Dubai International Motor Show To Boost Record GCC Car Sales Of 1.88 Million In 2015!

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 28^th October 2015: The biennial Dubai International Motor Show (DIMS) is set for a stunning return from November 10-14 against a backdrop that is seeing record car sales in the region.

The automotive sector across the GCC is expected to reach 1.88 million sales by the end of this year, representing a full year growth rate of 5.6% over last year (1). Supporting this growth, UAE auto sales increased by 13% in 2014, while the growth rate in the US, UK, and Europe was 4.6%, 8% and 1.4% respectively.(2)

It comes off the back of a solid first six months in 2015 where GCC sales topped 890,000 units(1) and sets the stage for an unmatched 18 global and 139 regional launches in addition to 16 concept cars set to be revealed during the 13^th staging of DIMS at the World Trade Centre (DWTC).

For the first time, demand for floor space has resulted in the show expanding into the Dubai World Trade Centre’s Zabeel Halls to accommodate more than 600 vehicles on display taking total floor space up to 85,000 square metres. This represents an increase of more than 30 per cent over the previous show size, and organisers expect in excess of 100,000 visitors from 37 countries will pass through its doors over the five days.

With the Middle East’s new car market expected to grow twice as fast in comparison to North America and Western Europe by 2022 (3), the 13^th biennial Dubai International Motor Show is set to deliver an automotive extravaganza of new car launches on both a global and regional scale.

Speaking at the official Dubai International Motor Show 2015 press conference, Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions & Events Management, Dubai World Trade Centre, said:  “Dubai is truly on the global radar for motor shows alongside the world’s best with arguably the widest variety of cars on display.”

“The Middle East is a key growth region for the automotive industry and this year’s show will see an unprecedented number of world debuts and regional launches from leading manufacturers.”

Ms LohMirmand added: “The interest in new cars that’s spurring on this growth is not just confined to the Luxury and Sports segments which have always been popular in this region but also in the Light Vehicle category which rose by 14 per cent last year, fuelled by strong sales across the GCC.” (4) 

“Because of our geographical location and our willingness to welcome manufacturers from all corners of the globe, the Dubai World Trade Centre’s 15 halls are at full capacity.”

Motoring Nostalgia Museum

A highly prized collection of more than 80 never before seen classics together under one roof will be a major highlight of the show courtesy of the President of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE, and 14-time Middle East Rally Champion Dr. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Tomini Classics, the Sharjah Museum and the Al Ain Classics collections, as well as from a number of proud owners from the Dubai Grand Parade.

Everything from the ultra rare and highly desirable 1955 Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing to the svelte Aston Martin DB5 Coupé, everyone’s favourite classic, the 1961 E-Type Jaguar and the ultimate 1970’s poster car, the Lamborghini Countach will be on display for the full duration of the show.                                                         

Global and regional launches

Cadillac, Hyundai, Mazda, Nissan, W Motors and Toyota are just a few who have chosen Dubai for the world reveals of their newest models. Toyota has chosen Dubai as the venue for the world release of one of its longest standing nameplates and most important model, the new Land Cruiser SUV while Jaguar will show the production version of its first off-roader, the F-PACE in the region for the first time after the concept made its world debut in Dubai in 2013. Additionally, the likes of Aston Martin, Audi, Fiat, GMC, Land Rover and Volkswagen will also be premiering multiple regional launches in Dubai as well.

Bruce Robertson, Managing Director for Jaguar Land Rover MENA, said: “We are bringing a sensational line-up of our latest Jaguar and Land Rover products to the Dubai International Motor Show this year and are excited to finally reveal the All-New Jaguar F-PACE to the region. Consumers in the Middle East are some of the world’s most passionate and sophisticated luxury buyers, and we look forward to surpassing their expectations.”

Saud Abbasi, Managing Director, Al-Futtaim Motors, added: “This year’s show will witness the future of mobility and hybrid technology. We will be bringing regional reveals and premieres to this year’s show, and the Toyota stand will feature the newly launched Land Cruiser, alongside a large range of new vehicles it will also include a unique heritage area that celebrates Al-Futtaim Motors’ six decades since inception.”

Felix Weller, Regional Director for Cadillac Middle East, also added: “It’s an exciting time for Cadillac with a global reveal of our first-ever XT5 crossover, as well as the regional debut of the CT6 prestige sedan. All eyes will be on the Dubai Motor Show which is a great place to showcase the regional and global expansion of our brand.”

New sectors and additions

Witا more than 150 exhibitors participating, it reflects the broadening appeal of the Dubai International Motor Show that’s renowned for its focus on the luxurious and high end supercar reveals but now also recognises the burgeoning automotive landscape across all sectors with newcomers from Australia, Lebanon, the Netherlands and the Russian Federation also taking part for the first time.

The show will not only preview the newest cars but also motorcycles, light commercial vehicles, the tuning and aftermarket sectors as well as the all-new Motoring Nostalgia Museum.

Visitors will be able to take guided tours from resident experts, enjoy street food cuisine, retro music that takes enthusiasts back to the golden age from the 1950s to the Swinging Sixties and beyond as well as a chance to take part in onsite competitions, forums and watch master craftsmen at work on a number of projects over the five days.

Interactive and engaging concepts

The Dubai International Motor Show will again host the Dubai Distinctive Plates Public Auction by the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) on Saturday, 14^th of November from 4:00pm in the Al Multaqua Ballroom of the World Trade Centre.

Sultan Al Marzouki, Director of Drivers' Licensing at the RTA Licensing Agency, stated that due to the importance of the strategic partnership between the agency and DWTC, the 2015 edition of the Dubai International Motor Show will witness their second participation through auction number 89, dedicated for unique license plates with distinctive numbers. It will offer a selection of 110 plate numbers, and will be open for public registration from November 8^th.

Outside, the JLR Experience Zone from Jaguar Land Rover will be located in the Arena Plaza where the company will be premièring its Mobile Equipment for the first time in the Middle East after successful shows in the United Kingdom, China, Russia, and South Africa. It consists of a range of state-of-the-art, mobile man-made tracks and obstacles that will give visitors the chance to experience the unique all-terrain ability of Land Rover vehicles.

Keeping the thrills on track, Jaguar will be alongside with the Bloodhound SSC that’s aiming to break the World Land Speed Record above 1,000mph (1600kmh). Visitors will be able to experience the speed with a high-tech simulator that will challenge them to be the fastest driver on the planet - within the SIM environment of course.

With the demand for car customisation increasing by around 15 per cent over the past year, a greater focus will be on the Tuning and Aftermarket industries. The exclusive distributor of Toyota in the UAE, Al-Futtaim Motors, will be showing the racing and performance sides of the Japanese marque with the debut of Toyota Racing Development (TRD), while Dubai-based GForce Performance will conduct daily tuning sessions live on stage where visitors can witness a comprehensive transformation of a car that covers body styling, performance enhancement, wheels, tyres and suspension modifications.

Another new addition for 2015 is the series of Ignition Live Talks which will be held each day where industry experts from a wide variety of backgrounds will discuss the current trends and topics that affect their particular areas of expertise and is sure to provide a wealth of informative opinion over the duration of the show.

The 2015 Dubai International Motor Show is supported by Show partners AC Delco, Alienware, Autopro, Cooper Tires, ENOC, Mazda, RTA and Swiss Tourism. The show will be open from 6pm to 10pm on November 10; 11am to 10pm on November 11; 11am to 11pm on November 12 and 13; and from 11am to 10pm on November 14.

Prices are AED 65 for single-day entry, or save 15% by purchasing online throughout the show at www.dubaimotorshow.com with children under 12 entering free. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

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

 Stay tuned to http://wheelers.me/ we will be following up this exciting mega event!