Middle East is key market for custom-made cars

Dubai: Manufacturers are taking advantage of the increase in demand for personalised cars in the region.

First time exhibitors at the 8th International Motor Show in Dubai, Bufori say the reason for this demand is due to the booming population in the UAE.

In their first month of opening an office in Dubai, last month, Bufori sold two custom made cars.

"We expect in 2006 we will sell a further 20 cars so this region is our fourth largest market" said Joseph Siew, sales and marketing manager for Bufori.

The group only makes 300 customised cars a year, each costing up to Dh400,000. Every car is designed to meet the specified requirements of the customer.

More than 3,500 man hours are spent on each car with an average of one car per day produced.

"The market here is very mature, our clients seek exclusivity and range from members of the ruling families to VIPs," added Siew.

The luxury cars feature Bluetooth, Voice Navigation System and tires monitored by computer.

Marketing and Sales Manager for Brabus, Constantine Bushmann said having a personalised car is like having a tailor made suit.

"The Middle is an important market for us because there is a standard of taste, cars are very much an aspect of lifestyle here," said Bushmann whose father founded the company.

Brabus offers high end tuning for all Mercedes Benz automobiles, personalizing the exterior to interior, from performance kits for engines to floor mats, steering wheels to the front and back bumper.

The company is based in Germany and currently operates in 100 countries worldwide including the GCC, North America, Russia and the Far East.

Bushmann added they have a significant market share in Dubai, where clients can detail what they want, and have the vehicle shipped from Germany in two-three weeks.

The top markets for Bufori

- China, Germany, the United States and the Middle East are the top markets for Bufori.

- They are followed by Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.

- Offices opening in first quarter of 2006 in India, Philippines, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.

- Offices opening in the second quarter of 2006 in the United Kingdom.

- There is big demand for convertibles, four-door and the limousine.