2005
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Road accidents rise on Ramadan
The first day of the holy month of Ramadan in Dubai has seen a large increase in car accidents, Dubai Police told Gulf News. Accidents were most prominent in Deira and Bur Dubai in the late afternoon. An official speculated that Ramadan might have affected motorists and their ability to concentrate.
Opel prize promotion
UAE distributor for Opel, Liberty Automobiles, is offering purchasers of new opal cars the chance to win prizes during Ramadan, including a Dhs1000 cash voucher, laptop computers, i-mates, i-pods, and digital cameras. All cars come with a two-year/40,000-km service, and two years unlimited mileage warranty.
Ford Mideast sales to top 50,000
Ford Motors Middle East expects to sell a record 50,000 vehicles in the region this year, up by 60% in the past three years, of which 40,000 units will be sold in the GCC. Company officials revealed the figures yesterday at the opening of the new Al Tayer Motors showroom on the Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, one of the largest in the region.
Al Tayer, new complex opens
Al Tayer Motors has today inaugurated its new multi-brand automotive complex located on Sheikh Zayed Road. This multi franchise facility allows for centralized back-of-house operations, ensuring increased business efficiency. With the opening of this complex Al Tayer Motors has increased bay capacity for Ford by 310%, Land Rover by 158% and Jaguar by 213%.
AD installs speed cameras
The Abu Dhabi Traffic and Patrolling Department has activated cameras in the centre of the UAE capital to monitor speed and the jumping of red lights, reported Gulf News. The cameras have 360 degree movement and work at night as well as in the day, said officials.
Ramadan warning to drivers
Dubai traffic head Brigadier Mohammed Saif Al Zafein has appealed to motorists to drive safely and be more cautious during Ramadan. He recalled that each year there are horrific accidents as motorists rush home to break their fast before sunset.
Honda launches 2006 Accord
Honda has released the 2006 Accord in the Middle East. The latest model has restyled exteriors, more horsepower and safety features, and enhanced interiors. It comes in four variants: the four cylinder 2.4-litre VTi-L and 2.4-litre VTi-E, and V6 3.0-litre VTi-L and 3.0-litre VTi-E.
Suzuki Swift in Qatar
Suzuki distributor for Qatar, Teyseer Motors, is now selling the new Suzuki Swift. The Swift is powered by a 1.5-litre engine and comes with a choice of a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The automatic is priced at $12,884, and the manual costs $11,785.
Oman petrol rush
Al Ain motorists can still get cheaper fuel over the UAE-Oman border in Buraimi, but taxis and commercial vehicles have been barred. Officials say the streets are being clogged by vehicles queuing up for the cheaper Omani petrol. Oman has increased petrol prices to Dhs5.25 per gallon, still cheaper than the Dhs6.25 for UAE fuel.
DaimlerChrysler fuel efficiency
DaimlerChrysler says that with rising petrol prices across the Middle East, its new Multi-Displacement System technology delivers substantial fuel savings. The system, now standard on the majority of HEMI 5.7L V8 engines, can improve fuel economy by up to 20%.
Motorists reap rewards
A total of 14 Dubai motorists were rewarded for their safe driving with cash prizes of Dhs750 each on the second morning of the Caltex Roadstars campaign. The campaign, which is designed to encourage safer driving on Dubai's roads, ends on 28 September.
Shell promotes safe driving
Kuwait Shell held a road safety awareness seminar for employees as part of its efforts to improve local road safety in the face of a rising road accident rate in the country. Matrix ISC MD Alan McGuinness demonstrated defensive driving skills, which included instruction on how to perceive danger on the roads, and avoid risky behaviour.
Porsche gas-electric hybrid
Porsche is planning a fourth version of the Cayenne Sports Utility Vehicle, which will be available by the end 2009. The vehicle, to be powered by a hybrid gasoline engine-electric motor drive, is being developed together with Volkswagen. Porsche says its hybrid concept combines a reduction of fuel consumption and emission-free motoring in the electric mode with advanced performance and driving dynamics.
Good drivers pursued
Dubai is running a road safety drive from 24-28 September, the Caltex RoadStar campaign, where drivers will be given cash rewards for safe and courteous driving. Good drivers will be stopped by police and given Dhs750 in cash and a RoadStar certificate in a move to encourage safer driving and reduce accident rates on Dubai's roads.
EMC sales lift on S-Class
Emirates Motor Company, UAE DaimlerChrysler distributors, says the launch of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class should help lift the company's overall sales by 20% in 2005. The S-Class 350 is priced at between $84,955 and $103,472, depending on the options.
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