SHARJAH, 16 November 2006 — The five-day International Automobile Show which started at Expo Center in Sharjah has been attracting thousands of auto lovers and enthusiasts.
The Middle East’s biennial auto show, where new models are introduced before anywhere else in the region, is hosting over 40 exhibitors and featuring over 25 brands of automobiles including Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, Infiniti, Suzuki, Aston Martin, Bugatti, Bentley, Mitsubishi, TemSa, Kia, BMW, Rolls Royce, Mini, Mercedes Benz, Maybach, Jaguar, Land Rover, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Skoda, Lamborghini, Hummer, and Chery. Categories of automobiles on display at the show include the latest models in convertibles, prototype cars, 4x4 vehicles, and luxury coaches.
The show, which is being organized by Expo Center Sharjah with the support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and EMSF will be open till Saturday (Nov. 18), from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (except Friday) and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the evening.
“Hosting an event of the stature of the International Automobile Show at a time when demand for cars and other categories of automobiles in the Middle East is at its peak, assumes special significance,” said Saif Al-Midfa, director general of Expo Center Sharjah.
As per estimates, the number of cars on the roads of the UAE is growing at an average of 9.8 percent per year.
“The high demand for automobiles in the region may be attributed to a combination of factors including low fuel costs, high disposable incomes, significant rise in construction activities, easier financing options, high tourist inflow, increasing population, and most importantly one of the highest per capita levels of car ownership in the world,” Al-Midfa added.
Among the launches lined up at this year’s International Automobile Show are the Mercedes CL series, the new face lift X3, B6 Alpina, and M6 Coupe’ by BMW, the 2007 XKR and XK Sport by Jaguar, the Expedition, Mustang and the new F150 by Ford, the Lamborghini LP640, the G35 by Infiniti, and the SX4 by Suzuki.
Another attraction at the event is the display of the Mercedes GL series. It is for the first time that this model is being displayed at a public exhibition in the UAE. Besides new launches, some very unique cars including a 1961 Mercedes Pagoda, an Arial Atom, and several other ultimate classic cars, are being showcased.
