2004
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Drivers face less delay
Sharjah has copied Dubai's decision to ban heavy trucks from city roads during peak hours, easing congestion for commuters. Dubai's growth as a business and trade hub has seen traffic problems escalate over the past couple of years. The Sharjah ban will stay in place until the Sharjah Ring Road is completed in mid-2005.
Volvo S60, special purchase
UAE dealer Trading Enterprises is selling the S60 saloon with a special purchase offer of Dhs107,990 or finance from Dhs1,970 per month. The S60 comes with comfort and sport settings for optimising ride and handling. There is also a 30-month buy back guarantee.
New-look Jeep Cherokee
Jeep Middle East has launched a new-look Cherokee and Cherokee Renegade. The new Jeep Cherokee gets a freshened exterior design with new front fascia, grille, fog lamps, fender flares, bodyside mouldings and new standard roof-rack rails and wheels.
Kia Opirus, free insurance
UAE Kia agents Al Majid are offering a year of free insurance on the 3.5-litre Opirus, its flagship luxury saloon. Priced from Dhs74,000, there is also a five-year unlimited warranty. Luxury specifications include ABS, CD, 4-inch monitor, power seats and two airbags.
Prestige cars at Saudi show
Several luxury brands including Hummer and Lamborghini have introduced their 2005 models at the Saudi International Motor Show. This year's show was so popular that exhibitors had to be turned away, and next year's show is already nearly fully booked. The six-day event in Jeddah attracted more than 110,000 visitors.
Al Yousef targets 5,000 sales
Al Yousef Motors is targeting sales of 5,000 vehicles next year after selling close to 4,000 this year, reported Gulf News. The Dubai Chevrolet and Daihatsu dealer said a 15-20 per cent increase in local rents was affecting demand for cars, although the growing population was a plus factor.
Volvo 4x4 a big hit
Volvo is ramping up production levels for its debut 4x4, the XC90, to the 100,000 per annum level. Launched in 2002, the XC90 has become Sweden's biggest single export. The advanced safety features of the XC90 have proved popular and a V8 version is to be launched this month.
Chrysler, huge cash savings
UAE Chrysler dealer Trading Enterprises is offering cash back on all models in its annual sales drive to clear stocks. Offers range from Dhs2,000 back on the entry-level Neon up to Dhs13,000 on the huge Dodge Durango, the most powerful 4x4 in its class.
BMW Mideast sales 11,500
The BMW Group is set to boost sales in the Middle East from 10,200 in 2003 to 11,500 this year, with sales in Saudi Arabia surpassing the UAE for the first time, reported MD Guenther Seemann. He said the Kingdom would account for 4,000 to 5,000 sales in the coming years while across the GCC the German car giant will continue to open new showrooms.
Cash back on all Jeeps
UAE distributor Trading Enterprises has launched cash back deals on Jeeps with Dhs11,000 back on the Grand Cherokeee, Dhs7,000 on the Cherokee and Dhs3,000 on the Wrangler. The offer runs until December 18 and also includes savings on service and maintenance contracts and accessories.
Dollar slide motivates buyers
European and Japanese car buyers in the Gulf states are bringing forward their new purchases in an effort to beat expected price rises next year. Dealers said other car manufacturers were bound to follow BMW with price rises in the New Year in response to the falling value of the US dollar to which all the GCC currencies are linked.
Prime Limousine to triple fleet
UAE-based Prime Limousine will invest USD5.5m to double its fleet of luxury Cadillac Escalades, Mercedes S Class and Cadillac stretch limousines over the next three years. The 14 month-old company is achieving a monthly booking growth of 35 per cent and was the official transportation for speakers and corporate ambassadors at the Leaders in Dubai event.
Jaguar XJ boosts Kuwait sales
The arrival of the Jaguar XJ Long Wheelbase model in Kuwait last October has helped boost overall Jaguar sales in the country. Jaguar sold 104 cars in the year to date, an increase of 39 per cent over the same period last year, according to distributor Kuwait Automotive and Trading company.
BMW 5pc price rise Jan 1
BMW Group is to raise prices on all its vehicles by five per cent from January 1 due to the strength of the euro. Regional MD Guenther Seeman said this is the first time in four years that BMW has raised retail prices. But this compares with a 47 per cent appreciation in the US dollar in this period.
Liberty, free oil change, check-up
Sharjah based Liberty Motors is offering a free oil and filter change for all owners of 1998 and earlier Chevrolet models up until December 16. There is also a free 17-point inspection report available by General Motors trained technicians.
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