2007
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Expats boost car rentals
Dubai's car rental market is likely to grow by 20% in 2007, with more expatriates coming to Dubai on short term contracts boosting demand, according to Hertz UAE GM Bob Farrow. New residents are leasing rather than buying cars, increasing the share of corporate leasing, Farrow said. Hertz UAE gets 55% of its business from leasing and 35% from medium-term and monthly rentals. Short term rentals account for 10% of its business, down from 20% in 2002.
Salik reaction mixed
The first day of the Salik road toll in Dubai generated a very mixed reaction from motorists, reported Gulf News. Those coming into Dubai from Sharjah noticed thinner traffic than usual on several routes including the main tolled roads and also Emirates Road and Business Bay Bridge. But there were severe hold-ups on Maktoum Bridge and bottle necks approaching the Barsha toll gate as motorists sought alternative routes.
Salik goes live
The controversial Salik road toll came into operation in Dubai at midnight last night. Toll gates have been established at the fourth interchange on Sheikh Zayed Road and on Al Garhoud Bridge, with motorists being charged Dhs4 per journey, and a maximum of Dhs24 in a day. Motorists who have not purchased special Salik tags and attached them to their windscreens will be fined Dhs100 for passing under the toll gates.
Dubai most congested city
Dubai is the most congested city in the Middle East according to a survey by GulfTalent.com. The survey found that Dubai's commuters spend, on average, one hour and 45 minutes each day in total commuting time to and from their workplace - the highest figure in the region. Sharjah residents working in Dubai spent two hours and 44 minutes, on average, on their daily return journey.
RTA Salik tag advice
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority has published a list of vehicles which require special installation of the Salik road toll tags at the top of the front windscreen. The list includes BMW and Mercedes Benz models as well as the Land Rover and Rolls Royce Phantom. If the tags are not fitted in the correct place, they may not be detected by the scanners; the road toll commences tomorrow, July 1.
More power in ML 500
Mercedes-Benz Middle East
Mercedes-Benz Middle East will offer a more powerful version of its ML 500 SUV. The ML 500 4MATIC is powered by a 388 bhp, 5.5-litre V8 petrol engine and has had maximum torque boosted from 460 to 530 newton metres. M-B says the model hits 100k km/h from a standing start in 5.8 seconds, has a maximum speed of 250 km/h, and is more fuel efficient. It will hit Mideast showrooms in September 2007.
Car rentals apply Salik fee
Dubai rental car companies will charge customers as much as 25% extra in 'administrative fees' when using the Dubai road toll, Arabian Business reports. Some agencies have said they will charge Dhs4.50 per crossing, which costs Dhs4 for a non-rental car. Avis Car Rentals has said it will charge customers Dhs5 every time they use the toll, 25% extra.
Sharjah-Dubai morning snarls
Motorists commuting from Sharjah to Dubai faced extensive delays on Tuesday morning as traffic on most major roads came to a standstill, Gulf News reported. Dubai Police said the reason for delays was because of diversions set up for road projects. Motorists complained that they weren't given notice about the roadwork.
Toyota new hybrid in 2009
Toyota will sell a second hybrid brand car in 2009, following the success of its Prius hybrid, AP reported. The Japanese automaker plans to sell 100,000 units annually worldwide of the as yet unnamed car. The aim is to be selling one million hybrid cars across all models after 2010.
Salik to go ahead
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority has emphasised the controversial Salik road toll will be introduced on July 1 despite earlier media reports suggesting it might be delayed, reported Gulf News. A story published by the Dow Jones newswires said the RTA was to consider the views of thousands of Dubai residents regarding the toll but Mattar Al Tayer, the Executive Director of the RTA, described the report as 'fabricated and baseless'.
Salik delay possible - LATEST
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority is meeting today, Sunday, to discuss the actual start date for the controversial Salik road toll and could decide to delay its planned July 1 launch, according to the Dow Jones newswires. An RTA spokesperson said the authority is aware many residents have expressed their opinions on the toll and these will be considered. Online petitions protesting against Salik have generated thousands of signatures.
Mondeo defect warning
Dubai Police has recommended owners of Ford Mondeos in the UAE to have their vehicles inspected by a mechanic in order to repair a defect that could result in their cars catching fire, reported Gulf News. The problem concerns vehicles with two litre engines manufactured between 2002 and 2006; it is thought there are more than 2,700 Ford Mondeos in the UAE. The defect concerns a fault with the car's dynamo.
Salik hits rental firms
Car rental firms in Dubai have said that the impending introduction of the Salik road toll is proving a costly logistical nightmare as they attempt to provide tags to all their rented out vehicles, reported Gulf News. A spokesman at Thrifty Car Rental said the firm is providing Salik tags for short-term rentals but companies leasing vehicles will have responsibility for obtaining their own toll documentation.
Seatbelt awareness low
Dubai Police handed out more than 1,000 fines for seatbelt offences in the first three days of a crackdown on offenders, Gulf News reported. People need to be educated about the importance of wearing seatbelts which reduce injuries in accidents, an official said. The police campaign will continue until the end of June.
VW in Saudi service drive
Volkswagen has invested around $80m developing service centres, with another $13.3m going into premium services for buyers in Saudi Arabia, according to local VW dealer Samaco. Samaco has launched four new programs offering deals on maintenance and 24-hr technical assistance. The programs are available on 2008 models including the Toureg, Passat, Jetta, Golf, Eios and Beetle.
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