JEDDAH, 26 November 2004 — Excitement is mounting among the car buffs, as the Saudi International Motor Show gets ready to showcase some of the latest and futuristic models for a six-day run from Sunday.
New cars remain the central focus of the show, formerly known as Jeddah International Motor Show, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2003. Many new vehicles are being launched at the event.
“We’re launching Honda’s new Odyssey,” a management spokesman for Abdullah Hashim Co. said. “Mitsubishi is launching the Grandis, which is a new family car with a totally new shape alongside the new model year Magna,” Alesayi Trading Corp. said. Likewise, Yamaha is launching the Rapter, which is a limited edition 350cc off-road quad motorcycle. Saab and Volkswagen are new to the show this year.
Importer Aljomaih Automotive Company, which featured Cadillac and Hummer at the show in the past two years, announced that this time it would additionally be displaying Saab. “Vehicle buyers in the Jeddah region tend to prefer more high-tech vehicles and technology than elsewhere. The Cadillac, Saab and Hummer product lines are at the forefront of technology and the show this time allows comparison with more of our competitors in front of the largest volume of visitors,” Nikitas Daskatakis, its director for premium brands, said.
Volkswagen is featuring a comprehensive range of models in a Saudi motor show for more than a decade and is also actively involved in the show’s ‘live action zone.’ “VW is one of the world’s leading brands and the Western Province has always been the heart of the Kingdom’s automotive industry,” VW Sales and Marketing Manager Mustafa Sabra said.
The show features more vehicle brands, displays, attractions and activities than ever before, Ian Bennett, director of operations for the automotive projects division of Al-Harithy Company for Exhibitions, organizer of the event, said.
The show runs in two distinct phases at adjacent locations. Phase one includes all the expected features of an international motor show at the main site. New car displays and motorcycles are located in Hall One including regular favorites and new participants, while outside on the plaza, commercial vehicle displays have been extended with new areas and ranges.
Autocare, a trade exhibition within the show, has been upgraded and located in Hall Two. This features trade services and products applicable to the automotive industry and access is restricted to registered traders.
The public retail hall, first seen last year, features a range of stands covering many different types of products and services. This is also located in Hall Two but with free public access.
The “family zone” featuring radio control (RC) cars has been relocated to give better access and viewing. Jeddah Aviation Hobby Club will give displays of RC car racing with technical explanations.
“Half the vehicles sold throughout the Gulf are sold in the Kingdom and so one can imagine the excitement that accompanies such shows,” Khaled Hassan, a Saudi engineering student at King Abdul Aziz University, said.
The show, being held with the support of the Ministry of Transport, will continue daily from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. up to Dec. 3.