2003
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UAE hits hard shoulder violations
The Dubai Police have started cracking down on hard shoulder violations, and offenders will now have their car impounded for one month as well as a fine and points on their licence. Officials said this practice often resulted in fatal accidents and that the hard shoulder was only for use in genuine emergencies.
Toyota, new 2004 Avalon
Toyota UAE distributor Al Futtaim Motors has rolled out its new Avalon 2004 saloon which claims to offer whisper-quiet drive and distinguished luxury, along with dignified styling. For more details visit, www.alfuttaimmotors.com.
PT Cruiser, 20,000km free service
The USD16,900 Chrysler PT Cruiser now comes with a one year or 20,000km free service contract from UAE distributor Trading Enterprises. This stylish, value for money vehicle also has leather trimmed upholstery and many useful features in its spacious interior.
Continental, 360kph tyres
Continental has introduced the first tyres approved for speeds of up to 360kph. The ContiSportContact 2 Vmax is for high-end, customized sports cars. Top sports cars such as the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren can reach such astonishing speeds.
Jaguar XJ, a technical marvel
The new Jaguar XJ is the most technically advanced Jaguar model to date, and proved a big draw at the Dubai motor show. Acceleration from 0-100kph is 5.3 seconds with an aluminium body structure reducing weight by 40 per cent while increasing its strength by 60 per cent.
DaimlerChrysler, dollar invoices
DaimlerChrysler has introduced dollar invoicing for shipments to the Middle East, said President and CEO Nicholas Speeks. He said everyone benefits from stable pricing and that this policy is good for sales agents in the Middle East and also for customers.
Motorshow draws record crowds
The 7th Middle East Motorshow this week has attracted record crowds with exhibitors at times overwhelmed by visitors to their stands. They said new car launches and special vehicles had pulled in the punters, while all agreed that the event was now a world-class one on a parr with the best in the West.
Al Futtaim in top gear
The UAE's biggest motor dealership Al Futtaim Motors reports double digit growth this year, helped by strong fleet sales for Toyota. General Manager Tony Barlow told AME Info the entry level Echo had also boosted sales, while the xA targeted the youth segment. Al Futtaim has just opened its Abu Dhabi showroom, and prospects for 2004 are good, he added,
Paint your own Autobiography
A unique Range Rover Autobiography is on display at the Land Rover stand at the 7th Middle East International Motor Show in Dubai. The 4.4-litre luxury 4x4, features an exotic exterior paint scheme which changes colour depending on the angle it is viewed. This particular Autobiography offers the owner an opportunity to personalize their Range Rover.
Al Yousef sales up 30pc
UAE Chevrolet and Daihatsu dealer Al Yousuf Motors has reported a 30 per cent rise in sales to over 3,000 in the past year. Managing Director Kersie Polad told Gulf News the local real estate boom and low-cost finance had boosted sales in 2003, and that the high euro had also been helpful.
USD2.25m DaimlerChrysler stand
DaimlerChrysler is displaying vehicles worth more than USD2.25m at the Dubai motor show this weekend. The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren supercar is the star of the show. But the new CL65 AMG from Mercedes also makes its Mideast debut, as does the exciting new Dodge Durango.
Aston Martin DB9 launch
Aston Martin has launched its spectacular new DB9 model at the Middle East Motor Show. This complements the popular Aston Martin V12 Vanquish. The DB9 has already received strong interest from customers in the region and has led to a forecast that sales are set to double in 2004.
Dubai motor show opens today
The Middle East International Motor Show 2003 opens in the Dubai World Trade Centre today with the biggest number of exhibitors ever. From the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren supercar to a host of new more modest vehicles, there will be plenty of new cars to enthrall visitors.
Nissan 350Z, Z Car returns
Nissan's stand at the Dubai motor show marks the return of its famous Z sports car brand with the debut of the new 350Z. The Z combination of high performance, good design and good value for money is amply demonstrated in its latest incarnation. But Nissan is keeping specifications under wrap for the show.
Ford GT, Mideast debut
Ford's legendary racecar, the GT, appears for the first time in the region at the Middle East International Motor Show in Dubai this week. It is the 500 bhp, V8 flagship for the 2004 line-up which includes the Ford Five Hundred sedan, Freestyle crossover and the legendary Mustang. Ford's new GT concept car is more than a foot and a half longer, about a foot wider and stands nearly four inches taller than the original 40-inch high GT40.
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