2005
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Buyers flock to Porsche
Porsche already has 250 orders for its new Cayman S sports car which is launched today (see Executive Test Drive). MD Deesch Papke told AME Info that he expected to have a four month waiting list for the new Cayman S for at least the first six months, and that worldwide sales volume was expected to be 20,000 for the first new Porsche since the Boxster.
Liberty to sell H3
The mid-size Hummer H3 will be on sale in the UAE at Liberty Automobiles from December. The H3 is powered by a Vortec 3.5-litre five-cylinder engine that delivers 200 bhp, has electronically controlled four-wheel-drive with a fully locking rear differential, traction control, underbody shielding and GM's StabiliTrak vehicle stability enhancement system.
Deutsche sells Daimler shares
Deutsche Bank is selling 20m shares, equivalent to about one-third of its stake in DaimlerChrysler, which will leave it with about 2% equity in the car manufacturer, according to Reuters. Deutsche had been one of DaimlerChrysler's biggest investors, but has been consistently reducing its stake from more than 10% in 2004.
Porsche Cayman debut Nov 26
The distinctively styled new Porsche Cayman sports car will be launched in the Middle East on Saturday. Journalists gathered in Oman today for a pre-launch test drive. The Cayman rockets from 0-100 kph in 5.4 seconds, and is positioned as a mid-way choice between the 911 and Boxster.
GM ME unaffected by US cuts
The decision by General Motors to cut 30,000 jobs by the end of 2006 will not affect the US car manufacturer's Middle East operations, GM Middle East MD Terry Johnsson told Emirates Today. He says business is expected to grow by 30% in 2005, and the company is introducing 20 new models in the next two years.
Corvette Z06 zooms into town
Chevrolet and GM unveiled the Corvette Z06 in the Middle East at the FIA GT Championship in Dubai. The Z06, a design combination from the Corvette Racing programme and the sixth generation C6, carries a 7.0-litre V8 engine, which turns out 505 bhp and propels the car from a standing start to 100 km/hr in 3.7 seconds, with a top speed of 318 km/hr.
Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 on sale
UAE Chevrolet dealers, Al Yousef Motors, Liberty Automobiles and Bin Hamoodah, are selling the Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 starting from $32,006. The nine-seater is powered by a Vortec 5300 V8 engine which pushes out 324 bhp, and has steering wheel-mounted controls, six-disc in-dash CD changer with Bose speakers, DVD entertainment system, and power adjustable pedals.
Chrysler Crossfire in town
The exciting new Chrysler Crossfire in on sale at Trading Enerprises in the UAE at Dhs144,000. This 3.2-litre, SOHC, V6 engine, rear-wheel drive vehicle speeds from 0-100 kph in 6.5 seconds and has a top speed of 241 kph, 19-inch rear wheels and leather trimmed seats.
AD Ferrari Concept by 2008
A new Ferrari Concept centre will open in Abu Dhabi in 2008, after the announcement of a deal with Aldar Properties. This will include a race track, rides and attractions such as a Ferrari museum, plus retail, residential and hospitality elements.
TeleService from BMW
BMW is introdcing its TeleService into the UAE which automatically transmits maintenance data before a service is due to the importer or branch workshop. Spare parts then can be ordered in advance to avoid delays and customers can be told exactly how long a service will take.
Jaguar X-Type offer
UAE agents Al Tayer Motors and Premier Motors are offering the Jaguar X-Type from Dhs99,900, or with a payment plan from Dhs1,896 per month over five years. There is zero down payment and a 1.99% interest rate, plus a five year unlimited mileage warranty and three years or 75,000km of free service.
Mitsubishi showroom opens
Saudi-based Mitsubishi distributor Alesayi Motors has opened an 85,000-sqft showroom in Riyadh with car inspection area, new car delivery section, and display areas for each vehicle. Mitsubishi President Osamu Masuko says Saudi is an important international market, which contributes 40% of the company's GCC sales.
ME gets a Spark
Chevrolet has brought the economical Spark to Middle East showrooms. The Spark comes via a choice of 0.8-litre or 1.0-litre engine, and a choice of manual or automatic transmission. It has power-assisted steering, electrically operated front windows, central locking and a height-adjustable driver's seat and seat belt, and comes with air conditioning and a CD player with MP3 capability.
AD instals traffic timers
Traffic junctions in Abu Dhabi will soon be equipped with digital timers installed to help speed up traffic flows, reported Gulf News. The timers count down as to when traffic lights are about to change, giving motorists time to brake and accelerate.
ME mad on SUVs
While sales of SUVs in North America plummet as record high fuel prices affect choice of engine size, Middle East distributors are experiencing record growth. GM expects 2005 ME sales of its 4WD section to surge 51% over last year, while Nissan says demand is outstripping its ability to supply the top-range Armada 5.6-litre V8, according to AP.
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