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