It has been a truly excellent year for Audi, claims the German car manufacturer. Not only have sales figures gone up at a rapid rate, the media and the general public have rained awards on the company – six in all, an official spokesman added.
The winning streak of awards started with the “Manufacturer of the Year” award presented by Car Middle East magazine and was followed by the Audi R8 being voted “Car of the Show” at the ninth International Middle East Motor Show with more than 10,000 voters. But the main surprise was yet to come. At the most coveted awards of the region, the Autocar Middle East Awards held at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Audi had already collected the “Premium Luxury Car of the Year” trophy for the Audi S6.
After three days of testing the independent judges had determined the R8 as the overall winner with 1,086 of 1,295 possible points covering the areas of handling, safety, ergonomics and driving pleasure among others.
“Being a German car manufacturer, the truth for us generally lies in numbers – sales numbers and customer satisfaction indices. But to receive such support from the public and the media with the People’s Choice Award and the Car of the Year Award is just tremendous! Thank you everyone for your support,” said head of marketing at Audi Middle East, Bernd Rosenbichler.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Toyota
Toyota Motor expects its global production in 2008 to expand to about 9.9 million vehicles, about 500,000 units more than the projection for this year, the Nikkei business daily reported.
The expected growth in global output is due to continuing robust sales in China, the Middle East and other emerging economies, the paper said.
Toyota is set to unseat General Motors as the world's biggest car maker by sales volume this year.
The expected growth in global output is due to continuing robust sales in China, the Middle East and other emerging economies, the paper said.
Toyota is set to unseat General Motors as the world's biggest car maker by sales volume this year.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Islamic Car
A car to be made by Iran, Malaysia ( Proton) will be launched in 2011, the head of the Middle East's biggest carmaker and partner in the project, Iran Khodro, said yesterday. Chief executive and president of the partly state-owned Iranian company Manouchehr Manteghi said Islamic countries would be behind all the investment and production.
The car could boast special features like a compass pointing to Mecca and a dedicated space to keep a copy of the Koran and a headscarf. The idea came during a visit to the Middle East by a delegation of Malaysian politicians and businessmen.
Malaysian press reports say officials in Iran originally suggested the idea. Safety features or fuel economy is one way of selling a car, but Proton thinks vehicles designed specifically for Muslims across the world represent a huge gap in the market.
The car could boast special features like a compass pointing to Mecca and a dedicated space to keep a copy of the Koran and a headscarf. The idea came during a visit to the Middle East by a delegation of Malaysian politicians and businessmen.
Malaysian press reports say officials in Iran originally suggested the idea. Safety features or fuel economy is one way of selling a car, but Proton thinks vehicles designed specifically for Muslims across the world represent a huge gap in the market.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Riyadh Motor Show contd
ON day2 at RMS, it was a pleasant evening. The venue had just the right number of visitors, not over-crowded but not empty either... an air of peace descended over the place during the evening prayer, when the crowd thinned at the venue. The parking slot was quite insufficient. with the parked-cars spilling over to the roads. The visitors were busy shooting pictures of some of the best cars on display, collecting brochures and picking up freebies at some of the counters. One thing that usurped the attention a lot of people was the sound of a chinese gong ! This was by every customer at Al Rajhi Bank, who executed a deal at the counter.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Riyadh Motor Show
After Dubai M S and Jeddah M Show, it is the turn of Riyadh to host its own Riyadh MShow. This prestigious show starts tomorrow and goes on till 13th Dec 07. All key participants of Jeddah, Toyota, Hyundai, GMC, Nissan/Infinity & Mitsubishi are participating. Isuzu, Kia and Skoda also are putting their own stalls. Al rajhi Bank and Arab National Bank are two key banks present. This show is also sponsored by Al Rajhi Bank...
With the weather getting very pleasant, time is just right for the Mega Event.. stand by for more updates ! Happy Driving !!
With the weather getting very pleasant, time is just right for the Mega Event.. stand by for more updates ! Happy Driving !!
Friday, November 30, 2007
Car that can shrink
Mercedes has unveiled cars that can shrnk, that is change its form, at the press of a button.
This Mercedes can take on the form of a fast highway cruiser, quickly metamorphose into a compact city car, or become a roomy one-seater or economical two-seater, depending on the transport capacity needed ! Courtesy, the magnetic control elements of the SilverFlow, a futuristic study by Mercedes-Benz, which take just seconds to configure the car required from tiny metallic particles.
Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Center of North America in Irvine, California, which is headed by Gorden, is the driving force behind this innocation, which is reminiscent of the 1930's for motor racing.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Jeddah Motor Show
Jeddah Motor Show, one of the major automobile event in ME, is off to a flying start. A sneak preview:
- Al Rajhi bank is the main sponsor and has put up a very elegant stall at the entrance. Deals are being finalised then & there. Customers are signing up and drawing a lot of attention, thanks to a chinese-gong. They have two more stalls, with one of them having the latest craze in ME, Toyota Landcruiser
- Toyota, the market leader, is very prominent in their participation too. The natural pull for the brand is supplemented with the launch of the local favourite, 2008 Landcruiser. This, along with FJ Cruiser, ensure extra footfalls at the counter.
- Hyundai managed to put their small car, Getz, on top but vertically ! That was cool man ! Veracruz is also another crowd puller.
- Kia, GMC, Nissan/Infinity are other key participants.
- Most of the luxury brands are not part of this event. Though they may, out of their own valid reasons, may opt out of this. But, the event loses some of its charm
Overall, a great show !
Road accident stats KSA
Saudi Traffic authorities have reported annual losses due to road accidents, a whopping SR 13 bn ( $3.5 bn). A big component (over SR 4 bn) of it is pegged as 'human losses'. Human life is priceless, and the loss can not be monetised. Moreso, as the average age is just 34 years, perhaps the peak of youth. LET us drive safely, whichever part of the world we are in...
Monday, November 19, 2007
Flying Cars
Moller International has started production of Skycar. Estimated sticker price is $ 95000 to $145,000 !
For details check:
Nasa also staged its first-ever Personal Air Vehicle Challene, to find topflight fixes for our commuter headaches.
A solution to the worldwise issue of traffic challenges and personal commuting ??!!
Best Car Name
What is in a name ? A lot, esp if you are in Marketing.
Acc to a survey by Autobytel FORD MUSTANG is the most preferred 'name'
Other top names are:
Acc to a survey by Autobytel FORD MUSTANG is the most preferred 'name'
Other top names are:
- Chrysler 300
- Toyota 4Runner
- Honda Civic
- Chevy Malibu
- VW GTI
Thursday, October 25, 2007
GMC in ME
Q3 Results : General Motors has sold 98,635 units vehicles Middle East-wide in 2007 (September YTD), a 1% decrease from September sales in 2006. The drop is attributed to heightened fleet purchase in Q3FY06.
Chevrolet registered a 1% increase with 68,895 units sold throughout the region.
Cadillac and HUMMER sales were up 21% to 4,576 units, while Saab sold 245 units, up 35%. Sales of 24,654 units left GMC dealer forecourts, down 9% from the previous year.
Across the region, the model to gain most sales was the Chevrolet Suburban, with 3,191 units registered, up 238 per cent. Chevrolet Tahoe sales went up 203 per cent to 6,640 units. Both models are in their first year in the Saudi market. The Chevrolet Aveo continues to remain a best selling model in the Chevrolet range. At the end of the third quarter the total sales for Aveo amounted to 11,248 vehicles, a 7% growth compared with 2006.
YTD 2007 in the UAE- YTD Sept 2007 13,527 units vs YTD 06 11,642 units, up 16%
Chevrolet sales up 6% to 9,846 units
GMC sales up 69% to 2,408 units
Cadillac & HUMMER sales up 35% to 1,273 units Saab sales up 31% to 71 units
footnote: GM's tally for FY2006: 140,509 vehicles in the Middle East, representing a 24 percent increase over figures recorded in 2005. the company continues to introduce pioneering programmes in the region. One example is GMs' unique Nationalisation programme in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which has been officially recognised by the Saudi government as a benchmark for training young nationals.
Chevrolet registered a 1% increase with 68,895 units sold throughout the region.
Cadillac and HUMMER sales were up 21% to 4,576 units, while Saab sold 245 units, up 35%. Sales of 24,654 units left GMC dealer forecourts, down 9% from the previous year.
Across the region, the model to gain most sales was the Chevrolet Suburban, with 3,191 units registered, up 238 per cent. Chevrolet Tahoe sales went up 203 per cent to 6,640 units. Both models are in their first year in the Saudi market. The Chevrolet Aveo continues to remain a best selling model in the Chevrolet range. At the end of the third quarter the total sales for Aveo amounted to 11,248 vehicles, a 7% growth compared with 2006.
YTD 2007 in the UAE- YTD Sept 2007 13,527 units vs YTD 06 11,642 units, up 16%
Chevrolet sales up 6% to 9,846 units
GMC sales up 69% to 2,408 units
Cadillac & HUMMER sales up 35% to 1,273 units Saab sales up 31% to 71 units
footnote: GM's tally for FY2006: 140,509 vehicles in the Middle East, representing a 24 percent increase over figures recorded in 2005. the company continues to introduce pioneering programmes in the region. One example is GMs' unique Nationalisation programme in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which has been officially recognised by the Saudi government as a benchmark for training young nationals.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Car Loan Defaulters Beware !!
According to reports, Dubai-based Sekurus International has introduced an electronic device to prevent drivers from defaulting on car loans. 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 dues not paid. The system may be of great interest among all car financiers, car rentals, and even corporate and families with a fleet of cars, in ME
While the option to track defaulters will be a key feature, other features like vehicle tracking etc will be the add on features...
While the option to track defaulters will be a key feature, other features like vehicle tracking etc will be the add on features...
Jaguar & Rover Car-Brands up for Sale
As part of Ford's bold initiatives to streamline its operations and to return to long-term profitability, it is in the process of selling of its two UK -based brands, Jaguar & Land Rover. Acc to reports, both brands will in all likelyhood be sold to a single bidder... in two months. Several prominent names are going around as possible buyers, investors to companies in India
Ford has already solf off Aston Martin and as per reports are reviewing their Volvo car brands too.
Friday, October 12, 2007
My new car Toyota Landcruiser Prado
It is exactly one year since I came over to ME. Own car is a necessity here to move around. The
weather does not permit much of walking around...
Car Purchase is always a big decision. It is 'big' not only for the financial part of it, but also
it becomes an important part of our life. It later on grows on you... :) Family loves it, especially kid(s). For parents and elders, it is a sign of success ! For me, my car is second wife.
I took my own time to get a local licence. Then, went around for few months in rent-a-cars, to familiarise myself with the routes and of course,the traffic ! It also gave me opportunity to try out some good Car-models. Then started the evaluation of cars to decide on the model to buy.
The parameters on which I evaluated were: budget/re-sale value/hassle-free performance/good airconditioning/ a top & popular brand. But, one things was clear, I would buy SUV only. Just as the process of going through a journey is as interesting as reaching destination, the evaluation process was fun. I looked at all possible options: internet, brochures/magazines, car dealer-friends, experts from auto industry, advice from friends ( got loads of it !), etc.
At the end of this month-long process, I have gone ahead with a Toyota Landcruiser Prado VX3. It took care of all my parameters, though a shade above my budget. It is definitely one of more prominent brands and enjoys high resale value. Most importantly, it comes from Toyota staple. I have heard & read so much about Toyota quality. I look forward to my own Toyota experience. Hope they don't dissappoint me... But then, my first experience has been nothing less than a wonderful driving experience.
weather does not permit much of walking around...
Car Purchase is always a big decision. It is 'big' not only for the financial part of it, but also
it becomes an important part of our life. It later on grows on you... :) Family loves it, especially kid(s). For parents and elders, it is a sign of success ! For me, my car is second wife.
I took my own time to get a local licence. Then, went around for few months in rent-a-cars, to familiarise myself with the routes and of course,the traffic ! It also gave me opportunity to try out some good Car-models. Then started the evaluation of cars to decide on the model to buy.
The parameters on which I evaluated were: budget/re-sale value/hassle-free performance/good airconditioning/ a top & popular brand. But, one things was clear, I would buy SUV only. Just as the process of going through a journey is as interesting as reaching destination, the evaluation process was fun. I looked at all possible options: internet, brochures/magazines, car dealer-friends, experts from auto industry, advice from friends ( got loads of it !), etc.
At the end of this month-long process, I have gone ahead with a Toyota Landcruiser Prado VX3. It took care of all my parameters, though a shade above my budget. It is definitely one of more prominent brands and enjoys high resale value. Most importantly, it comes from Toyota staple. I have heard & read so much about Toyota quality. I look forward to my own Toyota experience. Hope they don't dissappoint me... But then, my first experience has been nothing less than a wonderful driving experience.
Ramadan discounts push car sales up in KSA
The holy month indeed is a period when the market witness a lot of push strategies... This Ramadan was no different.
http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093169893
http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=1093169893
Thursday, October 11, 2007
JEEP ad
Car ads have always been interesting...
If it has animals & birds, more fun.
Liked this ad of 2008 Jeep Liberty : http://www.jeep.com/en/sessions/
If it has animals & birds, more fun.
Liked this ad of 2008 Jeep Liberty : http://www.jeep.com/en/sessions/
Friday, September 7, 2007
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Police red-faced as Porsche stolen-twice
Malaysian police were left red-faced after a man who abandoned the theft of a $280,000 Porsche for lack of fuel attempted the crime a second time and drove the sportscar out of a police station, local media said.
The suspect had first attempted the theft on Monday at a luxury car showroom in northern Penang state, local papers said. Dressed smartly in a suit and tie, he asked for the car keys and promptly sped off, smashing through the glass windows.
The car was later found abandoned a short distance away, its fuel tank empty.
The New Straits Times said the man kept the keys and returned with a canister of petrol to a local police station where the car had been towed. He drove off with the Porsche, ditching it later after he discovered roadblocks had been set up to stop him. Police were hunting for the suspect, the paper said.
Source - Reuteurs
The suspect had first attempted the theft on Monday at a luxury car showroom in northern Penang state, local papers said. Dressed smartly in a suit and tie, he asked for the car keys and promptly sped off, smashing through the glass windows.
The car was later found abandoned a short distance away, its fuel tank empty.
The New Straits Times said the man kept the keys and returned with a canister of petrol to a local police station where the car had been towed. He drove off with the Porsche, ditching it later after he discovered roadblocks had been set up to stop him. Police were hunting for the suspect, the paper said.
Source - Reuteurs
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