JEDDAH, 1 November 2006 — New models of several vehicles will be launched at the Saudi International Motor Show 06 being organized at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s International Exhibition and Conference Center on Madinah Road from Nov. 5 to 10.

General Motors is gearing up for a “Bold new era” at the exhibition with a lineup of cars and sports utility vehicles (SUVs). It claims to have the largest stand at the show, providing a platform for the launch of the all-new Chevrolet Caprice, Lumina, Epica and Captiva. Several other cars and SUVs across GM’s Chevrolet, Cadillac and GMC models will also be debuting at the show including Hummer and Saab.

Malaysian made Proton cars will hit the Saudi roads this month with the introduction of three models at the show. Proton’s Kingdomwide dealer Al-Rashed & Al Thunayan Auto Co. is to launch its new models — Proton’s Gen and Waja sedans and Savvy hatchback.

“We aim to promote Proton in Saudi Arabia as an Islamic product as it is designed and manufactured in Malaysia,” a spokesman for the dealer said yesterday.

The Malaysian brand expects a “very good response” for its vehicles in the Kingdom’s automotives market, he said quoting Proton’s Managing Director Syed Zainal Abidin. “Our customer satisfaction has always been high in our list of priorities.” Dodge dealer United Motors Company will launch two 2007 models — Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass.

Dodge Caliber aims to appeal to up-and-coming buyers looking for a compact car that stands out from the crowd and give them the flexibility to do more in terms of seating friends and string gears. It is a five-door vehicle that combines a sporty coupe-like profile with the strength, stance and functionality of an SUV.

The latest Jeep Compass will distinguish itself not only as the new entry-level jeep, but also as the first jeep vehicle to be built on a front-wheel-drive platform, which it will share with the Dodge Caliber Crossover. Four-cylinder engines will power this new urban assault vehicle.

AlHamrani United Company will debut M45 Infiniti and Nissan cars. The company, which is also the dealer for India’s Tata vehicles, is introducing four Tata models — Indigo, Indica, Marina and Sumo. Tata Motors is described as India’s largest automobile company with revenues totaling $5.5 billion in 2005-06. With close to four million Tata vehicles plying in India, it claims to be the leader in commercial vehicles and the second largest in passenger cars.

Tata cars, buses and trucks are being marketed in several countries in Europe, Africa, Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia and Australia, a spokesman for the company said.

Abdul Latif Jameel Co. is displaying its latest Camry and other 2007 Toyota and Daihatsu models at the show.

Among the other vehicles on display will be Honda cars and motorbikes, and Subaru, Hyundai, Mitsubishi and Nissan cars. “The 28th edition of the show promises to be an exciting event for families in general and potential buyers in particular,” said Zahoor Siddique, exhibitions manager at Al-Harithy Co. for Exhibitions Ltd., the organizer of the annual event.

Various dealers have lined-up the launch of new cars on the opening day, he added.