DUBAI, 15 November 2007 — The Middle East International Motor Show, popularly known as the Dubai Motor Show, opened at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center yesterday.

The event was inaugurated by Sheikh Maktoum ibn Mohammed ibn Rashid Al- Maktoum, chairman of Dubai Technology & Media Free Authority.

Some 650 companies displayed their best and newest in the expansive 50,000-square meter display area. The show, organized by Dubai World Trade Center, will run through Sunday from 11 am to 10 pm, and from 3 pm to 10pm on Friday.

The visitors were thrilled to see many first-time additions to the show, such as the Cars of the Stars walkway, Dubai’s first solar powered car and the exciting West Coast Customs remodeling a car live at the show. Speed lovers got more than they expected when they got a glimpse of not just the Shelby Ultimate Aero, the fastest production car in the world, but also ten of the fastest production cars in the world. Even the kids had a gala time, with the Porsche Driving School teaching them the basics of safe driving in the most fun way possible.

Some of the biggest names in the motor world, including Maybach, Maserati, Mercedes Benz, Porsche, Audi, Toyota, Hyundai, Ford, General Motors and Jeep, just to name a few, made their presence felt at the show. Visitors to the show also got the first ever glimpse of the Maybach S62 Landaulet.

General Motors presented an impressive array of 43 vehicles, including two world premieres, four concept cars, nine Middle East premieres, eight show reveals, and one special appearance. he vehicles encompassed all GM brands including Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, Hummer and Saab, demonstrating General Motors’ commitment to offer Middle Eastern customers vehicles that are at the cutting edge of design and technology. “Over the past four years, General Motors Middle East has enjoyed tremendous growth, with sales almost tripling since 2003”, said Terry Johnsson, president of General Motors’ Middle East Operations.

BMW Group Middle East has displayed a sizzling range of new models and concept cars at the show, including the region’s first introduction to the BMW Concept CS, BMW Concept X6 and the new BMW M3 Coupé.

“At BMW Group we are heavily investing in the future of our company — all over the world, customer demands are ever increasing. They want cars that are cleaner and more economical, but also more powerful and dynamic. In the Middle East these demands are reflected and magnified,” said Phil Horton, managing director, BMW Group Middle East.

Audi’s presentation is about the sound of luxury. With the new Audi A8 Product Improvement, visual changes on the German premium car manufacturer’s flagship will be discovered by an attentive eye only, as the true improvements are of a more subtle nature. Ernst Hasbach, managing director of Audi Middle East, said at the Audi press conference “Just as in the proverb, Audi did not try to change a winning team, we have perfected it.” In the process, the Audi A8 with its timeless sporty design has become the quietest saloon in the world.

Audi also showcased previews of two new models coming to the region in mid 2008: the new Audi A4 and the Audi A5 alongside with its currently most sought after product, the Audi R8. Special exhibit was the Q7 6.0 V12 TDI (500 bhp and 1,000 Nm of torque) — the most powerful diesel passenger car in the world.

Jaguar has displayed its Jaguar XF at the show. “We showcased the new XK and XKR — the vehicle demonstrated that Jaguar knows how to design and build contemporary, modern sports cars. And now, with the all-new XF we are showing that Jaguar also knows how to design and build Beautiful Fast sporting saloons,” said Andy Gawthorpe, managing director, Jaguar Middle East.

The all-new Volvo XC70 also there on the display. “The XC70 is perfect for the Gulf lifestyle, it exudes sheer luxury with a hint of masculinity to tackle the rough terrain we have in the region” said Roula Beiruty, marketing manager, Volvo ME.

Nissan’s GT-R super-car is attracting a number of visitors. “We are proud to present this stunning new Nissan GT-R, a true super car for the 21st Century and an ultimate physical expression of passion,” said Colin Dodge, senior vice president of Nissan.

Renault has displayed its product line-up for the GCC. “More than 10 new models will be introduced across the region over the next three years,” said Mohamed Bennani, managing director of Renault GCC.