Manufacturers showcase the latest technology that signals a bold new direction for the future of motoring where machines transform into intelligent partners

As Dubai continues to play a leading role in the drive towards autonomous personal transportation and driver-assisted technologies to enhance the motoring experience, the world’s leading automotive manufacturers have descended on the 2017 Dubai International Motor Show this week, showcasing the latest innovations that are driving the motoring industry in a bold new direction. 

With the Dubai Autonomous Transportation Strategy aiming to make a quarter of all Dubai’s journeys driverless by 2030, the UAE is spearheading the region’s transition, where societies will view cars not just as machines to get from A to B but as intelligent partners.

And the future of automotive technology has formed an essential theme at this year’s show, the 14th edition of the Middle East’s premier automotive event, which runs until Saturday, 18 November at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), as the industry responds to the growing infusion of connectivity and the driving experience and safety.

Connected car penetration in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) currently stands at 2.7 per cent and is expected to rise to 20.9 per cent by 2021, according to the Statista Market Forecast. And, with revenue in the connected car market expected to grow by 63.2 per cent in the next four years, to reach USD2.4 billion by 2021, car manufacturers are understandably seeking to leverage opportunities to increase market share and get in tune with consumer needs.

The futuristic Volkswagen BUDD-e arrived at the 2017 Dubai International Motor Show for its regional premiere, featuring a networked world of infotainment and mobility, to offer a clear view of the future. Special features of the concept model include a new human-machine interface in the form of a visionary instrument and operating concept, and gesture control 2.0, which allows the car to be operated intuitively.

Also making its mark at this year’s show, is the 2018 Range Rover Sport debuted by Jaguar Land Rover, which features the latest driver-assisted technology to tackle all life’s obstacles. The Touch Pro Duo infotainment system is a twin high-definition touchscreen digital butler that blends a futuristic, elegant feel with an intuitive, engaging interface and unrivalled functionality.

New technologies are also fueling driver confidence through a range of drive-assisted technologies that empower, calm, safe and controlled drives and at the forefront of this trend is Infiniti, which premiered its new QX80, which features proactive safety innovations that support the driver in identifying and responding to other vehicles and potential hazards, enabling effortless performance and safety.

François Bancon, Vice President, Product Strategy, Infiniti said: “The new QX80 offers drivers greater levels of confidence at the wheel, with a suite of drive assist technologies that empower the driver. Despite the car’s size, the QX80 is easy to drive with full confidence.”

Meanwhile, Nissan unleashed its BladeGlider, a working prototype of a high performance electric vehicle with a revolutionary sports car design that offers visitors a glimpse into the future – it can reach 190km/h in less than five seconds and is packed full of advanced technologies.

Fadi Ghosn, Chief Marketing Officer, Nissan Middle East said: “The BladeGlider has a narrow front track and wider rear track for optimum aerodynamic efficiency and handling stability. The sporty prototype is a true demonstration of our Nissan Intelligent Mobility strategy.”

Lennart Mueller-Teut, Head of Marketing & Communications, Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East added: “The automotive industry is undergoing unprecedented change that we anticipated and have actively shaped. The diverse range of products and concepts on display at this year’s Dubai International Motor Show are challenging the status quo and offering a glimpse into the future of mobility - both physically and digitally. In that regard, we have transcended the physical car and are offering a broad range of intuitive and seamless services that employ state-of-the-art software and hardware innovations and utilize the Internet of Things to shape future mobility patterns.”

As one of the hottest topics in the automotive industry, the future of mobility has brought together key personalities from the motoring world this week to stimulate engaging debate on cutting-edge industry developments, in the Ignition Live! Shows. Industry experts and thought leaders are discussing and engaging visitors on the topics shaping the automotive world in six exciting sessions over each of the five days, including sessions on How Digitalisation is Changing the Way we Interact with our Car; The Four Pillars of Future Mobility and How Autonomous Cars Work.

The 2017 Dubai International Motor Show is open from 11am to 11pm on 17 November; and from 11am to 10pm on 18 November, tickets are available for AED 65, for an Adult single day entry, on-site or on the event website. Children under the age of 12 enter for free. VIP tickets cost AED 250 for single-day entry. Other packages include: Two Day Adult Pass at AED100 online; Single Day Child (12 – 18 year) Pass at AED30 online; Government Employee Single Day Adult Pass at AED45 online; Family Package Single Day Pass at AED50 for Adults and AED25 for Children – there must be a minimum two adults and two children; Group Package Single Day Pass at AED50 for Adults and AED25 for Children – there must be a minimum of four adults and two children. 

For more information visit the show’s website at: www.dubaimotorshow.com 

About Dubai International Motor Show:

www.dubaimotorshow.com

The Dubai International Motor Show is the largest and most established motoring event in the Middle East, connecting the global automotive industry with motoring enthusiasts and professionals from across the MENA and South Asia regions. The event is the ultimate showcase of global brands and the trusted voice for the industry, driving the passion of automotive enthusiasts and creating unique sales and marketing opportunities for participants.

From concept creations to global launches, the evolution of the motor industry in the Middle East has been fuelled by 13 previous editions of the Dubai International Motor Show spanning 26 successful years. Renowned as the manufacturers’ event, with a proven track record for serious business, this is where the global automotive industry meets with motoring enthusiasts and trade professionals from across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia. The 14th event promises to be the ultimate showcase for global brands and the trusted voice for the industry, consistently delivering a high-quality audience of passionate buyers, new business, new markets and new opportunities.

About Dubai World Trade Centre:

www.dwtc.com

DWTC brings more than 35 years’ experience delivering world-class events in the Middle East and provides local, regional and international exhibitors with unmatched expertise and in-depth market knowledge. Its brand-themed team organises more than 20 of the largest and most successful international and regional shows in Middle East, providing an ideal platform for business development in the region. Our commitment to on-going innovation within the exhibition industry has supported the rapid growth and development of a wide range of business-to-business and business-to-consumer shows, and delivered consistent satisfaction to exhibitors and visitors. DWTC works with the leading trade bodies and industry associations to ensure that all exhibitions deliver full value and are built upon the real needs of their specific sector.

For more information, please contact:
Naina Chaudhary
Action UAE
+971 4 390 2960
naina.c@actionprgroup.com

Amelia Naidoo                                                 
Manager – PR & Media Relations                    
+971 55 747 9086                                            
Amelia.Naidoo@dwtc.com

© Press Release 2017