The show-stopper kicks off

Dubai: The instant you step into Dubai's motor show at the Dubai World Trade Centre, superlatives become commonplace.

They are all there the fastest, the sharpest, the priciest, the shiniest the most exclusive one of a kind to the entry level budget car.

The 8th Middle East International Motor Show 2005 reflects global auto trend which is veering away from the mass produced cars towards elitist automobiles which are a buyer's alter ego, say industry experts.

Designer vehicles or designer modified units which suit the buyer's personality and define their identity are all the rage, particularly in the GCC region currently enjoying high income liquidity, automobile enthusiasts at the show said yesterday.

The big boys who serve the mass market are always there, but the small, niche market producers have a strong presence at this year's show, say observers.

There are many show stoppers the Rolls-Royces, the Bentleys, the Ferraris, the Porches but the one which made even the hardened auto fan gasp is the Bugatti Veyron 16.4.

It is not the price, though at 1 million euros (Dh4.3 million) it is probably the most expensive on display. It is not the shape and style, though the midnight blue production version is an eyecatcher.

It is its performance specification that's the real jaw dropper.

Being unveiled in the Middle East for the first time, the sports car which took five years to develop, has an acceleration of 0-100 kilometres in 2.5 seconds with a top speed of 407 km per hour.

That is formula one speed and the car has a unique gear box and double clutch with the speed of formula one transmission, said Bugatti Automobiles SAS officials at the show preview yesterday.

Despite such high performance abilities it can be driven in everyday traffic like a 'normal car', said the officials, who expect the car to have a successful launch in the area.

Bentley, the British pedigree now bought by Volkswagon, has enjoyed a record sales growth of 800 per cent this year and will have sold upto 440 units in the region this year, said officials.

Subsequently the Middle East now accounts for over 6 per cent of it global sales.

"Over 80 per cent of the customers have never owned a Bentley before. And with a base price starting at $199,000 it is now more affordable to a wider customer base globally," said officials.

New markets which are opening up are China, Russia, India, South Africa, Syria and Ukraine.

In the spotlight at the Bentley stand is the B Azure, the top of the line convertible which will roll out next year and which is expected to do well in the region.

There will be a limited number produced only 10 units for this market next year and with a price tag of $500,000 upwards it is aimed at the top end niche market.

The Ford, Lincoln and Mercury line up will see dramatic changes over the next two years, with more than 20 all-new models being launched, said Jim Benintende, managing director of Ford Middle East.

New additions to the Ford line-up includes the all-new 2006 Explorer, the new Expedition and others in the truck and SUV range.

According to industry estimates, the automobile sector is growing at 10 per cent annually in the GCC region

The GCC region imports cars worth nearly Dh8 billion annually in addition to billions of dollars worth of spare parts.

The auto parts and components sector has therefore been growing rapidly too and acts as an auxiliary sector to the automobile trade. Statistics indicate that out of the total auto parts and accessories imports, about 65 per cent are re-exported, mainly to Middle East, Africa and East Europe.

This sector is ranked among the top 10 re-export products of Dubai and has been growing by approximately 20 per cent a year.

Motor Parts, Accessories and MotorPlus has one dedicated hall at the Motor Show.

The show organised by the DWTC runs until Friday.