JEDDAH, 22 October — The private sector is being encouraged to establish automobile assembly plants, Communications Minister Dr. Nasser Al-Salloum has said.
“The contribution of our private sector to the nation’s development has been significant. Considering the rapid growth of our automobile market, which now rates as one of the world’s largest, the Kingdom is of the view that enterprising businessmen should be encouraged to establish assembly plants for cars and accessories,” the minister told reporters after inaugurating the six-day Jeddah Motor Show last night.
The exhibition is being held at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s International Exhibition and Convention Center.
The show looks more attractive this time with participants exhibiting their products in innovative displays.
All car stands, especially those of 4X4s, are laying greater emphasis on safety aspects.
Sixty companies representing local importers and agents as well as overseas manufacturers are taking part in the exhibition, showcasing their latest sport and luxury models as well as sedans, hatchbacks, off-roaders, quads, vans, trucks and motorcycles.
China is showcasing its automobiles alongside a number of American, British, Japanese and Korean cars.
New for this year are a 4X4 test circuit opposite the exhibition venue and a two-day automotive trade symposium from today. Industry experts will address the symposium, which is being coordinated by Sport Auto magazine alongside Autocare, the automotive industry sector of the show.
The 4X4 circuit is expected to attract a large number of visitors as potential purchasers of off-road vehicles can compare different models under real driving conditions.
Autocare itself showcases automotive industry services and products including garage equipment, refinishing products, accessories and publications.
The National Commercial Bank is presenting its Islamic Car Finance Program.
“Our presence here means that new purchases can become dreams come true rather than just remain dreams,” an official at the NCB stand remarked.
In the main hall, family runabouts share pride of place with luxury sedans, sports cars and RVs, exhibitors having spent millions of riyals on their stands to provide a glittering array of vehicles in a stunning display.
