Ali Khan. "Visitors can also expect much more choice in the same price bracket this time," added Mr Khan.

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

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.

The International Automobile Show is organised by Expo Centre Sharjah in association with Emirates Motor Sports Federation and Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The show is open from 11am to 10 pm. On Friday the show will be open from 3 pm to 10 pm.