2006
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Multiplex, Auto Mall deal
Union Properties has awarded a $256m contract to Nasa Multiplex, the regional arm of the Multiplex Group, the company building London's long overdue Wembley Stadium, reported Gulf News. The contract is for the construction of Auto Mall, a 38 storey office tower and three level car show room, part of Dubai's Motor City at Dubailand. Construction should be completed by late 2008.
BMW ME launches website
BMW Group Middle East has launched a website, bmw-me.com, containing information and specifications of all BMW vehicles, accessories and pre-owned vehicles. Users can also apply for test drives at dealerships and sign up for the BMW e-newsletter to receive the latest offers and news.
Chevrolet Captiva comes to ME
Chevrolet will introduce its all-new 2007 Chevrolet Captiva to the Middle East this October. Chevrolet says the compact SUV combines the ruggedness of an SUV with the characteristics of a midsize sedan. There is a choice of front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models, with engine options from the entry level 2.4-litre four cylinder LS to the top-range 3.2-litre six cylinder LTZ.
SIB car finance deal
Sharjah Islamic Bank is offering reduced rates on car finance during Ramadan. A 3.9% rate is available on new car sales until 31 October 2006. Hyundai purchases on finance come with no down payment, first installment after 120 days and a Dhs1,500 gift voucher.
M-B CL-Class comes to Saudi
Saudi Mercedes-Benz dealer Juffali Automotive Company has unveiled the new two-door CL-Class coupe to Saudi motorists. The eight-cylinder CL 500 delivers 388 bhp and accelerates to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds, almost one second quicker than the previous model. The twin turbo twelve-cylinder CL 600 generates 517 bhp, and hits the same mark in 4.6 seconds.
Toyota Fortuner finance deal
UAE Toyota dealer Al-Futtaim Motors is promoting the Toyota Fortuner SUV with 2.22% interest financing through meBank on selected models. The Fortuner comes via a choice of 2.7-litre and 4.0-litre VVT-i engines. The seven-seater is equipped with full-time four-wheel-drive, dual air-conditioning, dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes, keyless entry and MP3 compatible audio system.
Audi R8 Paris debut
The production version of the Audi R8, which inherits the name and genes of the five-times Le Mans winner, has made its debut at the Paris Motor Show. It features a mid-mounted 420 bhp V8 FSI engine, quattro permanent four-wheel drive and Audi Space Frame aluminium body. It's expected to arrive in the Middle East by September 2007.
Baby Roller on the way
BMW plans to build a smaller, "baby" Rolls-Royce by the end of the decade, according to the BBC. Design work has already begun on the model, which will sell for around EUR200-300K, less than the Phantom, but more than the BMW 7 series. It will be built at the Rolls-Royce's factory in Goodwood, West Sussex.
RTA ties up with Hertz
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority has signed a three year agreement with Hertz to provide about 150 vehicles for various departments and sections in its agencies. The vehicles, which were first introduced in August, are for the use of engineers, inspectors and public relations representatives whose work takes them away from the main offices.
Al Habtoor, Ramadan deal
UAE Mitsubishi distributor Al Habtoor Motors has launched a Ramadan promotion offering customers who purchase any model of passenger car the chance to win gold jewellery vouchers. Each week throughout the month, six customers will win vouchers worth Dhs5,000, while, at a grand draw on October 29, ten further customers will win vouchers worth Dhs15,000.
Castrol, Desert Challenge deal
Castrol has today announced its sponsorship of the UAE Desert Challenge in November. Castrol will be the official rally lubricant as the result of an agreement signed with the ATCUAE. In addition, Castrol EDGE, the lubricant created specifically for high performance engines, is sponsoring the UAE's home-grown Team Saluki and the official Volkswagen works team.
Dubai drivers seek police
Motorists in Dubai would like a bigger police presence on the city's roads in order to help drive down the soaring accident death rates, reported Gulf News. Many drivers would like to see a combination of more police patrols as well as a number of unmarked cars monitoring the roads. Stiffer penalties for offences like tailgating and jumping signals were also needed, in addition to lower speed limits.
Boy racers in Sharjah
Residents in Sharjah want the authorities to put an end to the regular practice of cars being raced along some of the emirate's roads by young drivers, reported Gulf News. People living along the Buheirah Corniche have complained that speeding vehicles are a constant nuisance and a threat to the safety of pedestrians. The racing usually starts after the rush hour and lasts well into the night.
Chevrolet, Ramadan deals
UAE Chevrolet dealers, Al Yousef Motors, Liberty Automobiles and Bin Hamoodah, are selling a range of models during Ramadan with free insurance, free registration, three years/100,000km extended warranty, together with a "high value" gift. The offer is available until 31 October on Spark, Aveo, Optra and Epica cars.
Ford holds onto premium brands
Ford says its European premium brands - Jaguar, Volvo and Land Rover - are not for sale at this stage, but did not rule out a future reevaluation of its options, Reuters reported. Ford is undergoing a third restructuring in five years, and its Premier Automotive Group is expected to post a loss in 2006. The company has put its British sports car unit Aston Martin up for sale.
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