2006
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New Jetta launched in AD
The new VW Jetta model has just been launched in Abu Dhabi by Ali and Sons. The Jetta offers three models the Trendline, Comfortline and Sportline, with each possessing either a 1.6-litre or a 2.5-litre engine. First introduced to the UAE back in 1987, Ali and Sons has sold more than 5,000 Jettas over this period.
Extra Eid patrols in UAE
The UAE's police has said that additional patrols will be set up on highways and intersections as well as around public areas such as parks and beaches to aid the flow of traffic during the holiday period, reported Gulf News. It is likely that roads leading into the desert and mountains will experience heavy traffic as people head out of town.
Top stars for Desert Challenge
Top stars Carlos Sainz and Ari Vatanen, both former World Rally champions, are to lock horns at the UAE Desert Challenge next month. Both will be driving VW Race Touareg 2 prototypes. Vatanen won the Desert Challenge back in 1997 with Citroen, while Sainz will be competing in the Middle East for the first time.
1m offences in Dubai
Dubai Police has revealed that more than 1m traffic offences have been recorded so far this year, although the figure is slightly lower than last year, reported Gulf News. Meanwhile, during three days of the upcoming Eid holiday, greetings cards, instead of fines, will be distributed to those committing minor offences which will hopefully spread road safety awareness. But police will remain tough on serious offences like reckless driving.
Dubai traffic to improve
Dubai's motorists will experience an improvement in traffic flow within three years once major road and public transportation schemes have been completed according to a senior official cited by Gulf News. Mattar Al Tayer, the Executive Director of the RTA, told a Ramadan gathering that, at present, every 25 minute journey during rush hour takes an additional 15 minutes. He also added that around 350,000 trips are made every hour.
R-R Phantom LWB at AD Motors
Abu Dhabi Motors says it is the world's first Rolls-Royce authorised dealer to sell the long wheelbase Rolls-Royce Phantom. The car has been lengthened by 1100mm in the rear, has two rows of rear seats and an integrated LCD screen in the partition wall.
Al Nabooda top Porsche dealer
Dubai-based Porsche importer Al Nabooda Automobiles has become the brand's biggest single dealer in the world, Emirates Today reported. The dealership sold 1,247 cars in 2005/06, giving it a 28% share of the 4,419 units offloaded in the Middle East.
Audi Q7 gets top safety rating
The Audi Q7 SUV has been awarded top rating for safety tests by the US highway safety authority National Highway Transport Safety Administration, the company said in a statement. The car has ESP with brake assist, hill-start assist and rollover stabilisation as standard. The Audi side assist lane-changing monitor and adaptive cruise control, Audi cruise control with braking guard are optional.
M-B ME Q3 sales up 29%
Mercedes Car Group Middle East says it sold 3,174 cars in the Middle East and Levant in Q3 2006, representing a 29% growth. Sales were led by the S-Class sedan, the ML-Class SUV and the new generation E-Class. Saudi Arabia has the fastest growing market, with Q3 sales up by 160% compared to same period in 2005. The UAE had the most sales at 1,326 units.
M-B Viano on 50/50 deal
Emirates Motor Company is promoting the new Mercedes-Benz Viano through its 50/50 programme - where buyers pay 50% immediately and the balance in 18 months with 0% interest. Sales of the seven-seater come with free comprehensive insurance and registration for 12 months, and free warranty and maintenance for two years or 70,000km.
Porsche MEA sales up 16%
Porsche Middle East and Africa says it sold 4,419 cars in the year ending 31 July 2006, 16% better than the year before. Growth was driven by the Cayenne SUV, with 3,006 units being sold. Sales of 911 models were also healthy, with 747 cars rolling out the door, an increase of 12%. Boxster sales were up 7%.
Porsche 911 Targa 4S uncovered
Porsche Middle East unveiled the new 911 Targa 4 and 911 Targa 4S in Dubai Monday night. Available regionally from November, the glass-roofed Targa comes with permanent all-wheel drive for the first time and a wider re-shaped body. Power is via an inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 325 bhp from the 3.6-litre unit in the Targa 4, and 355 bhp from the 3.8-litre Targa 4S. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, with five-speed Tiptronic S optional.
Sulayem seeks FIA concessions
Former rally champion Mohammed Ben Sulayem is to ask FIA decision makers in Spain this week to create a free zone for rally and racing drivers in the Gulf. FIA regulations mean that drivers holding competition licences issued by their local federations can only compete in races in their home country. Sulayem wants the FIA to lift the restriction and allow drivers to contest national events in any Gulf country.
GM, 100,000 Mideast sales
General Motors has revealed year-to-date sales in the UAE of 11,704 units, up 85% over the same period in 2005. Overall Middle East sales in July, August and September were 37,467 units, up 22% on last year, while year-to-date sales in the region have reached 100,098 units, an increase of 21% over the same period in 2005. Chevrolet is the most popular model with sales of more than 67,000.
Used car complex expansion
The Dubai Municipality has completed nearly 50% of a $25.9m project to expand the used car complex in Ras Al Khor. The expansion work involves the construction of eight steel-structured complexes consisting of 74 showrooms, with a total area of 1.3m sqft. The new complexes would also offer car testing and registration services for sold vehicles.
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