2006
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Galant 2007 for the UAE
Al Habtoor Motors, the exclusive dealer for Mitsubishi in the UAE, has launched the new Galant. The 2.4-litre Mivec engine can produce 170 hp at 5,500 rpm. The Galant ES model comes with additional features like a driver's eight-way adjustable power seat, dual heated front seats and leather upholstery.
Dubai ponders jam reduction
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority has held discussions with local employers in a bid to reduce the amount of traffic on the city's roads. Schemes such as car pooling, company transport services, flexible hours and working from home were all proposed as ways of reducing congestion. The RTA wants to work with firms to develop tailor-made solutions to their transportation needs.
Grand Vitara leads Saudi surge
Suzuki Saudia says a 187% increase in sales of its SUV vehicles in H1 2006 has been driven by the popularity of the Suzuki Grand Vitara. The latest model has been given more power through a 2.7-litre V6 engine, and a wider and longer wheelbase. Five-speed manual transmission comes as standard.
GM looks to fuel-cells
General Motors Corp could have a fuel-cell powered car befoe 2015, Bloomberg reported. The next-generation of fuel cell cars would use a chemical reaction between hydrogen stored in a fuel tank and oxygen to produce an electric current for power. GM is looking to become more competitve in technology, fuel economy and vehicle design, following a recent corporate restructure.
Motor show for Oman
The Oman Motor Show 2006 is set to open on September 20 at the Oman International Exhibition Centre in Seeb. The show will feature a range of automotive brands such as Citroen, Daihatsu, Ford, Kia, Lexus, Mitsubishi, Peugeot and Toyota. The four day event will also feature vehicles manufactured by Tata Motors of India, China Motors Corporation, the Great Wall Motor Company and Jiangling Motors.
Nakheel, Desert Challenge tie-up
Mohammed ben Sulayem, the President of the Automobile and Touring Club for the UAE and Chairman of the organising committee for the UAE Desert Challenge has revealed that property developer Nakheel is to become the title sponsor of the event. It was announced last month that Nissan Middle East would also, once again, be sponsoring the Desert Challenge. The race gets underway in Abu Dhabi on November 6.
Continental GTC hits Dubai
Bentley Motors has brought the Continental GTC to Dubai. The Continental GTC is powered by Bentley's W12 twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre engine, which turns out 552 bhp and will propel the car to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds, and to a top speed of 313km/h. A sophisticated all-wheel drive system, advanced air suspension and ultra-stiff body structure adds to performance.
Switch off to avoid fine
Dubai Police have warned motorists they could be fined for leaving cars unattended with the engine running, according to Gulf News. This follows some recent incidents of car theft where motorists had left engines on while doing errands.
UAE Passat finance deal
Al Nabooda Automobiles, the Volkswagen dealership for Dubai, Sharjah and the northern emirates, is offering the 2006 Volkswagen Passat for Dhs1,245 per month with no payment required for the first 90 days. Finance is through meBank, which is also available on other select models.
Mercedes sales in top gear
The Mercedes Car Group Middle East and Levant has reported its highest ever August sales figures with 994 vehicles sold, an increase of 35.2% over the same month in 2005. This brings the Mercedes Car Group's year to date sales to 10,670, a 28% increase over last year. Saudi Arabia has seen a 150% sales increase in the first eight months of the year, up from 1,073 units to 2,691.
More Dollars for the UAE
Dollar has opened three new car rental outlets in the Emirates: the Hilton Dubai Creek, Sharjah International Airport and an extended facility at the Dubai International Airport with a drop-off area. The company has increased its fleet by 500 vehicles over the summer and it should reach 3,000 by December. Dollar is planning a facility in Fujairah and will open outlets in Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Jordan shortly.
Nissan eyes UAE sales boost
Officials at Nissan are anticipating a double digit sales growth this year in the UAE. David Radcliffe, the General Manager of Al Masaood Automobiles, Nissan's distributor in Abu Dhabi, said that Nissan is planning on launching two new models before the end of the year and these will boost sales. The new Nissan Sunny was launched last weekend and this model accounts for 12% of all sales in Abu Dhabi.
UOB students in Suzukis
Mohammed Jalal and Sons, Bahrain's official Suzuki dealer, has launched a venture in association with the University of Bahrain. Mohammed Jalal will finance the first academic semester for any students who wish to purchase a new Suzuki. UOB students who have recently bought a new Suzuki are also eligible to enter a draw which offers the winner an all-expenses paid scholarship.
Jordan motorway progress
A new motorway being built to ease traffic congestion in Amman is 95% complete and should be open in early 2007, reported the Jordan Times. The 9km road, which starts from the Naour intersection and runs towards Madaba, will serve vehicles coming from the Jordan Valley and the West Bank and will ease overuse of the Airport Road. The road has four lanes plus a service road on either side.
Saudi jams for school run
The new academic year gets underway today in Saudi Arabia with more than 6m pupils heading back to school after the summer break, reported Arab News. Police in the kingdom will be monitoring traffic congestion in both the morning and the afternoon. Parents have urged the authorities to ban heavy vehicles from using the roads while children are being taken to and from school in a bid to reduce jams.
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