JEDDAH: The Saudi International Motor Show (SIMS), claimed to be the Kingdom’s largest and oldest motor show, officially opened doors to its 37th edition on Sunday, featuring local launches, regional reveals and new concept cars over a 40,000 sqm of floor space.

Mohammed Tawfiq Madani, director general of the Transport Department in Makkah, opened the five-day event at the Jeddah Convention & Exhibition Center, in the presence of top executives of auto local leaders, VIP celebrities and hundreds of people, all waiting to view the latest cars and motorbikes on show.

Al-Harithy Company for Exhibitions (ACE) executives conducted Madani on a tour of the show, which has the participation of 100 companies.

Madani spent time with the exhibitors, inquiring about the brands and their new products being showcased at the show.

Considered as one of the premier events regionally, SIMS continues to feature some major launches by top-notch automotive brands, ACE Vice President Zahoor Siddique said.

Prior to the official opening, the day was dedicated to VIPs and media who were taken on a tour of the show. The highlight of the tour was the new product launches and reveals by brands such as Nissan, Kia, Cadillac, Lifan, Hyundai and Sharico.

With the participating automobile brands representing the best of the global industry, the media were given bespoke presentations by the exhibiting brands and the opportunity to discuss the new models and the latest in automobile technology as well as photo-calls.

The show not only previews the newest cars but also motorcycles, accessories, music systems and the tuning and aftermarket sectors with plenty of action continuing outside from Nissan and Hyundai who are hosting interactive driving experiences.

In addition, this year’s edition includes include several adrenalin pumping live action events including the final round of Saudi Star Drift Championship, Off-Road Experience, car customization, interactive areas and electronic virtual driving.

The SIMS, which is held with the support of Jeddah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Majed, is open to the public from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. till Thursday.