JEDDAH, 15 December 2002 — The prestigious Jeddah International Motor Show, starting next week, promises to be action-packed from start to finish.
“This is an all-new show with a terrific program. We’ve three halls, two test-drive circuits, a whole series of events throughout the six-day exhibition and even more special attractions in a custom constructed auditorium,” a spokesman for the organizer told Arab News yesterday. “Quite apart from all the glittering cars, there will be something for visitors to do and see every minute of every day,” Ian Bennett, director of publicity and special projects for the organizer, Al-Harithy Company for Exhibitions Ltd. (ACE), added.
The venue — Jeddah Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s Exhibition & Convention Center — has been extended, and excitement and pizzazz added to the event. “In one leap the Kingdom’s biggest and best event has outdistanced the rest to give the Kingdom a world class motor show worthy of the title,” he said.
In Hall One the world’s latest cars remain the focus of the show. Several manufacturers are launching models at a newly introduced ‘Launch & reveal’ event on the opening day on Dec. 22. Garage equipment, car accessories, car magazines and motor industry companies are showcased in Hall Two with the whole automotive spectrum on view.
Themed the “Enthusiasts’ motor show,” a full program of events is planned under the umbrella of the ‘Petromin Ultra 7 Enthusiasts vs. professionals challenge,’ where teams of car enthusiasts will compete against teams of motor industry professionals. The challenge runs every day of the show with action and excitement all the way, starting with the ‘PitStop challenge’ in the auditorium. The contest then continues with an autotest and 4x4 challenge on the circuit and a quiz in the auditorium.
Visitors will be able to sample many of the challenge events for themselves. With an emphasis on road safety and education, public sessions of the autotest will see visitors behind the wheel to show just how good their car control really is. There is also a full public evening of the Saudi Auto’s automotive quiz where contestants will be chosen from the audience to demonstrate their general automotive knowledge. Valuable prizes have been provided by the magazine and wrapped up in an evening of entertainment with an underlying road safety theme. Those thinking of buying a new off-road vehicle will be able to test-drive on the Sport Auto 4x4 course.
Other special attractions, at the more than two decades old annual event, include motor and motor sport movies in the automotive theater and a special morning session reserved for lady visitors, widely reputed to be the real decision makers when it comes to selecting a new family car.
The organizers have set up a special dedicated web area. The full schedule with opening hours, enthusiasts vs. professionals, events timetable, exhibitor information, a media center with downloadable releases and pictures, plus an online registration facility for trade visitors can be accessed at www.acexpos.com/motors.
