Dubai International Motor Show 2013 @DubaiMotorShow SET FOR STELLAR SUCCESS AS REGION DELIVERS KEY GROWTH FOR GLOBAL AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Region’s most influential automotive event makes history with largest show, 108 global and regional launches including 15 concept cars, more than 600 cars on display, inaugural Dubai Grand Parade

With Middle East markets delivering consistent growth across all sectors of the automotive industry, the Dubai International Motor Show’s position as the region’s largest and most influential automotive event has never been more important for the global motoring world. 
A prominent event within the newly formed Dubai Motor Festival announced last month by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the show runs from 5 - 9 November 2013 at Dubai World Trade Centre and is expected to be the largest edition in its history.
More than 15% percent bigger, the exhibition space this year totals 65,000m² to accommodate the more than 600 vehicles on display. A record 108 global and regional launches, including 15 concept cars by the world’s leading motoring manufacturers are scheduled to take place during the five day event. This highlights the influence of the Dubai International Motor Show and its position as the definitive platform for reaching Middle East markets.

H E Helal Saeed Almarri CEO of DWTC and Director General of DTCM
 along with other panellists at the DIMS 2013 press conference

A key growth region for the global automotive industry, the Middle East continues to drive sales across the board. In addition to the region’s high national wealth, significant government investment in infrastructure, buoyant private sector activity and a fast growing population are also contributing factors for consistent double-digit increases recorded by motoring marques in both volume and premium categories.   As one of the leading car markets in the region, the UAE achieved record half year sales this June, up 18.7 percent from 2012, for a year-end forecast of 380,000 vehicles for 2013– an increase of almost 23 percent. 
According to industry reports, the GCC enjoys one of the highest ratios of cars to households in the world, with the market considered one of the top high-end luxury car markets globally. Growth, however, is not limited to this segment of the industry thanks to the divergence of demographics and affluence levels that drive demand for both premium and entry-level cars.  SUV sales continue to witness strong demand due to large family sizes and the region’s rugged terrain, while the fast growing youth and expat populations are driving demand for smaller, fuel-efficient cars. (Business Monitor International)
Speaking at the official Dubai International Motor Show 2013 press conference today (Sunday), H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Director General of Dubai Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM) said:  “Under the astute guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, we are benefitting from a prosperous economy and all time high business and consumer confidence.  This has allowed the Dubai International Motor Show to achieve tremendous growth in influence, with some of the world's biggest and most prestigious car makers choosing Dubai to announce 108 global and regional car launches and concept cars, the highest ever recorded.”
The international stature of the Dubai International Motor Show is reflected in the record number of key manufacturers choosing Dubai to conduct global launches.  This year sees models making their first debut in Dubai from high profile exhibitors including BAIC Motors, Bentley, Brabus, Bugatti, Devolro, Kia, Land Rover, Nissan, Okcu, Rolls-Royce, Spania GTA and W Motors. 
Regional premieres are expected from the world’s top industry leaders including Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Ford, GMC, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Maserati, McLaren, Mercedes Benz, Mitsubishi, Opel, Porsche and Toyota.     
A glimpse into the future of automotive design is offered by the 15 concept cars being showcased by exhibitors, including Aston Martin, BMW,    Devel 16, Ford, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Lexus, Lincoln, Nissan, Toyota,             Volkswagen and Zenvo.
Visitors to this year’s show can expect to see a significant number of first-time exhibitors in the region, from exclusive, limited edition super cars to practical city cars, as well as a wide range of on- and off-road two and three-wheeler bikes. New brands to the show include:  Stingray RV UK, Chery, JAC, Opel, Rumble Cycle, Suzuki and Yamaha bikes.
Dubai International Motor Show also becomes the host for the first time of the Dubai Distinctive Number Plates Public Auction by the Dubai Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) and supported by Lexus, taking place on Thursday 7 November in the Al Multaqua Ballroom at Dubai World Trade Centre.
Mohammed Abdul Karim Namat, Director, Vehicle Licensing, RTA said:  “The RTA is delighted to be part of the Dubai International Motor Show. This is the first time ever that we will conduct an auction of number plates at a public event, and believe that this exhibition is a great platform for us.   There will be approximately 90 number plates auctioned at the show with sequences ranging from ‘G to N’  and will include the most sought after numbers ranging from 2 digits up to 5. We look forward to welcoming our potential buyers who will have the opportunity to buy their favorite numbers and enjoy the action at the show as well.”
The motoring excitement generated by the Dubai International Motor Show this year extends to the streets of Dubai with the launch of the Dubai Grand Parade – a spectacular convoy of hundreds of super and luxury cars and bikes that will follow a route past the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Taking place on Friday, 8 November, and led by the Dubai Police fleet of famed supercars together with the Infiniti Red Bull Racing Formula 1 car, this inaugural event as part of the Dubai Motor Festival has been enthusiastically received by both motoring clubs and the public.  An initiative of the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the Dubai Grand Parade is supported by the RTA and Dubai Police.  Taking place from 3:00 – 4:00pm, the RTA has advised that traffic on the designated route may be affected and are advising motorists to use alternative routes. 
An action-packed schedule of entertaining and interactive features at the show includes the Red Bull Car Park Drift Regional Finals, an adrenaline-fuelled battle of the best for the coveted ‘King of Drift’ title sponsored by Chevrolet, taking place on Friday, 8 November.  Other show features include the Nissan experiential 4x4 track, a Hyundai World Cup Competition that focuses on football skills, and a Fastest Tyre Change contest sponsored by Pirelli and Wheels Magazine. 
“There is no doubt that this year’s show will be one of the most exciting on record, from the greatest deals to the newest wheels. With an affluent, aspirational and fast growing audience to impress in the Middle East, the motoring industry will be ensuring that they are at their best,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, DWTC.
Official Tyre Sponsor for the 2013 show is Bridgestone with the Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) confirmed as the Official Lubricant.
The Dubai International Motor Show will be held from 5 - 9 November 2013 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The show is open from 6pm–10pm on Tuesday 5 November; from 11am-10pm on 6 November, from 11am–11pm on 7 and 8 November and 11am-10pm on 9 November. Ticket prices are AED 55 for a 1 day entry ticket, with children under 5 free. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information visit www.dubaimotorshow.com  

• Dubai International Motor Show              :           Tuesday, 5 – Saturday, 9 November
• Dubai Grand Parade                               :           Friday, 8 November
• Red Bull Car Park Drift Regional Final     :           Friday, 8 November