2004
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New Range Rover Sport
The all-new sports tourer 4x4, the Range Rover Sport, is powered by a 4.2-litre supercharged V8 engine, and is priced to fit between the new LR3 and the Range Rover. The cockpit is designed around the driver, with a high and sweeping centre console and features premium leather, wood and metallic finishes.
Arabian Autos, new Infiniti models
The Arabian Automobiles Company showcased its full line-up of Infiniti and Nissan vehicles with one of the largest stands at the Sharjah Motor Show last week. Three new Infiniti models are making their GCC debut: the G35 sedan, coupe and QX56.
50,000 new Dubai number plates
More than 50,000 Dubai vehicles are now sporting the new alphabet coded number plates from the free replacement programme launched in August. The changeover is being handled exclusively by Tasjeel, the vehicle testing and registration joint venture between Dubai Police and Emirates Petroleum Products Company, a subsidiary of the Emirates National Oil Company.
Honda Accord arrives in Dubai
The 2005 Honda Accord is now selling in the UAE through Trading Enterprises, adding a new 270 bhp, 3-litre V6 power model to its existing line-up. Highlighting its safety features, the Accord has ABS brakes, dual airbags, side airbags, and a rigid chassis development.
US dollar fall to raise car prices
Car prices from European and Japanese manufacturers will rise sharply in 2005 in the Middle East due to the falling value of the US dollar. Most Middle East and all GCC currencies are linked to the US dollar, so price rises are unavoidable, said dealers. However, the price of US-made cars will not change.
Lincoln, Mercury, 50:50 offer
The UAE's Al Tayer and Premier Motors are offering a pay 50 per cent now and 50 per cent in two years deal on Lincoln and Mercury models, with special end of year prices. This includes three years or 60,000km of warranty on Mercury vehicles, and four years or 80,000km of warranty on Lincolns.
Sharjah Auto Show opens
Chairman of the Sharjah Economic Department Sheikh Tariq bin Faisal Al Qasimi opened the International Automobile Show in Sharjah yesterday. There are 50 exhibitors, including 15 dealers. New launches will include the Mercedes CLS and SL65 AMG, Mini Coupe, and Nissan's Infinity range.
Nissan 99pc workshop satisfaction
Nissan's workshops in the UAE are achieving a 99 per cent success rate in satisfactorily handling repair and maintenance jobs, according to a company survey. Using genuine Nissan parts is actually a very sound investment, claimed Nissan, as this maintains the re-sale value of vehicles, extends their lifespan, and is safer.
2005 Honda Civic arrives
The new 2005 model Honda Civic is now available in the UAE through Trading Enterprises. The EXi and VTI models have been upgraded with alloy wheels and ABS brakes and the top range VTI has leather upholstery. All models have radio, cassette and CD player.
Dollar expands Mideast fleet
US-based Dollar Rent a Car has unveiled an aggressive expansion strategy for the Middle East, with plans to open 20 new franchise outfits region wide. The company is also giving away mobile phones to customers who lease new Honda Civics on a three year contract.
Liberty extends GM Ramadan offer
Sharjah based Liberty Automobiles has extended its Ramadan offer. Chevrolet buyers get Dhs1,000 in cash and a free raffle coupon with 40 winners of Dhs3,000 each in raffle draws. There is also free registration, a three-year or 60,000km warranty and two years or 30,000km of free maintenance.
New global car door standard
Countries representing 90 per cent of car manufacturers have agreed a new global safety standard covering door latches and hinges. Passengers face the risk of being thrown out if doors fail and in the US there are some 42,000 such failures each year. Other safety regulations will follow.
Cadillac STS turning heads
The luxurious Cadillac STS will arrive in regional showrooms in December and was unveiled at the Beirut Motor Show. The car has received a phenomenal response, said Regional Marketing Manager Fadi Ghosn. Buyers choose a standard 3.6-litre V6 or the 4.6-litre Northstar V8 engine.
GM Astra, luxury suspension
General Motors chose the Beirut Motor Show for the first public appearance of the new five-door Opel Astra which will retail throughout the GCC in late February 2005. The Astra introduces adaptive IDSPlus suspension with Continuous Damping Control, previously reserved for luxury vehicles and for exclusive sports cars.
Mini Cabrio, Sharjah debut
AGMC will present the new Mini Cabrio at the Seventh International Automobile Show to be held in Sharjah from November 23-27. Also on show will be the new BMW 1 series, BMW Alpina B7 and BMW 630iA Coupe. Other BMW models on display will be the BMW Alpina B3 Coupe, M3 Convertible, 530iA, 745Li Individual, Z4 3.0i, X3 3.0 and the X5 4.8is.
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