Sharjah: Exhibitors at Sharjah International Automobile Show on Wednesday rolled out their new bold and sleek designs for 2013. Some are taking the opportunity to launch vehicles exclusively in the region.
The Automobile Show, which is in its 11th edition, was officially opened on Wednesday by Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Shaikh Abdullah Bin Salim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.
The show which takes place at Sharjah Expo Centre features new 2013 vehicle models from over 50 exhibitors. Al Habtoor Motors, the dealer of Mitsubishi, among others, in the UAE launched a new Mitsubishi model called Mirage for the first time in the GCC. The small-sized car has had a successful debut in Thailand in March of this year, bringing total sales of the vehicle to over 30,000 units.
More luxury vehicles were also among those that made their UAE debut. Rolls Royce unveiled two sleek designs for the first time in the UAE, which are the Phantom Coupe and the One Thousand and One Nights. The Phantom Coupe’s price is a whopping Dh2,400,000, while the One Thousand and One Nights is Dh1,450,000, according to Osama Abdul Karim, Sales Executive at AGMC, the distributor of Rolls Royce in the UAE.
Cadillac has showcased two black beauties for its first public appearance in the UAE: the ATS and the XTS Platinum. They both have the Cue Cadillac User Experience technology, which allows customers to use a touch screen to control the vehicles’ operating systems, receiving a pulse feeling to signal the confirmation of a command. The technology can be downloaded as an application onto an i-pad. Customers can get discounts if they order either one of the 4-seater cars within four days of the show, according to Ravi Nair, Sales Manager at Liberty Automobiles Co., the distributor of Cadillac cars , among others, in the UAE.
The Firebreather, which is a modified version of a Chevy Camaro, was on display and making its first premiere in the UAE. The 4-wheel drive has black interiors and exteriors, and is designed for the younger generation, ages 20 and over, according to Kumail Dhanji, Sales Executive at Liberty Motors Sports in the UAE. The car promises speed as it has a 6.2 litre V8 engine with 410 to 650 horsepower, and can go up to 300kph.
BMW premiered three vehicles in the UAE, including the BMW M6, BMW 316i and MINI John Cooper Works. The MINI John Cooper Works is a sports car, which has the concept of “fun, young and different,” according to Mamdouh Khairallah, the Regional Manager and National Sales Manager of AGMC in the UAE. The M6, priced between Dh575,000-Dh650,000, is also a sports car, and has a lane changing and lane departing warning system to make sure customers drive safely. BMW also has an SOS button in its cars, including the premiers. When a driver presses it, it connects them to Dubai Police and they can assist them in case they are in an accident. They can know how big the accident is and where is their location. The cars can also connect drivers to the police automatically. “ We are the only market in the Middle East that have a joint venture with Dubai Police,” Khairallah said.
Mercedes-Benz is also concentrating on safety features in its newly launched GL, its first appearance in the UAE. The SUV drive has a Crosswind Assist System to assist in stabilising driving, especially in areas with mountains, Active Curve System to help drivers move comfortably when making U-turns and Active Blind Spot Assist to help drivers move from cars in blind spots. The vehicle has a v8 engine with 435 horsepower.
The show starts at 10 am and will run till December 1.
— Sarah Algethami is a trainee with Gulf News.
