2002
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Natural gas for UAE vehicles
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has launched a new project to replace car fuel by natural gas. The project, the first of its kind in the Middle East, will cost USD1.5 billion in the first phase. In the beginning, local taxis will start using natural gas instead of fuel. Later phases will see the project expanded to all vehicles in the UAE.
Kia Carnival MPV, five-star safety
The Kia Carnival MPV is the only vehicle in this class with a five-star safety rating in the USA, according to a new promotion in the UAE. Local distributor Juma Al Majid has 2003 models available with 150,000km or three year warranty from USD16,300. The Carnival has 2.5-litre and 3.5-litre V6 engine options, alloy wheels, dual air conditioning, side impact protection and rear swiveling seats.
UAE traffic week committee
Commander-in-chief of the Sharjah Police Colonel Saleh Ali Al Mutawa has been elected chairman of the higher committee for traffic week 2003, reported Gulf News. The committee will start preparing the 19th Gulf Traffic Week. This annual event will concentrate on traffic problems and enhancing the role of the media.
Sangyong, round-world warranty
Sangyong is offering a 300,000km or three year warranty on its Rexton 4x4 and Chairman saloon models. This is a sufficient warranty to drive six times around the world. National Auto also offers five-year finance packages with low interest rates and no down payment and the first payment after three months.
Two year old wins a Land Rover
Two year old Syrian Jad Elias has won a Land Rover in an Abu Dhabi airport raffle, reported Gulf News. The ticket was bought by his father, but the boy is already an avid collector of model cars. Abu Dhabi airport rotates the vehicles that it raffles with Mercedes the most frequent prize.
Audi sales up 10 per cent
Audi sales are up by 10 per cent in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain this year, according to local distributor Ali and Sons. This will bring total sales to around 400 vehicles. The news came at the launch of the new A4 Cabriolet in the UAE capital city on Monday. Ali and Sons are investing USD13.6m in new workshop and service facilites, and expects the USD39,500 Cabriolet to sell very well.
Jeep Cherokee 2003 now in stock
The Jeep Cherokee 2003 is now available in the UAE from USD21,000 for the entry level Cherokee Sport from Trading Enterprises. Also on sale is the new Jeep Cherokee Renegade with 3.7-litre V6 Power-Tech engine, 210 hp, anti-lock brakes, skid plates, offroad light bar and CD player. For details visit www.jeepuae.com.
DSF offers two Lexus draws a day
The 32-day Dubai Shopping Festival which opens on January 15 will offer the chance to win a Lexus car in two daily raffles. Only 5,000 tickets will be sold at Dhs200 for each draw, and local dealer Al Futtaim Motors is providing a buyback deal for unwanted prizes.
Porsche, Mid East sales to double
Porsche officials said they expected to double sales to more than 1,000 vehicles in 2003. Managing director Mark Bishop told Gulf News that the launch of the new Cayenne 4x4 vehicle had already racked up over 500 pre-launch orders. This will mark Porsche's entry into the 4x4 market with the fastest vehicle in this class.
Jaguar X-type, 100,000 sold
Jaguar have sold more than 100,000 X-types worldwide since it was launched in September last year in Paris, reported Al Ahram from Cairo. This entry-level Jaguar combines classical elegance with the latest technology, said the newspaper, and features a unique aluminium body. The X-type has also been a hit in the Middle East.
Aston Martin Vanquish, Kuwait debut
Aston Martin has launched its Vanquish V12 in Kuwait, a 6-litre, 460hp monster with a top speed in excess of 300 kph. The GCC specification is built to handle extreme temperatures of up to 81C which is important in Kuwait where 50C is common in the summer.
Lexus LX470, an all-new species
The all-new Lexus LX470 is a totally new species when set beside its predecessor, according to the manufacturer. There is the world's first variable gear ratio steering which adds to agility for driving in town; adaptive variable suspension which improves onroad cornering and the ride off-road; and an upgraded quad-cam 4.7-litre, V8 engine combined with a new generation of automatic transmission.
Dubai to host global BMW 760i launch
Dubai has been chosen for the global launch of the new BMW 760i, according to Al Watan. At a special event more than 100 journalists from around the world will be flown into Dubai for tha launch which is seen as a further endorsement of Dubai as a growing media centre.
Mercedes designer defects to VW
Top Mercedes passenger car designer Murat Guenak has left to join rival Volkswagen, reported Reuters. He will takeover as design chief for the Volkwagen, Skoda and Bentley brands in April next year. His former job included responsibility for the SLK roadster and Maybach supercar.
Over 10,000 BMWs sold in Mid East
BMW expects to have sold more than 10,000 vehicles in the Middle East in 2002,a major milestone, although still far short of rival German manufacturer DaimlerChrysler. BMW managing director Robert Bailey-McEwan said the 7-Series alone would sell 3,000 plus units this year. For 2003 BMW will introduce the Z4 in January, the 730 and 760 in February, and the new 5-Series in July.
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