Executive Motoring
- The news you choose »
- Login to Add to Watchlist
Categories
Toyota recalls Prius for brake problems
Toyota is recalling nearly 200,000 of its Prius petrol-electric cars in Japan for braking problems, the latest in a string of safety problems at the world's largest automaker, AP has reported. The Toyota Motor Corp president Akio Toyoda will hold a news conference at the automaker's Tokyo office later today to outline details of the braking problem, including plans for a possible recall in the US, a company official said.
VW upbeat on 2009 sales in Middle East
Volkswagen Middle East has recorded positive sales growth in 2009 in some Middle East markets with sales increasing overall by 18% in Lebanon and 15% in Kuwait compared to 2008. The automaker's latest compact SUV, the Tiguan, proved to be the biggest growth model with 49% increase over the past year, and 16% of 2009 total sales, while VW's flagship model, the Touareg accounted for 18% of total sales.
BMW boosts market share in Middle East
BMW Middle East fared better than expected during the global economic recession last year, with its market share in the region rising 4%, Michael Hiller, Area Manager, BMW Group Middle East, told Gulf News. He also pointed out that the 9% decline in overall business for the brand in the Middle East was less than the overall decline of 10.4% for the brand worldwide. The sharpest growth was seen in Syria and Lebanon, where sales rose 53% and 48%, respectively, he added.
Egypt dealer to distribute Hyundai in Iraq
Egypt's biggest passenger car assembler, GB Auto, has announced that it has established an $80m joint venture with Iraqi Al-Kasid Group of Companies to distribute Hyundai vehicles in Iraq, Reuters has reported. GB Auto estimates total sales to reach around 36,000 vehicles within a year of operations in Iraq. The company estimated the passenger car market in Iraq at 120,000-150,000 units per year.
Jordan dealer to probe brakes in Prius hybrid
Central Trade and Auto Company (CTAC), dealer of Toyota Motor Corp. in Jordan, has said that it has not been notified by the Japanese automaker regarding a brake problem in Prius hybrid, which is gaining growing popularity in the kingdom, Jordan Times has reported. It has been reported in the US that the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received about 100 complaints involving the brakes of the Prius new model. Two involved crashes resulting in injuries.
BMW launches Gran Turismo in UAE
German car maker, BMW has announced the launch of the new Gran Turismo in the UAE. The new model will feature eight-speed automatic transmission and two engine variants - the in-line six cylinder 535i and the V8 550i - both with twin-turbo technology. It also features entertainment options, including telecommunication and navigation systems, a multi-channel audio system, a DAB double tuner, USB port, 80 GB Hard Disk, DVD entertainment system in the rear, four-zone automatic air conditioning, and a panorama glass roof.
Mini One Cabrio Minilaism engine range released
BMW Group Middle East has unveiled the first car developed under the new Minimalism tag, the Mini One Cabrio. The Mini One Minimalism Line uses optimised engine technology, Brake Energy Regeneration and Auto Start Stop, Shift Point Display and other Minimalism measures to achieve a CO2 figure of 119 g/km which ensures efficient use of energy. The new MINI One Cabrio accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.3 seconds with a maximum speed of 181 km/h but only uses 5.7 litres of petrol per 100 km.
Ford Middle East upbeat about 2010
Larry Prein, the new managing director of Ford Middle East, has said the US carmaker has recorded about 15% growth in the region during last year's Q2 over Q1, and an additional 10% growth in Q3 over Q2, while keeping the momentum in the final quarter. Driven by this growth, Ford plans to expand its network in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Iraq in 2010, Prein said.
Al Futtaim to service Toyota's following safety fears
Al-Futtaim Motors, Toyota's UAE dealer, has released a statement saying that the group will undertake to service Toyota models following safety fears. 'We have been monitoring the situation and liaising closely with Toyota Motor Company. We can now announce that of the eight models affected by the USA campaign only two are sold by Al-Futtaim Motors in the UAE. TMC has confirmed that the two models, Avalon and Sequoia (model years 2005 - 2010) are highly unlikely to experience the same potential accelerator issue due to the UAE's climatic conditions. However, in the interests of delivering the highest standards of customer care, we will undertake the same service campaign launched in the USA,' said Simon Frith, Managing Director.
Qatari added to Porsche's board
German sports car maker Porsche has announced the election of Sheikh Jassim Bin Abdulaziz Bin Jassim Al-Thani as a representative of Qatar Holding onto the supervisory board of the company. Sheikh Jassim will be replacing Hans-Peter Porsche, who retired from office effective the end of the annual general meeting. Qatar Holding, through its fully owned subsidiary Qatar Holding Germany GmbH, holds 10-% of the ordinary shares of Porsche.
Toyota says no concerns over Avalon, Sequoia
Toyota's Middle East Representative Office has said that studies are being conducted on the necessary remedy on the accelerator pedal issue of Avalon and Sequoia models in the Middle East region. The two models, which Toyota distributes in the region, are manufactured in the US. "There is a rare possibility that this incident could happen in the region under its climate and air temperature," the Japanese car maker said in a statement. Toyota Avalon and Sequoia owners who have questions or concerns should contact the local Toyota distributor or dealer.
Honda recalls 646,000 Fit hatchbacks
Honda has recalled 646,000 Fit hatchbacks worldwide due to a glitch that could cause water to enter the power window mechanism, that could cause overheating in components, AP has reported. The recall involves the 2007-2008 models of Fit, which are sold as as the Jazz and City in other countries. The recall affects Asia, Latin America, Europe, South Africa and North America.
UAE Toyotas 'not affected' by recall
Simon Frith, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Motors has said that Toyota vehicles in the UAE are not affected by the Japanese automaker's recall on a number of Toyota models sold in the US. "We are closely monitoring the situation in the USA but as of today we have no information that this affects any Toyota vehicles sold in the UAE. If becomes apparent that any vehicles in the UAE are affected by this campaign we will take the appropriate action," Frith said in a statement.
BMW sales up 2% in Bahrain
BMW Group Middle East has said its BMW and Mini sales in Bahrain rose 2% in 2009 compared to the previous year, Gulf Daily News has reported. Amongst models that saw significant increases in sales were the BMW 7 Series which recorded a 224% increase in sales in the kingdom and was the top selling BMW vehicle, followed by the BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe which achieved a 59% increase, the company said.
New Aston Martin Rapide unveiled in Saudi
Haji Husein Alireza, Saudi Arabia's Aston Martin dealer, has unveiled the British luxury carmaker's Rapide in its Jeddah showroom. The new Rapide is powered by a 470bhp 6.0-litre V12 engine from the DB9, the Rapide uses a Touchtronic 2 gearbox (with paddle-shift manual override) mounted at the rear to drive the rear wheels. The combination propels the Rapide to 100kph in five seconds.
It looks like you are using a Mac - check out our 
Web Feeds