JEDDAH, 6 November 2006 — Manufacturers of cars and their local distributors said yesterday that Saudi Arabia’s automobile market was on the verge of massive expansion. The current economic boom and rapid increase in population are cited as among the main reasons.

“We’re highly optimistic about this marketplace and hope to further increase our sales,” John S. Moran, GM’s sales director for Africa and Middle East, told Arab News on the sidelines of the opening of the six-day Saudi International Motor Show by Minister of Transport Dr. Jabara Al-Seraisri at the Jeddah International Exhibition and Convention Center.

As he was conducted on a tour of the show, the minister was visibly impressed by the wide range of latest cars. “I see a lot of improvement in the way cars are made worldwide and displayed here,” he remarked.

Most of the agents and distributors are of the view that they have been increasing their share of the ever-expanding car market. Various new models debuted at the show.

GM, which has been maintaining a 20 percent annual increase in its sales over the past five years, launched its all-new Caprice SS — a new generation of one of the Kingdom’s favorite cars.

Jeep unveiled the new Compass, with Mark Jenkins, national sales and marketing manager of United Motors, describing it as a completely new compact version of the classic Jeep range.

“These vehicles have been a mainstay for thousands of Saudi families down the years, transporting them safely and reliably across vast distances and as a result held a special place in the hearts of the Saudi people,” he said. Commenting on the 2007 Chevrolet Caprice, Lumina and Epica, a family car that “delivers six cylinder performance at four cylinder fuel efficiency,” he looked forward to building on the success of past generations.

The new Captiva, seen for the first time in Jeddah, places GM in the compact SUV market for the first time. GM, however, has remained committed very strongly to the concept of power supplied by big V8 engines.

The new Chevrolet Lumina and Caprice vehicles, with their new 6.0L V8, deliver one of the most outstanding performances and power shows in their class.

The new Compass 4x4, said Jenkins, makes Jeep’s most complete range of 4x4s anywhere in the world.”

He sees the Compass as Jeep’s expansion into new territory; a modern styled compact car. “It combines fun, freedom utility and excellent fuel consumption with the functionality of a sport-utility vehicle and the handling of a compact car.”

Jenkins said that the Compass was aimed at younger customers who might not have considered the brand before. It allowed the brand to compete in the fast growing compact SUV segment where he saw an increasing demand for fuel economy, ride comfort and efficient packaging in an SUV. “This is a completely new type of Jeep vehicle for nontraditional Jeep buyers.”

The Dodge Caliber is a completely new slant on the C segment worldwide, combining bold styling with high value and utility.

Alhamrani United Co. launched the Infinity M, which crowns the luxurious Infiniti lineup as the most technologically advanced and vibrantly designed sporty sedan.

“The Infinity M embodies the essence of power and sophistication, surpassing both industry standards and researched consumer expectations of a luxury sedan, said Ahmad Alhamrani, COO, Alhamrani United Company. The M’s debut, which includes both commercial and critical success, confirms the highest level of refinement it has achieved in design, style, comfort, safety and performance.

“We’re anticipating a huge demand from motorists in the region who appreciate the value of luxury vehicles that creatively combine advanced technology and design innovation, as well as superior comfort and safety,” he added. The main hall features 11 major auto manufacturers while in the exterior display areas there are over 30 other exhibitors. Cars feature high on the list of exhibits but other exhibitors include banks, leasing companies and accessory retailers.

Prominently displayed at the entrance to the main hall is a safety display mounted by the Jeddah Traffic Police.

The display zone includes volume production vehicles, light commercial vehicles, after-market auto care, heavy commercial vehicles, and Saudi desert and modified cars.

The exhibition will remain open from 5 to 10 p.m. till Nov. 10.