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Chevrolet Traverse on sale in UAE
Chevrolet's first entry into the crossover utility segment, the all-new Traverse, is now available in the UAE. The Traverse is available in front wheel drive or all wheel drive, and is powered by a new 3.6L V-6 engine with direct injection. Standard and optional features include a panoramic, power-operated sunroof, power-folding outside mirrors, a power lift-gate, heated and cooled front seats, a remote vehicle start system, a DVD entertainment system, rear ultrasonic parking assist and rear-view camera.
Premier cars showcase in Abu Dhabi
Premier Motors has announced it is showcasing new models from Ford, Lincoln, Jaguar and Land Rover at the Abu Dhabi Motor Show. New Ford Fiesta small car, Lincoln MKS luxury sedan, the Jaguar XKR Limited Edition sports coupe and the Land Rover Defender SVX Limited Edition are available at its stand.
Largest car show in ME begins today
The largest and most comprehensive motor show in the Middle East commences today in the UAE capital. The Abu Dhabi International Motor Show will host over 15 launches and regional premiers and feature hundreds of latest models from around the world. The five day show will occupy over 38,000 sqm. of indoor and outdoor space at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and feature over 400 of the latest models from over 30 global vehicle manufacturers.
VW launches Passat CC in Middle East
Volkswagen Middle East has announced the regional launch of the Passat CC. This sporty, dynamic car represents a brand new segment in the automobile industry combining the rationality of a saloon and the emotional appeal of a sports coupé, a first for the motoring world, according to a press statement. The Passat CC is being offered with a new generation radio and navigation system. Features of the top version - the RNS 510 - include intuitive touchscreen control and a hard-disk supported navigation system. In conjunction with the 'Rear Assist' parking assistance system, when driving in reverse, images of the surroundings behind the Passat CC are transmitted to the screen from a rearview camera.
Volkswagen sales rise in Middle East
Volkswagen sales in the Middle East have risen up to 30 percent in 2008 compared to 2007, according to William Belair, regional sales manager of Volkswagen. Although global demand has slowed by 50%, the manufacturer has over 11,000 units this year. And despite the economic downturn, the manufacturer is expecting similar growth in the region next year, reported Gulf News.
Kuwait considers Aston Martin part sale
Kuwait's Investment Dar has said that it is considering offers to sell up to 20% of British carmaker Aston Martin and is seeking to borrow up to KD300m ($1bn) to refinance debt. The Islamic investment firm, which bought half of Aston Martin in 2007, is studying offers to sell a 10% to 20% stake in the carmaker on behalf of itself and some of its partners.
Toyota may face $1.1bn H2 loss
Japan-based car manufacturer Toyota has said that it may face operating losses in the second financial half of up to $1.1bn as global demand slumps. The predicted figures would see the company's annual profits fall by up to 80% as it lowers its earnings forecasts.
GMC cars upbeat on Abu Dhabi show
The all new Chevrolet Camaro, Cruze, Malibu and Traverse will be on display, alongside the new GMC Sierra Denali at the 2008 Abu Dhabi International Motor Show. The cars will be shown at the Bin Hamoodah Automotive stand. Bin Hamoodah has reported year-on-year sales up by 63% over the first nine months of 2008.
Suzuki posts 15% growth in Qatar in Q1
Japanese automobile manufacturer Suzuki Motor Corp has announced that Teyseer Motors, its sole authorized distributor in Qatar, posted 15% sales growth in the first half of 2008 over the same period in the previous year. Suzuki's Grand Vitara compact utility vehicle, Swift sporty car, and APV Family Van proved to be the fastest sellers in the Qatar market. Teyseer Motors opened a new showroom for the commercial segment of the APV to further highlight the success of the model.
Mazda6 Ultra unveiled in Oman
The new Mazda6 Ultra is now on sale in Oman. Compared to the new Mazda6, the Mazda6 Ultra rides on a wheelbase 65mm longer (2,790mm) with wider front and rear tread. Overall length is 185mm greater (4,920mm), width rises by 45mm (1,840mm), and boot volume is increased to 556L (VDA). This larger package not only facilitates increases in every significant interior measurement, it also moves Mazda6 Ultra to the top of the CD segment. The 3.7 liters, V6 engine delivers 275 HP at 6000 rpm and 188 HP comes from 2.5 liters engine at 6000 rpm, according to a press statement.
Aveo5 enters Middle East market
GM Middle East has announced the availability of Chevrolet Aveo5 in showrooms across the Middle East. Customized car aficionados have several options to personalize their Aveo5. The Aveo5 is powered by a 1.4 litre engine, which delivers 103 hp (net) @ 6200 rpm and a maximum torque of 130 Nm (net) at 3400 rpm and it is available with either the 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission.
Mercedes sales up 18% in ME
Mercedes Benz sales rose 18% in the Middle East in the first 11 months of this year compared to the same period last year, Frank Bernthaler, director of sales and marketing for Mercedes-Benz in the Middle East and Levant, told Gulf News. Bernthaler said that sales reached 18,000 cars this year, in comparison to last year's 15,200 in the same period.
UAE auto market tops in region
The UAE automotive market continues to outperform regional peers and is one of the fastest growing markets in the world, according to BMI's latest UAE Automotives Report. Car sales in the UAE rose by 37% year-on-year in the first half of the year, the highest growth among the markets of the Gulf. In a country where the cost of living is accelerating, the market will be increasingly price responsive, giving non-luxury brands potential for growth through their top-of-the-range models, which tend to be priced lower than their luxury brand equivalents. BMI expects price discounting in an increasingly competitive market, with the exchange rate set to determine demand, giving US manufactured vehicles an edge over European and Japanese rivals.
Ford CEO will work for $1 per year to get loan
Ford's chief executive, Alan Mulally, yesterday pledged that he will work for an annual salary of one dollar if the struggling carmaker has to take government money as part of a $25bn bail-out of the US car industry. Mulally also vowed to sell Ford's fleet of corporate jets, cancel all next year's bonuses, close more plants, trim its dealer network and speed up work on developing electric vehicles in a bid to gain support from the US congress.
VW Middle East launches personal configurator
Volkswagen Middle East is offering customers the ability to configure their vehicle with the launch of an Online Car Configurator, available on the Volkswagen Middle East website. The configurator will allow customers to select a model and choose from a range of options and trims to create their ideal Volkswagen car. Options include paint colour, engine size, upholstery, optional equipment, wheels, interior colours and packages.
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