2007
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New Rolls is top convertible
Rolls Royce's new Phantom Drophead Coupé has been named the 'Convertible of the Year' by the automotive magazine CAR Middle East. The two-door, four-seater convertible features several unique design options, such as a stainless steel bonnet and teak decking - inspired by sailing yachts.
VW expects sales to double
Volkswagen, Europe's largest car maker, plans to double its sales in the Middle East next year, reported Gulf News. The company will have sold nearly 10,000 units in the region by the end of the year - up 33% from 7,500 units in 2006 - and aims to hit the 20,000 mark for sales next year through new model launches, a variety of sales initiatives and expanded production.
Ferarri sales up 60% in UAE
UAE sales of Italian sports car manufacturer Ferrari have grown more than 60% in 2007, reported Gulf News. The company expects strong to continue next year, boosted by its new Abu Dhabi showroom and demand for new models including the F430 Scuderia, which will be delivered at the start of the first quarter of 2008.
2008 Accord Sedan in Dubai Motor Show
Trading Enterprises, the exclusive distributor for Honda in the UAE, is showcasing the new Honda Accord premium sedan at the 9th Middle East International Motor Show. The new 2008 Accord sedan is equipped with powerful F1 inspired technologies and the company claims it has high levels of engineering and responsive driving performance and control.
Arabian Automobiles planning to hit records
Arabian Automobiles, the sole distributor of Nissan in Dubai and Northern emirates, hopes to hit record sales during the Car Show, taking it to 30,000 cars by the end of 2007, Michael Ayat, the company's CEO told Al Khaleej. Ayat said this will make the company one of the fastest growing dealerships in the region's $11bn cars industry.
Volvo launches environmentally friendly C30
Swedish manufacturer Volvo has launched its C30, a green conventional-engine car. The car has CO2 emissions of 120 g/km and a fuel economy of 62.8 miles per gallon. In addition, the company has developed a series of E85 Flex fuel engines that contains 85% of Bioethanol and 15% of ordinary diesel. Also planned for its cars is the Alcoguard, an optional extra that prevents the car from starting if the driver is over the limit. There was no date for when it would be on cars in the Middle East.
Jaguar reveals XF model
UK luxury car producer Jaguar revealed its new XF model at the 9th Middle East International Motor Show held in Dubai. The four-door XF has the visual attributes of a coupe, yet with plenty of room to seat five. Scheduled to arrive in the Middle East in April 2008, the new XF will be available with different engine variants, 4.2 V8 and 3.0 litre V6.
High demand for Bentleys
High demand for Bentley automobiles in the Middle East is outstripping the company's ability to provide them, reported Gulf News. Ian Gorsuch, Bentley Motors' regional director for Middle East, Africa and India, said the company will have sold just under 500 cars by the end of the year. However, despite operating at full capacity, the company is refusing to expand production capability at its factory in Crewe, England.
Phantom appears in Bahrain
Euro Motors, the sole importer for Rolls-Royce in Bahrain, has launched the Phantom Drophead Coupe in the kingdom, reported the Bahrain Tribune. The two-door, four-seater convertible, which was unveiled in Abu Dhabi last month, includes features such as a stainless steel bonnet and teak decking. Euro Motors claims its pre-orders lead well into next year, while Rolls-Royce's worldwide sales were up 22% at the end of Q3, when compared to 2006.
Honda eyes GCC Accord sales lift
Tokyo based Honda Motor Company is looking to ramp up its GCC sales of its Accord model, the eighth edition of which was recently launched in the region, reported Gulf News. The firm sold 23,000 Accords in the GCC last year and it is hoping to increase this to 35,000 in 2008. Since the model was first unveiled in 1976, Honda has sold more than 15m units.
'Islamic' car planned
Malaysian auto maker Proton has revealed it is to design an 'Islamic' car aimed at Muslim drivers, reported the BBC. The firm is to link up with companies in Turkey and Iran in order to develop the vehicle which would feature a compass indicating the direction of the Qiblah as well as spaces to store a headscarf and a copy of the Quran. It is claimed the idea originated in Iran.
BMW showcases models
The BMW Group Middle East will showcase a range of new cars at the 9th International Middle East Motor Show, which gets underway at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre on November 14. The BMW Concept X6, a sports activity coupe, will make its regional debut as will the BMW M3 Coupe. Visitors to the show will also see the new Mini Clubman.
Honda Accord in GCC
Honda has launched the 8th edition of its Accord model in the GCC, reported Arab News. The car is available with a 2.4-litre engine with 178 horse power or a 3.5-litre V6 engine offering 271 horse power. The V6 engine also offers Honda's variable cylinder management for better fuel efficiency. Honda plans to introduce its new two door Accord coupe model in the region next year.
Motor show is ready to roll
The 2007 edition of the Middle East International Motor Show, opening on November 14, will occupy 50,000 sqm at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year, the five-day show will have 650 companies from 28 countries and expects to attract 90,000 visitors. The event will witness a host of world premieres and launches by leading brands like Daimler Chrysler, Bentley, BMW, Ford, General Motors, Nissan, Porsche and Toyota.
Infiniti achieves sales record
Infiniti, the fastest growing Japanese luxury auto brand in the Middle East, has announced that it achieved an all-time sales record in the month of September. Abhijeet Pandit, Infiniti regional brand manager, said sales in September were up 200% over the same month last year. Since its regional launch at the end of 2004, Infiniti sales have grown ten times in volume.
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