2006
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Iran may ban Peugeot 405
Iran is gearing up to ban the new Peugeot 405 from its streets due to fears the vehicles may catch fire, reported the AFP citing the Kargozaran newspaper. Reports suggest about 100 of the Peugeot 405 sedans have caught fire in the past few months due to a defective fuel system. Manufacturer Iran Khodro has recalled 100,000 cars for repair but 25,000 have still yet to be checked.
Japan, 70% of Gulf cars
Japanese car manufacturers supply about 70% of the total cars imported into the Gulf region, according to International Expo Consults, which is organising next year's Automobile Aftermarket Middle East. European brands make up about 20% of imports with US made cars accounting for 6.5%. The UAE automobile market is growing at a rate of about 10% per annum.
UAE $2.3bn car finance market
The car finance market in the UAE is worth an estimated $2.3bn, Emirates Today reported. A Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry report, citing figures from Business Monitor International, says growth in the local auto finance market has lead to banks and companies offering flexible financing contracts.
BMW M6 Convertible in Qatar
The new BMW M6 Convertible is now in the showrooms of Alfardan Automobiles in Qatar. Power in this open air version of the BMW M6 is delivered via a 507 bhp, V10 engine connected to a 7-speed Sequential M Gearbox with Drivelogic. Buyers can have cars specially fitted with optional features.
Hertz UAE new website
Car rental company Hertz UAE has launched a new website, hertz.ae, in an effort to attract more customers. The site sets out the company's range of car rental and leasing offers in the UAE and worldwide. Reservations can be made online.
700,000 vehicles registered
There are around 700,000 registered cars in Dubai, with 70,000 new registrations recorded in 2006, according to the Roads and Transport Authority cited by Gulf News. Occupancy rates average 1.7 people per car, which has been decreasing every year, an RTA official said.
Liberty opens in Abu Dhabi
Liberty Abu Dhabi Automobiles Company has inaugurated its 12,000 sqft showroom in the UAE capital. LAAC is the authorised dealer for Cadillac and Hummer in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
Toyota to unveil hybrid sports
Toyota will reveal its prototype hybrid concept sports car at the Detroit motor show in January 2007, Inside Line reported. The Toyota FT-HS Hybrid Sports is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 mated to a hybrid motor that develops 400 bhp. Measuring 17.3 inches from front to rear and with a wheelbase of 104.3 inches, the FT-HS will be about the size of the Lexus SC 430, and is theoretically a four-seater.
ML 63 AMG named best SUV
The Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG has been voted the best luxury SUV of 2006 by Autocar Middle East. Contenders for the award were judged on their everyday driveability, plus their functionality, build quality, spaciousness and equipment. The ML 63 AMG was introduced to the Middle East market in Q3.
20,900 violations in AD
The Abu Dhabi Traffic and Patrols Department issued 20,904 fines last month, an average of 697 tickets a day, to motorists in the city and its suburbs. A major campaign is underway to emphasise road safety and toughen up on violations. The main offence was bad parking, followed by the failure to use seat belts, blocking traffic flow and lane violations.
Spyker for the UAE
Luxury sports car manufacturer Spyker has formed a partnership with the UAE's Tayer Motors, reported Emirates Today. The firm plans to sell four models in the country: the C8 Spyder, the C8 Laviolette, the C12 LaTurbie and the four door D12 Peking-to-Paris. Spyker Team Manager Hans van Rennes said the firm's typical customer usually owned seven or eight other cars already.
Dubai Police pursue speedsters
Dubai Police has given high speed pursuit training to 37 patrol car officers in a bid to crack down on reckless drivers in the city. The officers, who undertook an intensive five day course, will now chase after reckless motorists and will either force them to pull over or will take their registration plate numbers. Drivers who fail to stop when pursued will be charged with endangering public safety.
Saudi motorists go low octane
Saudi Aramco will start selling low octane petrol from Monday, Arab News reported. Premium 91 will be cheaper than the standard Premium 95 fuel. It can be used in most cars in the kingdom, said a senior Saudi Aramco official.
Nissan at 0.99% during DSF
UAE Nissan dealer Arabian Automobiles is promoting sales of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles at 0.99% interest during the 45-day Dubai Shopping Festival. Nissan will also raffle off a car a day. Arabian Automobiles is a sponsor of DSF.
2007 Hyundai Elantra in UAE
UAE Hyundai dealer Juma Al Majid has the 2007 Elantra in its showrooms. The four-door sedan comes with a choice of engine - a 1.6-litre Gamma or 2.0-litre Beta - with either manual or automatic transmission. Optional equipment includes ABS brakes, central locking system, air conditioning and airbags.
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