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Dubai motor show gears up for regional premieres

By Abdul Basit DUBAI - Dubai International Motor Show (DIMS) is one of the important and significant events in the world for auto industry, according to the organiser and stakeholders.

This year's show has a lot more to see compared to last show in 2009 as there are some global launches in addition to over 50 regional launches of 2012 models, according to the organiser -- Dubai World Trade Centre ( DWTC ).

"This is the largest Dubai motor show and 22 per cent bigger than last show with 58 new exhibitors this year," DWTC chief executive officer Helal Saeed Almarri told reporters at a news conference on Wednesday.

More than 150 companies are participating in the show and they belong to over 30 countries. New countries are Czech Republic, Korea, and Canada.

With the Middle East enjoying robust growth across all sectors of the automotive industry, the motor show's position as the region's largest and most influential automotive event has never been more important for the global motoring world.

This is one of the important motor shows in the world, Almarri said, adding: "We are neck to neck with shows in Geneva, Tokyo and ..."

The five-day event running from November 10-14, 2011 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre is the largest show in the history of the event with over 60,000m² of exhibition space and more than 150 exhibitors from around the world revving up to capitalise on the region's potential.

The Middle East remains a key growth engine for manufacturers, with many marques posting year-on-year increases in sales, and the luxury segment in particular expecting to witness a doubling of sales growth from 9.7 per cent in 2010 to 20 per cent by the end of 2011.

According to forecasts presented by international automotive research company Automotive IHS, based on the sustained growth achieved to date, the region is well positioned to become the global leader for this lucrative segment.

"It is clear that these market factors are driving the industry to the Dubai International Motor Show as a platform of choice for their regional and global launches," said Almarri.

"This is a region with high discretionary income and a population of well informed motoring enthusiasts, making for an influential target market. The Dubai International Motor Show plays a key role in bringing not only regional, but global spectators and buyers," he added.

With more than a million vehicles registered in Dubai alone, some of the world's leading manufacturers have expanded their reach in the Middle East market, with McLaren opening their new regional headquarters in Dubai this year along with Brabus, who established their first sales room, tuning centre and workshop in the Emirate in June 2011.

The international stature of the Dubai International Motor Show is also reflected in the decision by a number of key manufacturers conducting global launches at the Dubai International Motor Show.

This year sees worldwide debuts from high profile exhibitors including Brabus, Chevrolet, De Macross, Jaguar, Land Rover and first-time exhibitor Lifan, who join a number of new exhibitors to this year's motor show, including debut appearances from Dallara, McLaren, Shelby, PininFarina Hyperion, De Macross, Asma, Switzer, MV-1, and DEPP-AT.

The 50 plus highly-anticipated regional premieres at the event include Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Kia, Lamborghini, Lexus, Mazda, MG, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Peugeot, Porsche, Renault, Shelby, Subaru, Toyota and Volkswagen, among many others. Adding fantastical flair to the show floor are a number of concept cars, including models from Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, GMC, Maserati, MINI and Toyota, while some of the pulse-racing models due to make an appearance at this year's show include the new Bugatti Grand Veyron Sport -- the fastest convertible in the world, the new Porsche 911 Carrera, the Maybach 62 and the Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4.

With the Middle East markets demonstrating a number of unique characteristics -- up to 66 percent of all new car purchases in the UAE alone are made by customers between the ages of 18 and 29 (Business Monitor International), it is key for motor manufacturers to make a strong impression on a young, upwardly mobile demographic. Styling, customisation and modification is big business in the Middle East and is reflected in the extensive presence at the Dubai Motor Show of such companies as Brabus, Hamman, Fab Design, Gemballa and Depp-At.

© Khaleej Times 2011