2007
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Maserati sales double in UAE
Maserati sales in the UAE have doubled as the region's booming economy is creating new buyers for luxury sports cars, reported Gulf News. Raffaele Fusilli, commercial director of the Italy-based car brand, said Maserati sold 90 cars in the UAE last year and expects to deliver close to 180 in 2007. The luxury category constitutes about five per cent of the UAE car market.
Stiff fines for impounded cars
Motorists in Dubai whose vehicles have been confiscated will have to pay Dhs100 ($27) for each day it is impounded, in addition to a fine for the offence, before it can be released, reported Gulf News. The system was announced as part of the new traffic law for Dubai which came into effect last January 1.
GM sales in UAE up 16%
General Motors has recorded a 16% increase in third quarter sales in the UAE over the same period last year, reported Emirates Today. Sales were led by the group's brands GMC, Cadillac, Hummer and Saab. So far this year, GMC SUV sales through dealers National Auto and Bin Hamoodah Automotive have risen 69% over the same period last year to 2,408.
Nissan makes sales in UAE
Al Masaood Automobiles reported it has made double digit sales during the first 9 months in 2007 compared to last year in its range of Nissan cars. It has recorded Infiniti with the highest growth, followed by G35 Sedan, the FX 35 and the full size QX56.
Hertz in auto club deal
Hertz UAE has moved to its 2nd year of alliance with the Emirates Automobile and Touring Club, providing a fleet of vehicles for year-round use by the organisation. The move is part of promoting motor sport and motoring tourism in the region.
OMIA chooses Fakhro and Sons
Global automotive paint re-finishing company, OMIA has partnered with Abdulla Yousif Fakhro and Sons to manage the regional hub for OMIA paint and refinishing products, reported Bahrain Tribune. The company has chosen Bahrain for its Middle East, India and Pakistan operations.
Crackdown on buses and vans
Dubai Police's Traffic Department has announced that it has started a campaign to crack down on traffic offences committed by buses and vans, reported Gulf News. The campaign aims to reduce traffic accidents and injuries by putting an end to overloading and other violations by van and bus operators.
RTA approves $20m project
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has sanctioned $20m worth of road improvements in the Muhaisna 3 and Muhaisna 4 areas of the emirate. The road works will see the building of 17 kilometres of internal roads, construction of various car parks and the completion of the Aleppo Road's dual carriageway. The work will also entail improvements to road safety and lighting.
Abu Dhabi plate auction
Abu Dhabi Police is to auction 100 vehicle number plates on October 27 at the Emirates Palace, reported Gulf News. The money raised will go to those with special needs as well as road traffic accident victims. Registration opens on October 25 and the police will be hoping that plate number '10' can beat the $6.8m raised by plate number '5'.
RTA to hire firms
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is considering using private companies to help clear the city's roads after minor traffic accidents in order to minimise disruption, reported Gulf News. The firms would help clear vehicles out of the way of oncoming traffic after minor shunts which involve no injuries. More serious smashes in which there are fatalities or injuries would still be handled by Dubai Police.
Petrol stations ban credit cards
Emarat and Emirates Petroleum stations will no longer accept credit and debit cards beginning October 20, reported Emirates Today. The move comes a month after Emarat, Enoc and Eppco introduced a 1.65% surcharge on credit and debit card transactions. They said this was necessary as they were losing money because of charges on card sales.
Motorists cannot trick Salik
Motorists in Dubai will not be able to cheat the Salik toll system by using coins or other devices to block the infrared system, reported Gulf News. Salah Al Marzouqi, Director of the Intelligent Traffic Systems at the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority, acknowledged that the coin trick does block the sensor, but he warned that the motorists using the device will still face fines as their registration plates will be read by the cameras as they pass through the gates.
Qatar plans tunnels and bridges
Qatar plans to construct more tunnels and bridges for pedestrians in major highways in the city in a move to curb pedestrian casualties in traffic accidents, reported The Peninsula. Colonel Mohammed Saad Al Kharji, Director of the Department of Traffic and Patrol, said there have been fewer road accidents after the country issued a new law fining pedestrians for illegally crossing roads, but the number of deaths in road accidents was still too high when compared with the country's population.
Free parking during Eid
Motorist in Dubai will not be charged for parking in Dubai during Eid holidays beginning tomorrow, Thursday, reported Gulf News. If the Eid Al Fitr falls on Friday, the free parking will be for four days from Thursday to Sunday and if the Eid falls on Saturday, the free parking will be from Thursday to Monday.
Device monitors car loans
Dubai-based Sekurus International has developed an electronic device to prevent drivers from defaulting on car loans, reported Emirates Today. The device, which is fitted to a vehicle, reminds the borrower with a flashing light when a payment is due and disables the ignition system if the cash is not paid. The system is now being used by banks, rental companies and car dealers across the Middle East.
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