2003
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Iran to replace the Paykan
Iran is to conclude a deal with Renault by end-October to produce a low-priced passenger car to replace the poplular Paykan. The new car is expected by the middle of next year. Iran's 400,000 car a year market is dominated by Paykan which is built under a 1960s licence from Hilman-Hunter of UK.
Mideast car awards on Dec 11
The Middle East Auto Excellence Awards are to be held on December 11 in Dubai, said organsier Ali Kamali of Datamatix. Some of the award categories will include automobile of the year as well as luxury, family and best sports utility automobiles of the year.
Lancia Thesis, Italian perfection
The USD42,200 Lancia Thesis luxury saloon has gone on sale in the UAE at Al Ghandi Autos. With a 3-litre, V6 engine, leather and wood interior, and navigation system with TFT colour display, this is a very stylish Italian motor that will turn heads in a market with plenty of competition.
Volvo, HSBC, special finance deals
UAE Volvo distributor Trading Enterprises is offering to pre-pay two installments on selected 2004 S80 models in association with HSBC. There is also zero down payment, three years of free service and maintenance, plus a three year manufacturer's warranty.
Chrysler offers cash rebates
Chrysler's UAE distributor Trading Enterprises is offering cash rebates on all models until October 9. Rebates range from Dhs4,000 on the Dodge Durango to Dhs8,000 on the Sebring saloon. There are also savings on service and maintenance contracts and special trade in offers.
Emirates Road gains popularity
The Dubai 2003 meetings of the IMF and World Bank led to many drivers from Sharjah to Dubai using the Emirates Road for the first time, reported Gulf Road. This highway is used mainly by heavy goods vehicles from Jebel Ali and has proven unpopular with drivers. However, some drivers now accept that the highway has advantages, said the paper.
BMW 5-Series Bahrain debut
The all-new BMW 5-Series has been launched in Bahrain at a glittering occasion hosted by Euro Motors. The 530i is the first model available. It features a six-cylinder, 3-litre, 231 bph engine and shifts from 0-100kph in 6.9 seconds thanks to six-speed automatic transmission.
Ford, pay 50pc and drive away
Ford UAE distributor Al Tayer Motors is offering a deal where you pay 50 per cent of the new price of a Ford, Lincoln or Mercury and own the car for two years. Rakbank will finance the deal, or you can pay cash. There is also a three-year, 60,000km warranty and free roadside assistance for three years.
Chevvy Aveo, entry level value
The new Chevrolet Aveo is a small, smart and nippy entry level saloon with a modest price of USD7,625. UAE distributors are Al Otaiba in Abu Dhabi, Al Yousuf in Dubai and Liberty Autos of Sharjah. For more information visit, www.chevroletarabia.com.
Mercedes, great finance options
UAE Mercedes-Benz distributor Gargash Enterprises is offering free insurance, zero down payment and 3.99 per cent interest on the S-Class and ML-Class models, subject to bank approval. This offer is valid on 2003 models only. For details visit, www.gargash.mercedes-benz.com.
Al Futtaim, more Air Miles
The Al Futtaim Automall is offering more Air Miles with every car sold in the UAE, according to its latest promotion. Air Miles provide shopping, restaurant and other rewards including free flights. For further details visit, www.automalluae.com
Audi A8, choice of Dubai 2003
Banking leaders from around the world who assemble in Dubai for the IMF and World Bank annual meetings this week will be driven around town in a fleet of Audi A8 limos, specially procured for the event. Local distributor Al Nabooda Automobiles hopes this will spark interest in this classic saloon.
Dubai 2003, no major disruption
No Dubai roads will actually be closed during the IMF and World Bank events which run from today until September 25. But the Police have advised drivers to avoid the Trade Centre Roundabout and the Garhoud Bridge if possible. At the airport parking is now restricted so taxi drop offs are advisable.
BMW X5, low-cost finance
Owning a BMW X5 super hot 4x4 has never been cheaper with finance options starting from USD975 per month from UAE distributor AGMC. The X5 has won many awards for style and performance but it also recently scored top marks in the toughest crash course in the world.
Dubai taxis take MasterCard
Dubai Transport has fitted 240 taxis to accept payment with MasterCard. The airport and city taxis will be easy to recognise with MasterCard branding, and the new service has been rolled out in advance of the Dubai 2003 IMF and World Bank annual meetings this month.
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