Top auto manufacturers upbeat on Dubai show

DUBAI: The Dubai International Motor Show, the region’s biggest motoring event, opened on Tuesday at the Dubai World Trade Center.
The five-day event has a participation of top manufactures from across the world, has more than 600 vehicles on show.
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, deputy ruler of Dubai, officially opened the show.
“The show has grown in size and stature with each edition, developing into one of the key automotive shows in the region,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO of Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) and director general of Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).
The world’s top automotive manufacturers from Europe, North America and Asia are taking part in the show with a number of concept cars, new models and hybrid cars scheduled to make their debut during the five-day show including Alpha Romeo, Austin Healey, Aston Martin, Audi, BAIC Motors, Bentley, BMW, Brabus, Brilliance, Bugatti, BYD, Cadillac, Chery, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Devel 16, Devolro, Dodge, Dongfeng, Ferrari, Fiat, Ford, GMC, Great Wall Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, JAC, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lexus, Maserati, Mazda, McLaren, Mercedes-Benz, Mini Cooper, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Okcu, Opel, Peugeot, Porsche, RAM, Rolls Royce, Spania GTA, Stingray RV, Toyota, Volkswagen and W Motors.
Spanish supercar manufacturer Spania GTA chose Dubai for its regional unveil of the GTA Spano.
The rare car — only 99 models have been made — is sure to draw large crowds with its carbon fiber, titanium and Kevlar chassis.
American company Hennessey is showcasing its range of supercars including the Venom GT – the Guinness World Record holder for production car acceleration.
The GT, with 1,244 horsepower, accelerates from 0-300 km/h in 13.6 seconds.
Visitors to the show will get a chance to witness a record number of 108 global and regional launches, including 15 concept cars yet to be seen by the rest of the world from the world’s leading motoring manufacturers.
Dubai police also unveiled their new fleet of supercars at the Show. The cars include: Audi R8, Mercedes G Class Brabus, Mercedes SL 63 and the Nissan GTR.
The Jaguar stand features two new Jaguar ‘R’ models, the 550PS XJR and the XFR-S; as well as two thrilling new vehicles which the luxury manufacturer.
“The iconic Jaguar ‘R’ badge is reserved for our highest performance models, denoting cars that are effortlessly thrilling, technically state-of-the-art and dramatically designed,” said Robin Colgan, managing director of Jaguar Land Rover MENA.
Meanwhile, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ Bespoke offering took center stage at the show with the unveiling of the most valuable Rolls-Royce in history, the Celestial Phantom.
This extraordinary motor car first debuted at the Frankfurt IAA to great acclaim is presented with one important addition; diamonds meticulously placed into the door-cappings, center console lid and rear-privacy divider.
“The Middle East is the largest market for Bespoke in the world, in celebration of this we sought to create something truly special for the Dubai Motor Show,” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
The reveal of the Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis was another highlight on Tuesday.
The unveiling of the stunning concept was just one of four regional debuts handed out on the Hyundai stand, alongside premieres by the i20 WRC, the New 2014 Centennial Limousine and the Veloster Turbo.
Tom Lee, Vice-President and Head of Hyundai’s Middle East regional headquarters said: “The show is not to be missed opportunity to showcase our hugely popular range of models to both UAE customers and the many international visitors who flock to the show. This year, we will be displaying a highly acclaimed concept that has never previously been seen in the Middle East.”
Ford company has lined all-new and dramatically refreshed products bearing the latest technologies and innovations.
Ford fans are in for a real treat as the all-new Ford Fusion takes center stage together with the all-new EcoSport compact SUV, adding further zing and fun to the Blue Oval’s dynamic range in the Middle East.
“This year, we are showing the all-star ultimate lineup from Ford,” said Larry Prein, Ford Middle East’s managing director.
Commenting about Ferrari’s participation, Giulio Zauner, general manager, Middle East and Africa said: “This year looks very promising and there many interesting happenings to look forward to.”
An action-packed schedule of entertaining and interactive features at the show includes the Red Bull Car Park Drift Regional Finals, an adrenaline-fueled battle of the best for the coveted ‘King of Drift’ title, taking place on Friday, November 8.