2003
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Major car show opens in Moscow
The 6th Russian International Motor Show - Autosalon - began in Moscow on Monday with strong international participation aimed at the fast-growing Russian market. Sales of cars and trucks in Russia are growing annually by 9.5 per cent, while sales of foreign cars have gone up by 45 per cent. The trend is expected to continue.
New Mitsubishi models unveiled
Al Habtoor Motors, dealers of Mitsubishi vehicles in the UAE, unveiled the 2004 Lancer, its most successful passenger car. The company will soon launch Nativa, a new Sports Utility Vehicle that combines the ruggedness of a 4WD and offers a passenger car-like performance.
Nissan X-Trail wins UK award
For the second year running, the Nissan X-Trail was voted the 'Best Recreational Vehicle' by UK weekly motoring magazine, Auto Express. Editor David Johns, said: "The X-Trail blends a trend-setting exterior with twinkle-toed handling and swift performance. Add in the innovative interior and the six-speed manual gearbox, and the X-Trail makes a strong case for retaining its crown in 2003." Demand for X-Trail has increased considerably in the GCC.
Land Rover voted 'greatest car'
Land Rover's Defender model has been named 'the greatest car of all time' by Top Gear, the BBC's automotive TV programme. Originally built in 1948, the car polled 29 per cent votes after it had been shortlisted by the show's team of experts. Over 3.25m Land Rover vehicles have been sold so far.
GM sales rise 7pc in seven months
GM Middle East has reported sales of 28,793 vehicles in the first seven months, a rise of 7 per cent. Demand was strong for Chevrolet passenger cars and the SUV setor. The introduction of new family of small cars - Chevrolet Aveo and Epica - have opened new market segments for GM in the region.
Jaguar H1 Mena sales rise 23pc
Jaguar's first half sales in the Middle East North Africa territory have risen by 23 per cent. The UAE was the fastest growing market with a 51pc rise, followed closely by Egypt with 50pc and Kuwait with 42pc. The car manufacturer said its XK Coupe sports car, the X-Type and S-Type all contributed to the success.
Abu Dhabi hikes parking fines
Abu Dhabi has raised the penalty for wrong parking to USD67.50 from USD40.50, and said it will double the fine if it is not paid within ten days. Cars blocking garbage skips will be towed away and owners fined USD135, and if found blocking fire hydrants, the vehicles could be impounded and owners fined up to USD2,700.
Action against impromptu car sales
Sharjah has come down heavily on impromptu 'car for sale' sites where individual owners leave their cars with contact details. The municipality has started spraying red paint on the 'for sale' sign on the cars and has threatened to impound them if they are not removed within one week. It said five or six cars are left at Al Ittehad Road site every day, leading to traffic congestion and parking problems, Khaleej Times said.
RAK heavy vehicle rush hour ban
Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE will ban heavy vehicles from all city streets during rush hour. The ban will come into effect from the new academic session and is aimed at ensuring student safety. A patrol will visit schools while motorcycle police will be placed at kindergartens, Gulf News reported.
New Nissan Sunny launched
Nissan dealer in Dubai and the northern emirates has launched the popular new Nissan Sunny. Its core features focus on sophisticated good looks, coupled with smart new interior design and performance standards. It has several new features and comes with high safety standards.
Bahrain eases taxi rules
Taxi drivers in Bahrain may be included in the government's General Organisation for Social Insurance scheme if GOSI talks with Public Transport Society succeed. Bahrain has also allowed pick-up drivers to accept five passengers as also to register public transport under their own names.
Special offer on 2003 Maxima
Th Abu Dhabi and Al Ain distributor of Nissan has come out with a special deal on the 2003 models of Nissan Maxima under which a buyer will be offered an insurance rate of just 3.9 per cent for the first year of ownership. The car will be equipped with free rear parking sensors. Maxima is a popular model on UAE roads.
Heavy vehicle entry ban
Sharjah Police has started a 10-day warning period for heavy vehicle drivers violating the no-entry areas ban. Drivers will be fined if found passing through or parking in banned areas after the period. Police, Anjad Patrols and Sharjah Municipality are working together to educate the drivers on rules during the period.
Epica and Aveo from Chevrolet
Chevrolet has introduced the new Epica and Aveo models in the UAE which are aimed at the lower-to-middle market segments. The Aveo retails at USD7,560 onwards while Epica sells at USD11,000 onwards. Aveo comes with a 1.5l engine while the Epica has a 2.0l unit.
Dubai road closed to traffic
Dubai's Beirut Road between Al Quds/Beirut Junction and Al Rashidya/Airport Road Junction will be completely closed to public traffic from August 16, to enabe the building of a tunnel linking Nad Al Hamer and Beirut Road. The project is scheduled to be completed by end-March 2005.
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