2005
- The news you choose »
- Login to Add to Watchlist
Dubai vehicle imports hit $2bn
Dubai imported $2bn worth of cars and 4x4s last year, according to Dubai Customs, with Japan supplying almost 50% of imports. Dubai Police estimate that there will be 384,952 vehicles in the emirate by the end of the year, or 38 cars per 100 people.
Nissan opens Syria agency
Nissan has celebrated the opening of its first showroom in Syria under the dealership of the Rakha company. Syria is seen a key and growing car market with total new car sales of close to 20,000 vehicles a year. The new showroom is located near Damascus in the Harasta district, and covers 27,000 sqft.
Executives mull fuel price hike
Facing up to the reality of a 30% hike in fuel prices from tomorrow, most UAE executives sense that they have no alternative but to pay for an essential product. But car dealers said the move may herald a trend towards buying smaller models, although price rises have not had very much impact in the past on local car sales.
Free parking Thursday
Dubai residents will get free parking around the city on Thursday 1 September, which is a public holiday to celebrate Isra Wal Miraj. But fees will apply tomorrow, 31 August, which is a holiday for government sector departments.
Fuel hike in the air
Retail petrol prices are set to rise in the UAE, with industry sources saying a major announcement will be made within days, according to a Gulf News report. Local retailers have been losing $1.36m daily on current oil prices and have urged the government to allow free marketing of fuel.
Jaguar to unleash new XK
Jaguar will unveil the all-new XK sports car at the Frankfurt International Motor in September. The new XK will be the most technically and technologically advanced Jaguar ever built and will be available as a Coupe or Convertible. The vehicle will go on sale in the Middle East in early 2006.
Porsche hits 37% growth
Porsche says it sold 3,811 cars in the Middle East in the 2004-05 financial year, 37% more than the previous year. Porsche is reporting strong growth across its entire product range, with the Cayenne a major contributor. The German luxury car maker will introduce an all-wheel-drive version of the Carrera 911 and the Cayman S coupe this year.
Dubai gets more radars
Dubai's roads will be covered by up to 70 more traffic radars by October, as part of a strategy by Dubai Police to reduce accidents and fatalities, reported Gulf News. Around 14 of the radars will be fitted on Jumeirah Road, which may also have its speed limit reduced from 80km/h to 70km/h.
Deal on Infiniti G Sedan
UAE Nissan dealer Arabian Automobiles is selling the Infiniti G Sedan with zero interest finance for two years, a two-year or 35,000km free service and 24-hour roadside assistance. The G Sedan is powered by a 289 bhp, 305-litre V6 engine and has sport-tuned suspension.
Chrysler Crossfire on sale
UAE Chrysler distributor Trading Enterprises is now selling the new Chrysler Crossfire. The Crossfire has a 3.2-litre SOHC V6 engine which turns out 215 bhp and propels the car from a standing to start to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds, with a top speed of 241 km/h. It comes with a six-speed manual gearbox and has rear-wheel drive.
Alfardan BMW sales up 21%
Alfardan Automobiles, distributor for BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce in Qatar, has recorded a 21% increase in sales of BMW cars so far in 2005. Sales in 2004 were 45% higher than in 2003. Alfardan launched sales of the new BMW 7 series, 3 Series and Mini Cabrio in H1 this year.
Dubai's roads claim 127
A total of 127 people were killed on Dubai's roads in the first seven months of 2005, with Sheikh Zayed Road considered by police to be the most dangerous highway in the emirate, reported Gulf News. Speeding is consistently the main cause of road deaths. The Traffic department aims to reduce traffic accidents by 4-6% a year by running safe driving campaigns and increasing action against offenders.
Lexus, meBank finance deals
UAE Lexus dealer Al Futtaim Motors is offering the Lexus ES300, RX330 and LX470 models on 1.99% per annum finance in association with meBank. The deal is for private purchases only and loans are subject to the usual bank approvals.
Sonata 3.3 V6 on sale
UAE Hyundai dealer Juma Al Majid is now selling the more powerful and improved version of the Hyundai Sonata 2005. The Hyundai Sonata 3.3 V6 has a bigger engine at 3.3 litres which powers out 232 bhp. It comes with ABS brakes, dual airbags, cruise control, driver's electronic seat, and rear parking sensors.
Range Rover rolls opposition
Land Rover's Range Rover Sport has been judged the best 4x4 vehicle in 2006 by 4x4 Magazine. The vehicle topped luxury models such as the BMW X5, Lexus RX300, and VW Touareg. Land Rover has rolled out three new models over the last six months; the flagship 2006 Range Rover, the LR3 and the Range Rover Sport.
It looks like you are using a Mac - check out our 
Web Feeds