Camel Race at Jordan

Camel in Middle East is more than a mere animal.

This animal is so much an integral part of desert life. Among other things, camel used to the main source of transportation, till cars entered the scene.

Check out the link for info on Camel race in Jordan, ME

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/index2.php?option=com_gallery&id=528709&img=0&mment=p

Gulf investors eye GM's Hummer brand

Two Gulf Arab investors have expressed interest in buying General Motors Corp's (GM) Hummer brand. GM was readying sales documents for its Hummer brand and had initial interest from potential buyers, that it hoped to develop into formal sale talks, the automaker's Chief Executive Rick Wagoner had said earlier.

Rapid economic growth, low fuel prices and the brand's position as a status symbol have made the Gulf one of the biggest buyers of the Hummer. Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Development bought a 5 percent stake in Ferrari in 2005, while Kuwait's Investment Dar bought half of Aston Martin last year. India's Mahindra & Mahindra was rumoured to be one of prospective buyers. But, they were prompt to refuse...

With the world moving towards smaller & fuel efficient, cars such as the iconic Hummer may end up being relevant only in the oil rich Middle East

All New 2009 Honda Pilot Launched in Saudi Arabia

Abdullah Hashim Company Ltd has launched the Grand Comfort Cruiser

• The Grand Comfort Cruiser – ‘cruiser’ J. formerly MV4
• Comfortable for 8 adults
• 253 HP 3.5 Litre i-VTEC V6 engine
• 253 HP VTM-4 : Variable Torque Management 4-Wheel Drive , delivers torque to all four wheels
• Vehicle Stability Assist & Parking Sensors are other features

for more details check out : http://automobiles.honda.com/pilot/

Honda's new Accord is a big hit in Middle East.

Swiss to vote on SUV Ban

Swiss campaigners launched a bid to ban off-roaders, SUVs and gas-guzzling executive and sports cars, winning enough support for a referendum.

The Young Green party said on Monday in a statement, it had turned in 120,000 verified signatures gathered in support of a referendum, to be held within 18 months. A spokesman for the Federal Chancellery said it will now check the signatures, although the 100,000 valid signatures necessary to call a referendum "should easily have been surpassed".

"Our initiative slows global warming, protects cyclists, pedestrians and children, stops the arms race on the streets..., reduces pollution and is still reasonable," the initiators said on their website.

The initiators want all new cars

• to emit less than 250g of carbon dioxide (CO2) per kilometre, and diesel engines to be equipped with particle filters.
• to weigh less than 2.2 tonnes and have a safer front in order to protect pedestrians.

Cars which do not fit these criteria but are already registered should have a speed limit of 100 km/h.

Various European countries have introduced higher taxes to penalise pollution, hitting sales of cars such as SUVs.

Nissan's new technology

Nissan previewed a new safety technology that goes beyond a warning beep if drivers veer into the path of danger, and actively tries to pull the car in the direction of safety.

A car installed with the brake-resistance device would try to deter the driver from changing lanes, for example, if it detected a car zooming up from behind in the motorist's blind spot, Nissan said.

Motorists can still 'override' the deterrence in an emergency but a test drive in a car fitted with the feature prompted the brakes to vibrate when danger was detected -- leaving little doubt about what the car thought was safe.

JD Power 2008 Vehicle Dependability Results

Based on their research into the problems faced over last one year by owners of three-year old vehicles, Lexus is the clear winner.

For more info, check out
http://www.jdpower.com/autos/articles/2008-Vehicle-Dependability-Study-Results

Cause of road accidents - STRESS

One major reason for the road accidents in Middle East (ME) is supposed to be STRESS.

• Why stress ? : Key reason is INFLATION. Rising cost of living... and the pressure thereon.
• Another key reason is road congestion

It is our duty to drive safely... for sake of others and ourselves... JOIN THE CAMPAIGN TO DRIVE SAFELY..

HAPPY DRIVING !

Nissan's controversial ad

The advertisement depicts wealthy Arab oil barons cursing and hitting the Tiida, angered at the car being so fuel efficient.

The commercial ends with a voice over saying: “It’s clear the oil companies won’t like you.”


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaWYNQfn_Cw

PS : Update - Nissan has got the dealer to withdraw the controversial ad