JEDDAH, 24 November 2005 — The annual automobile extravaganza ended on Friday night, with a record turnout of visitors and many major brands launching their new models during its six-day run. Most of the exhibitors said going by inquiries they were optimistic about increased car sales in the coming year

The show — 27th annual edition of the Saudi International Motor Show — was also noted for recording trade inquiries and prospective sales, according to some of the exhibitors.

Visitors to the show said the latest, most luxurious, prestigious, and futuristic cars and their accessories on display impressed them. The show was held with the support of the Ministry of Transport and Jeddah Traffic Department, and organized by Al-Harithy Company for Exhibitions Ltd. (ACE).

The opening day of the motor show on Nov. 13 saw the launch of three cars — Nissan’s Tiida, Toyota’s Yaris and Honda’s Civic.

“Alhamrani United Company plans to go straight to the top of the small car sales charts in the Kingdom with the launch of Nissan Tiida, a compact duo that delivers interior roominess, high quality interiors and comfortable stress-free environment at an economy price tag,” Ahmed A. Alhamrani, vice president of Alhamrani group of companies, said,

Toyota Motor Corporation introduced the Yaris Hatchback. “Yaris already has a successful track record in Japan and Europe where it quickly set new standards for compact cars with its compact body size, roomy interior for the driver and all passengers, and excellent fundamental performance,” said Adnan M. Al-Qahtani, general manager (marketing), Abdul Latif Jameel Import and Distribution Co. Ltd.

Honda has an impressive line of vehicles. Honda dealer Abdullah Hashim Company displayed an attractive range of motorcycles, power products, and marine motors, in addition to automobiles.

Last year, the show attracted nearly 110,000 visitors. This year the number far exceeded last year’s mark. Many exhibitors said that the attendance was more than they had anticipated — and in some cases more than they had planned for. “The upgrades to the layout which was much more open this year, contributed to the free movement of visitors. The atmosphere and appearance was on a par with motor shows worldwide,” said Nikitas Daskatakis, director premium brands for General Motors dealer and importer Aljomaih Automotive Company.

“We’re participating for the first time in such an exhibition and are thrilled to see the terrific visitor response,” said Muayyad Obeid of Al-Rassam Auto, dealer of safe SUV, Deer pickup, Sing SUV and So Cool pickup. Al-Rassam introduced Chinese 4X4 cars in the Kingdom six months ago. Khaled M. Emam, sales manager, Peugeot, said, “European cars have a good local presence and such shows are the right platforms to reach buyers.” “For such a gigantic event this space is small. Hats off to the organizers for successfully organizing such a spectacular show,” said Sadiq Ahmed Hafeez, marketing supervisor for Nissan cars.

The Hall 1 of the Jeddah International Exhibition and Convention Center, the exhibition venue, displayed the latest models of volume-production vehicles while Hall 2 showcased light commercial vehicles. Autocare - the after-market showcase for spare parts, garage equipment, gadgets and trade services related to the automotive industry — was featured in Hall 3, while heavy commercial vehicles were exhibited in the outdoor plaza. At the entrance of the venue, banks, insurance, leasing and investment firms beckoned the visitors with a variety of attractive offers.

The venue had a specially designed family zone that took care of the buyer’s family.

A special driving track built with over a kilometer of obstacles to test off-road vehicles was another major source of attraction. A 4x4 off-road test drive circuit, replicating a regular terrain, was a popular feature of the show. Live action zones featured remote control F1 car racing, ATV motorbike stunt driving, and Challenge Land Junior Competition. The Castrol Autosolo ACE Championship fascinated the speedster daredevils.

ACE’s Exibition Director Zahoor Siddiqui announced that the next edition of the motor show would be from Nov. 5-10, 2006.