Impact of Japan's quake on Middle East auto industry- a report

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/28/gulf-autos-idUSL6E7IS1C020110728


While Japanese brands struggle to keep up the demand, Hyundai also seem to be behind schedules, as some markets have reported shortages

Chevrolet starts the 100 day countdown to its centennial celebrations

http://www.albawaba.com/chevrolet-starts-100-day-countdown-its-centennial-celebrations-384431

BMW releases music video shot on production floor

Car ads are getting more techie... If Toyota, for one of their dull brands are going social networking sites, BMW has this music video shot on shop-floor !


As for this innovative initiative, the official version is: 

“The appeal of the work was to develop a viable, independent, recognisable composition that only makes use of vehicle sounds, such as the blinkers, GPS voice, closing noises, seat belts, doors, safety alarm, to name but a few. The visual resolution at the end shows clearly that the percussive elements such as the bass synthesizer, the vocals and the melodies were produced by the vehicle itself,” says Bill McAndrews, Head of Communication Strategy, Corporate Communications, at the BMW Group.

Good idea... but could have been executed better, I feel !

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/videos/bmw-releases-music-video-shot-on-production-floor--410305.html

Toyota Sequoia TV Commercial Campaign launched on social media

Toyota is going techie, for sure....
The brand needs all channels in their efforts to rub-off the negative impact of PR fiasco !

But why ad in Dubai ?!  :)


http://www.ameinfo.com/270738.html

Audi in ME

A friend here ( in Middle east) says, if you drive an Audi, you can not drive any other car. 

In my spiritual pursuit, I am trying to go beyond brand, luxury, et al !

Frankly I am scared to ‘upgrade’ to Audi. Don’t want to get hooked to one more brand in life !

Another friend tried to get out of ‘Apple’ addiction, IPhone, ITouch, IPad.. But was not able to & conceded defeat, with humility. Apple a day would have kept doctor away, partially at least J

Some numbers on Audi's performance, for Middle East, comprising 12 markets:

·         3725 cars sold in H1-2011

·         1531 in UAE, 681 in KSA

·         Best selling models : Audi Q7 (863 units), A8 L (613 units) and Q5 (588 units), followed by A4 and A6

Source : http://www.ameinfo.com/270795.html

Android application for the Abdul Latif Jameel (ALJ) Toyota Fleet.

Interesting, though small, developments !


http://arabnews.com/economy/article471533.ece

Hyundai Veloster to roll in Saudi Arabia & UAE soon

As the market is facing shortage of popular cars from key brands, here is a key brand expected to launch another sleek machine, VELOSTAR !

If these reports are right, perfect timing indeed... as the demand may see an upswing during the Ramadan month & not many high profile launches either....

Interesting times ahead for car-enthusiasts surely!

Hyundai Veloster to roll in Saudi Arabia & UAE soon

Lexus to lose its 11-year luxury top spot in US target=

Lexus to lose its 11-year luxury top spot in US target=

Lexus' loss may be gain for BMW & others...

Believe it not, we are driving less, says a report

According to a report in The Age, 'Peak car use - which is measured as vehicle kilometres travelled per capita - had occurred in all major Australian cities in 2004 in line with the world trend, the authors noted. In 2004, Melbourne's car use peaked at 12,410 passenger kilometres per capita. In 2009, that had dropped to 11,050'
 

That is quite 'GO Green' !!

http://www.theage.com.au/national/believe-it-or-not-were-driving-less-than-ever-20110709-1h7zq.html

gulfnews : Cars leaving UAE with worn tyres will be stopped

gulfnews : Cars leaving UAE with worn tyres will be stopped

This is a very good initiative... Very thoughtful to check vehicles leaving the border too...

Toyota's Recall Saga

Toyota is to recall more than 110,000 hybrid vehicles over concerns about a problem with the power supply circuit. The Japanese carmaker said the recall involves the Highlander hybrid and Lexus RX400h models globally. Lexus did well on JD Power rating released recently

According to experts 'rapid expansion' is considered to be the main reason for the recalls ! What a tragedy... Toyota was considered to be synonymous with quality!