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Lexus to preview models at Dubai show
The exclusive distributor for Lexus in the UAE, Al Futtaim Motors has announced the flagship Lexus LS600hL and the Lexus LF-A are scheduled to launch early next year and will appear exclusively at the Dubai International Motor Show. LS600hL is the world's first V8 hybrid all wheel drive luxury car, while the Lexus LF-A features a 4.8-litre V10 sports tuned engine that produces 560bhp and top speeds in excess of 320kph.
KIA Sorento arrives in Jordan
National Arab Motors, Jordan's sole importer of KIA cars, has announced the arrival of the new 2010 Kia Sorento CUV to its showroom. The new Sorento is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 CC 277bhp engine with a six-speed transmission box. Among Sorento's features are a Six or Eight-speaker audio system, ABS anti-lock braking system and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
General motors posts $1.15bn loss
General Motors has posted a Q3 loss of $1.15bn, an improvement over the same period in 2008, which the group says reflect cost savings wrought through bankruptcy. GM's revenue fell 26% to $28bn from the 2008 period.
BMW releases X5M and X6M models in Qatar
Alfardan Automobiles, Qatar's exclusive BMW importer, has unveiled the new BMW X5 M and X6 M models. Both models are powered by a newly developed M TwinPower Turbo V8 high-performance engine delivering 555bhp at 6,000 rpm, acceleration from 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds, and a top speed electronically limited to 250km/h.
Jordan hybrid demand grows
Luay Shurafa, the regional manager of General Motors (GM) in the Levant area, has said that Jordan is the region's first country with demand for hybrid models, Jordan Times has reported. The first batch of 50 new 2010 Tahoe hybrid SUVs will arrive in the Jordanian market before the end of this year, he said, adding that hybrid SUV sales are expected to exceed conventional SUV sales in the country in the coming few years as buyers will take advantage of low customs fees on hybrid models. In the first nine months of 2009, 1,800 hybrid cars were imported into the country.
Mitsubishi to concentrate on fuel efficiency
Osamu Masuko, President Mitsubishi Corporation said at a press conference that 'the automobile industry has entered a stage where it is time for change to more environmentally-friendly customer choices. Under this kind of a paradigm shift, we at Mitsubishi Motors have been working hard to adjust production volume to reduce excess stock; to conduct every kind of cost-cutting activity, and to introduce more fuel efficient models along with our zero-emission electric vehicle (EV), i-MiEV'.
Iran Khodro to produce Renault L90
Iran's car manufacturer, Iran Khodro Co. (IKCO) has said it has received the license for commercial production of the Renault L90 (Tondar) Sport model from France's Renault, Tehran Times has reported. Renault will will make inspections on IKCO sites every six months as part of the deal. Iran Khodro has an average share of 65% of domestic auto market.
Porsche reports losses
German luxury car maker Porsche has reported pre-tax losses of €4.4bn for its 2008-2009 financial year, compared to a €8.6bn profit in the previous fiscal period, AFP has reported. Porsche has attributed the losses to write-downs stemming from its stake in Volkswagen.
New Jaguar XK and XKR on sale in Qatar
Alfardan Premier Motors has launched the new XK and XKR coupe and convertible in Qatar. New models are available in the new XK range: the XK, the highly equipped XK Portfolio and the supercharged XKR, all available in coupe or convertible form. The models introduce revised exterior and interior styling.
BMW to showcase Mini at Dubai Motor Show
BMW Group Middle East has announced that the two commemorative Mini 50 Camden and Mini 50 Mayfair Limited Edition models will be making their Middle East debuts at the 10th Dubai International Motor Show in December. The models, both named after famous suburbs of London, have been created to celebrate the brand's 50th birthday.
Renault Fluence to debut at Dubai Motor Show
Renault GCC has announced that the upcoming 2009 Dubai Motor Show will see the launch of the new Renault Fluence that was designed especially for the Gulf region. In addition to the Fluence, Renault will also unveil four brand new models that will make their first GCC debut- two hatchbacks and the 2010 Koleos and Safrane models.
Qatar sells VW preferred shares
The investment arm of Qatar's sovereign wealth fund has raised around $2.4bn by selling 25 million preference shares in Volkswagen 'to enhance the liquidity' of the stock, but said it remained committed to Europe's biggest carmaker, Reuters has reported. Qatar Holding said it would continue increasing its voting holding in VW as previously announced, to give Qatar the third-largest voting stake behind automotive group Porsche SE and VW's home state of Lower Saxony. Qatar's voting stake in VW was 6.78% in August.
Germany's top 3 to showcase their cars in Dubai
Germany's top three car makers have confirmed they will be showcasing some of their most exciting models during the 10th Dubai International Motor Show in December. BMW is scheduled to unveil two of their new hybrid vehicles, with the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo and BMW X1 models, while Audi plans to showcase several of its latest lighthouse models, including the 5-door Coupé concept, A5 Sportback. Set to display a total of 17 cars this year, Mercedes-Benz will also showcase its range of AMG models and highlight its 'green' credentials with the debut appearance of the new S400, the first series luxury production car to feature a hybrid drive system with a lithium-ion battery to go on sale in the Middle East and Levant.
New Toyota Land Cruiser Prado on sale in Bahrain
The fourth generation of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado has been unvelied by Ebrahim K. Kanoo, Bahrain's sole distributor of Toyota and Lexus vehicles, in the company's showroom in Sitra. The new Prado has improvements including a roomier cabin with power enhanced third row seats, enhancements to the full frame structure and higher body rigidity, a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, and a 'Crawl Control' feature to enhance rough-road compatibility.
Rolls-Royce opens new showroom on Qatar's Pearl Island
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has opened a new showroom at Qatar's most exclusive address, the Pearl Island in Doha. The showroom will offer five models: Ghost, Phantom, Phantom Extended Wheelbase, Phantom Drophead Coupé and Phantom Coupé. Rolls-Royce has 83 dealers around the world and currently nine showrooms in the Middle East: in Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait City, Lahore, Manama, Muscat and Riyadh.
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