Executive Motoring
- The news you choose »
- Login to Add to Watchlist
Categories
Corvette named 'Muscle Car of the Year'
The Chevrolet Corvette has been named Middle East Car magazine's '2008 Muscle Car of the Year' for the second consecutive year. The Corvette is currently available in three different models - Coupe, Convertible and the top of the line Z06, which is equipped with a 7.0 LS7 V8 engine, producing 505 hp at 6300 rpm and allowing it to acelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, according to a press statement.
All-new Hummer H3T to go on sale
The all-new 2009 Hummer H3T is set to go on sale in the Middle East this November following an extensive testing and validation process designed to prove its stamina in various areas of on and off-road performance. The car-maker is performing a round of severe hot weather testing in the region to examine all engineering, design, and build-quality aspects of the vehicle to make sure the H3T is ready for the Middle East market, according to a statement.
New Suzuki SX4 on sale
Suzuki Motor Corporation has launched its SX4 mid-sized sedan in the Middle East. The sedan is available in a 1.6 or 2.0 liter engine, and automatic or five-speed manual transmission versions. The vehicle includes various safety features suited for the Middle East's varied road conditions, such as front disc brakes with an anti-lock brake system integrating electronic brake-force distribution, passive safety equipment highlighted by a reinforced body with front and rear crush zones designed to help absorb impact energy, and standard front dual airbags for driver and front passengers.
Jetta GLi arrives in Middle East
Volkswagen Middle East is bringing in to the Middle East market the Jetta GLI, powered by 200 hp/ 4 cylinder engine. The Jetta GLI is available with a six-speed automatic DSG transmission which utilises direct shift gear changes through manual and automatic settings, where drivers have an option to shift from automatic to manual with a flick of a shift paddle on the steering wheel. There is no clutch pedal as shifting is accomplished with dual clutches that take turns moving the next gear - up or down.
82% own 1-5 year-old cars in UAE
Only about 10% of car owners will be affected when the new rule on old cars that has to be taken out of UAE roads take effect in January 2009. An RTA official told Gulf News that some 82% in the UAE are between one and five years old, and only 10% are ten years older. Registering or renewing licences of vehicles older than 20 years will be banned in 2009, according to a recent Federal law as the number of registered vehicles in Dubai reached 853,827 in 2007.
Alfardan offers BMW finance plan
Qatar's exclusive BMW importer, Alfardan Automobiles has partnered with the Commercialbank, Qatar (CBQ) to offer a special Islamic finance programme for BMW customers. The finance scheme offers customers a 1.99% profit rate on select BMW 1-, 3-, 5-, 6- and 7-Series, BMW X3 and BMW Z4 models. The scheme is offered through the bank's 'Al Safa' Islamic banking division.
Towell opens new Mazda showroom
Towell Auto Centre has launched a new Mazda showroom in Oman at the new auto hub in Athaiba. Towell official said the showroom was designed with a splash of striking color combinations, aimed at creating a fresher look in car showrooms.
Honda Pilot 2009 on sale in Saudi
The all-new Honda Pilot, the Grand Comfort Cruiser, is now on sale in Saudi Arabia. The mid-size SUV offers a unique blend of fuel efficiency, room for eight passengers, and SUV functionality.
Special offer for Jaguar buyers
Al Mahmoudia Vehicle Trading Company, the official agent for Jaguar cars in Jordan, is offering five years free scheduled maintenance on all Jaguar models bought during the Holy Month of Ramadan. The free scheduled maintenance includes a comprehensive inspection of all aspects of the car, from changing engine oils, coolants and fuel filters, to inspecting spark plugs, brake pads and tires for pressure and wear.
Gulf investors eye Hummer brand
General Motors says two separate investors from the Gulf have shown interest in buying its Hummer brand, reported Reuters. GM Middle East managing director Terry Johnsson said the carmaker is readying sales documents for its Hummer brand, but added that it was not a 'foregone conclusion' it would be sold.
'Peony' Rolls-Royce on offer in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Motors, the sole dealership of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, is offering an exclusive Bespoke Phantom, called Peony, which has been specifically designed for UAE customers. It features a two-tone exterior of Pearl Blue with a contrasting Moonstone Pearl Blue and Seashell interior. The Peony leaf motif, in traditional Oriental blue and yellow, is used throughout the vehicle, featuring as an exterior logo along with interior wood trim inlay and oriental art door capping.
Abu Dhabi Motors 56% up in H1
Abu Dhabi's exclusive distributor of BMW, MINI and Rolls- Royce has posted a record sales for the first half of the year with 1,432 units sold between January and June 2008. The sales were 56% higher than the same period in 2007, and the highest growth rate in the GCC for BMW Group. Top three selling models were BMW X5, followed by the BMW 5 Series and the BMW 7 Series.
Bespoke Renault launches in KSA
Zahid Tractors, distributor of Renault cars in Saudi Arabia has launched a bespoke model of Renault sedan tailored specifically for their market. This new Renault sedan uses VQ engine - a 2.3 liter V6 that delivers a smooth 170HP at 6,000 rpm. The configuration is a development of the alliance between Renault and Nissan. The model will be available in Zahid Renault showrooms by end of August.
New Tiida to launch in ME soon
Nissan announced the new 2009 version of Tiida compact car will reach Middle East showrooms this summer. The 2009 Nissan Tiida is being offered to the Middle East buyers in two distinctive body styles - a 5-door hatchback and 4-door sedan - each is available in 1.6L and 1.8L models.
Gulf sales boost car makers
Sales of luxury automobiles in the Middle East are helping to boost the bottom lines of carmakers who are seeing sales struggle in the US and Eurpope, reported The National. Lexus UAE reported a 50% increase in year-on-year sales for the first half of this year, while Lexus sales in the US were down by 15% for the same period. Abu Dhabi Motors, whose brands include BMW and Rolls-Royce, reported a 36% sales growth last year, as well as the third-highest sales volume of any Rolls-Royce dealer in the world. Sunil Oommen, the assistant sales and marketing manager for Honda in Dubai, said car sales are being boosted in the Gulf by the sheer number of people who are coming into the region.
It looks like you are using a Mac - check out our 
Web Feeds