The oil-rich Gulf state of Qatar recently hosted its second international motor show. This year’s event was far greater than the first show, in terms of quality of content and the quantity of cars and companies that took part. Auto shows used to be big marketplaces mostly for high-end car makers to sell their special editions and one-offs. But now motor shows in Dubai and Qatar are up to the highest global standards.

Here’s a highlights video of the 2012 Qatar show, brought to by CarNewsTV.

Vittoria is the name of this weird supercar by Italian company UP Design, unveiled at the 2012 Qatar Motor Show.

The car has an extremely radical design, which truth be told is not what you call pretty. Still, they’ve been brave and wanted to try something new, and we respect that.

The Vittoria has some unique details in its design. Well, in fairness everything in it is unique and never seen before. But the most striking features include the front air intakes, which are repeated at the back as exhaust pipes. The jet fighter-like cabin is also a nice touch.The only part we liked to some extent is the full-length LED taillights. We think they look good.

Talking about this car’s powertrain is irrelevant, because it’s just a show car and it’ll never see production. Think of it as an artistic sculpture, then it makes a tiny bit of sense!

Skoda is venturing out of Europe in search of new markets, attending for the first time at the Qatar International Motor Show.

They took their most significant vehicle, the MissionL concept, to the Qatari show, showing the Middle East audience the future design direction for the brand. In addition to MissionL, Skoda is displaying Fabia, Octavia, Yeti and Superb at the Qatar Motor Show, all models are available in the local market.

The MissionL itself is a close-to-production concept car, and will be launched in major international markets in late 2012 expanding Skoda’s lineup. It will be launched in Qatar by the end of the year.

The Middle East market can play a major role in Skoda’s expansion plan, which aims to substantially increase global sales of all models to at least 1.5 million units per year by 2018. Last year they enjoyed an increase of 15% in global sales, delivering 879,200 units.

“2011 was a very important year for us, in which we made significant achievements,” said Jürgen Stackmann, ŠKODA Board Member for Sales and Marketing. “We set new records in 2011 and we are well on course for our 2018 growth strategy. The brand sold more cars in all regions than in the previous year,” said Stackmann, speaking at the presentation of ŠKODA’s MissionL concept in Qatar.

“Strengthening our international activities is a central element of our growth strategy.” added Stackmann. For this reason Qatar will see the introduction of the ŠKODA Yeti during 2012.

Qatar Motor Show might not be very important to mainstream manufacturers, but it’s a great marketing opportunity for high-end luxury makers such as Bentley.

With the price of oil still going upwards, luxury car makers are anticipating  an even greater performance for their Middle East divisions. That’s why they turned up with their latest and finest products at the second International Qatar show.

At Bentley’s booth, there’s the all new Bentley GTC Convertible and the Bentley Mulsanne, which is going to be the next Maybach. The GTC builds on the highly successful foundation of the previous cabriolet, but with everything that’s great about the new Conti. The new Mulsanne is a thoroughly modern flagship that captures the essence of the Bentley marque. Elegant yet distinctly sporting in character, it delivers effortless performance from the classic 6.75 litre V8 engine whilst within its sumptuous cabin advanced technology sits discreetly with handcrafted luxury.

Last year Bentley sales bounced back to pre-recession levels of demand. Sales were up 37% globally in 2011 to 7003 cars with sales accelerating as the year progressed. The Middle East region remained stable – a positive outcome considering the Arab Spring affected confidence at the beginning of the year. It is still going well, bu the situation in the region is so fragile at the moment, what with the ongoing conflicts with Iran which will inevitably influence the GCC countries. If things get out of hand, the market will plummet, badly.

High-end cars are always the best feature of motor shows in the Middle East. At the second Qatar Motor Show, Bugatti unveils a unique version of the Grand Sport that will blow the visitors away.

This super special edition of the Veyron GS, the fastest convertible car in the world, has a horizontal colour split with a bright yellow body framed in visible black carbon, including black-tinted wheels. It sorta reminds us of Bijan Pakzad’s Bugatti.

The theme continues inside as well, with seats finished in yellow-colored leather with black stitching. The middle console is in black carbon, while the dashboard, steering wheel and gearshift are made of black leather with yellow stitching.

The car looks utterly magnificent. It also has a fantastic price tag. It is priced at 1.58 million euros – about 180 grand more than the standard Grand Sport – and we reckon it will take at least 5 minutes before someone at the show writes a check for it. Rich Arabs absolutely love unique cars, especially one with such showy color.

In case you are wondering about the top speed of this Bugga, it’s 350km/h with the roof off, and 407km/h with it on.

Armed with knowledge and experience of a successful event in 2011, Qatar Motor Show will be back in January next year with new features.

Besides the major regional debuts, concept cars and the usual range of supercarson display at Middle East motor shows, QMS will offer exciting outdoor activities. The 2012 event will see thrilling drifting demonstrations, FMX, trial bike and stunt bike shows, organized by Red Bull Energy Drink.

What’s more, visitors will have the opportunity to try the latest car and SUV models in the two test drive areas: the asphalt drift track and a new off-road track. Professional drifter, rally and hill climb champion Abdo Feghali will also be at hand giving driving tips to the enthusiasts.

Other important figures include Christian Pfeiffer, one of the best Streetbike Freestylers, and Red Bull athlete Brian Capper at the newly organized Motor Bike Trial Show.

The 2012 Qatar Motor Show runs from January 25 to 28, 2012 at the Doha Exhibitions Center.

With only four days to go until the first ever Qatar International Motor Show, the organizers revealed what’s possibly the most fascinating feature of the show! During the four-day event there will be a series of outdoor activities organized in association with Red Bull Energy Drink, including drifting competitions, motocross demonstrations as well as test drive sessions of the latest car and SUV models.

The ingredients of Qatar Motor Show are stacking up to create a great event for car enthusiasts, automotive professionals and even those who just want to have a fun evening!

Press Release

The organizing committee expressed their excitement for organizing these activities that are specially tailored to suit the taste of all motor enthusiasts and car-lovers.

Motorsports fans will be able to enjoy professional driving tips with demos from leading experts and world-renowned professional drivers including the Lebanese rally champion and Middle East Hill Climb champion and Red Bull Athlete Abdo Feghali. Moreover, they will be given the opportunity to meet and interact with driving experts.

Another highlight of the First International Edition of the Qatar Motor Show will be a custom built freestyle motocross jumping zone, where some of the world’s finest freestyle motocross riders, the likes of Chris Birch and Frederik Berggren, including Red Bull Athlete’s Nick Franklin and Nick de Wit, will perform daredevil shows in front of thousands of spectators and extreme sports lovers.

Commonly known as FMX, freestyle motocross has emerged as one of the fastest high-adrenaline sports of the new millennium while also being one of the most watched sports of the various extreme sports competitions. These daredevil riders will perform thrilling, mesmerizing stunts high in the air over spaces of 100 feet, while unleashing amazing technical tricks, showing their impressive talents and entertaining the audience.  Each show is a choreographed routine costumed to fit this action-packed event that will demonstrate various extreme tricks.

In addition to the asphalt drift track, an off-road track has been designed offering all car-lovers a chance to test drive their favorite and latest cars.

The Qatar Motor Show,  organized by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) in partnership with q.media Events and GL events and held under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabr Al Thani, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, runs from January 26 – January 29 at the Doha Exhibitions Center.    Qatar Holding (QH) is the main sponsor of the Qatar Motor Show, and QATARI DIAR and Barwa are Diamond Sponsors.  Dedicated times for the media have been organized on January 25 and January 26.
For more information on the exhibition and for details on the outdoor show and timings please visit: www.qatarmotorshow.gov.qa

The first International Motor Show in Qatar, scheduled to take place from the 26th to the 29th of January at the Doha Exhibitions Center, is set to be one of the biggest events in the Gulf region. Sure there’s the whole range of big and small brands attending the show, but they’ve also made it particularly interesting by bringing in the very best of Italian bespoke car makers with the very finest of their concept cars. That include Pininfarina and Bertone with their fantastic Alfa Romeo Pandion. Those names alone can make any motor show a very interesting event!

The list of exhibitors along with a transcript of the official press conference after the jump.

Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), q.media and Qatar Holding LLC, held a joint press conference to announce details of the First International Edition of the Qatar Motor Show, and provide information on their roles and the different activities that will take place during the show. The event is the first of its kind in the region, with international standards and international direct participation from some of the industry’s most important names.

The four-day show, scheduled to take place from the 26th to the 29th of January at the Doha Exhibitions Center, is held under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabr Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and organized by QTA in partnership with q.media events and GL Events.

HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabr Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar

The press conference, which took place at the Doha Exhibitions Center, was attended by Mr. Ahmed Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority; H.E Sheikh Alhussain Bin Ali Bin Ahmed Al-Thani, CEO of q. media; and Mr. Ahmad Al-Sayed, Managing Director and CEO of Qatar Holding (QH) – the main sponsor of the Qatar Motor Show.

Mr. Ahmed Al Nuaimi, Chairman of QTA expressed his optimism about the success of the event and its positive impact on tourism for Qatar.

“Qatar has been greatly successful in making significant investments in sports and in bringing sports-related events that will leave a huge impact on the sports scene in general.

“Qatar Tourism Authority is excited to bring the Qatar Motor Show in its first international edition to Doha, as another great achievement for Qatar and the region. The positive impact of the exhibition has been already reflected with the exhibition being fully-booked six months prior to the opening of the event,” said Mr. Al Nuaimi.

“Hosting this exhibition is part our vision and strategy to attract and promote domestic and regional tourism, while shedding the light on Qatar’s touristic attractions,” he added.

H.E Sheikh Alhussain Bin Ali Bin Ahmed Al-Thani, explained the benefits of bringing and hosting such events to Qatar’s market and its role in establishing Qatar as a platform for thought-leadership in the region by bringing together the biggest and most important names in the industry.  Also he dedicated a special thanks to the partners and the sponsors of the event.

“Our objective in organizing the show was to bring a truly rich and multi-faceted event to Qatar and to the region,” said H.E. Sheikh Alhussain Bin Ali Bin Ahmed Al-Thani.

He continued:  “We are delighted to be part of this prestigious event, as it is part of our strategy to bring world class events that will help establish Qatar’s position as a leading destination for international conventions and exhibitions.”

Mr. Ahmad Al Sayed, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Holding (QH) also addressed the media:  “We are proud in Qatar Holding to be announced as the main sponsor of the first Qatar Motor Show and we look forward to Qatar hosting more and more international events of this scale.??”
Mr. Al Sayed added:  “Qatar Holding is a main investor in Volkswagen and Porsche SE and has invested in very critical time, proving its solid support. We are working closely with our partners to derive additional value from the Memorandum of Understanding signed with VW, PSE and Qatar Science & Technology Park to work together in the creation of a Research and Development center. Such collaboration reiterates our effort to create other benefits for the State of Qatar’s economy and society. In sponsoring the Qatar Motor Show, we hope once more to generate both commercial and social value.”
The Qatar Motor Show kicks off with the 1st Middle East Automotive Summit on 26 January, which will bring together industry leaders and specialists in the field of motor production to discuss the future of mobility and the automobile industry.  Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chief Executive of Volkswagen Group, will be a keynote speaker at the inaugural summit.
The Qatar Motor Show is expected to attract over 30,000 visitors, who will have the opportunity to see both regional and world premier reveals by some of the world’s most well-known auto makers, as well as enjoy the different interactive activities and outdoor programs being organized during the exhibition.
QATARI DIAR and Barwa are the Diamond Sponsors of the Qatar Motor Show.

The Qatar Motor Show will open on 26 January with an official ceremony attended by H.E. Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabr Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.  The show will open to the public on 26 January from 8pm to 10pm; 27 January from 4pm to 10pm; 28 January from 2pm to 10pm and on 29 January from 10am to 1pm and 4pm to 10pm.  Entry is free.  Special times for the media have been organized on 25 January and 26 January.

For more information about the Qatar Motor Show and the program, please visit www.qatarmotorshow.gov.qa.

LIST OF EXHIBITORS

CONCEPT CARS

1. Autostudi
2. Carrozzeria Castagna
3. Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera
4. Fioravanti
5. Pininfarina
6. Salt
7. Spadaconcept
8. Stile Bertone
9. Prototipo

From 26 to 29 January 2011, Qatar Tourism Authority will be hosting the first international auto show in their promising country. Apart from all the usual motor show stuff, one thing that makes it interesting for car enthusiasts is the presence of Italian design giants with some of their finest creations.

Autostudi, Bertone, Castagna, Fioravanti, Pininfarina, Prototipo, Salt, Spada and Touring Superleggera, these are some of the big names to light up city of Doha with their amazing concept cars. Our absolute favorite of all is without a doubt the Alfa Romeo Pandion by Bertone. That car alone is worth a trip to Qatar!

More details in the press release below…

Autostudi from Turin, designer of particularly innovative concept cars, will be presenting the world preview of restyling of the C-Sport at the Qatar Motor Show 2011. The C-Sport Qatar is an innovative sports car of the highest level with clean sinuous lines, projecting itself as a luxury toy-car.   The car is young and dynamic with a spirited soul – ready to promise surprising performance.

“We decided to take part with our Italian designer colleagues at the Qatar Motor Show,” says Carlo Angiono, Managing Director of Autostudi.  “We look forward to encountering a new market in which we can express the creativity of Autostudi in luxury cars and, why not, be the ones to build the next one-off for the Qatar clientele.”

Bertone, founded in 1912, one of the oldest and most prestigious Italian firms in the car sector, will be presenting the Bertone Pandion at the Qatar Motor Show – a futuristic coupè dedicated to the 100 years of Alfa Romeo fitted with a mighty heart (an 8-cylinder motor, 4.2 litre and 444 HP). Bertone Pandion proudly takes its place in the historical family of Bertone-designed Alfa Romeos – an unmistakeable style icon from the very beginning.

“The Bertone Pandion,” says Sandro Colella, Bertone General Manager, “is a supercar which combines the aggressive style of a sports car with spectacular construction solutions, with the doors hinged in ‘inverse elytron’ manner on the rear wheel boxes. All this is crowned by powerful engineering: an 8-cylinder V engine, 4.7 litres and 450 HP of Maserati derivation which provides unique driving thrills. The Pandion is an exceptional product, a solitaire that confirms Bertone as one of the great names of Italian-made cars, but also one of Italy’s outstanding brands in terms of lifestyle, as worldwide leader in the luxury market.”

Simplicity and innovation are the guiding values in Fioravanti which, in 2008, developed Ferrari’s first official one-off car, the Ferrari SP1. Fioravanti will launch the F100r at the Qatar Motor Show 2011.  This is an open roadster, conceived with the aim of creating an open car with the maximum comfort thanks to an innovative multi-sphere widescreen designed aerodynamically to generate air flows which protects the passengers’ heads by being reattached at the rear.”
Leonardo Fioravanti, CEO, declares: “The Middle East is an area of great potential and there are many collectors with a marked passion for one-offs, a sector in which we recently began to specialize with the presentation of the Ferrari SP1 in the Italian Competition at Monterey in California, a car designed by Fioravanti for a Japonese collector which won the ‘Best of Show’ prize.”

Carrozzeria Castagna, established in 1849, is an automobile atelier that produces over 30 unique pieces per year, duly approved for every country in the world.  160 years of history, the highest levels of professionalism, and great artisan capacity cannot be improvised.  Today, like yesterday, Carrozzeria Castagna is proud to have an in-house school where it transmits its wealth of knowledge and experience of its glorious past to build a future of excellence.

Its proprietor, Gioacchino Acampora, states: “Castagna has been present in the Middle East with its own custom-built cars since 1922.  In 1932, His Majesty King Saud Ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud visited the Castagna stand during the Salone dell’Automobile in Milan and bought 2 Isotta Fraschini cars with our bodywork.  Today this market has customers of great automobile passion and culture, great connoisseurs who not only buy very expensive and powerful cars but, if necessary, create them from square one, realizing their dreams with the help of our atelier.

From our special 500 program we’re pleased to showcase here a “small” tasteful one-off Fiat 500, part of our worldwide collection known as Beach Tender, called Tender2 by Castagna Milano. The car can feature also hybrid or full electric engine, and, of course any other kind of option as with all of our creations.”

Pininfarina is a design house with a history that dates back to 1930. Pininfarina offers the market – both OEMs and end-customers – competitive products and services based on its brand values: creativity, experience and innovation. In Qatar it will present the Nido project with which it decided to rethink the methodology of the car design process.  The result is an innovative concept which will re-examine the safety of small cars. The aim of this 2-seater is to increase both the internal and external safety of the occupants.

“We are proud to be present at the first international edition of the Qatar Motor Show,” comments Silvio Pietro Angori, CEO of Pininfarina.  “A concept like the Nido perfectly embodies our mission – that of ‘dressing’ technology.”   The clean lines and harmonious forms won the Nido the Most Beautiful Automobile in the World Award, the 2008 Compasso d’Oro (Golden Compass), and exhibition in the temple of modern art -the MOMA in New York.  Angori continued:  “Nido is also a research laboratory on the issue of safety, and as early as 2004 it gave rise to an electric version – the Nido EV, which we presented this year in order to testify to our commitment to sustainable mobility.”

Specialized in car interiors as a result of superior and elegant leather work, Salt has developed its commitment in research and experimentation and today designs and builds prototypes of every kind, and is in the front line in the sector of fitting out interiors for luxury cars and aircrafts.  In Qatar, Salt will be showcasing the RK Coupè, a project that combines the preparation of a RUF engine on a Cayman base. RK Coupè is an example of the customization that SALT can create for its customers, both with the bodywork and the interiors where SALT expresses the best in the precision and refinement of every detail.

Pierfranco Gavina, CEO, declares: “We are certain that in the coming years the Middle East, Chinese and Russian markets will be in rapid development for the car sector and this provides a significant opportunity that Italian car designers must grasp. At the Qatar Motor Show we will be presenting our experience which has been matured now for over forty years and enables us to meet all the customization requests which characterize the Middle East market.”

Spaconcept is a design studio which works in every stage of the process, from the design to the prototyping of cars and motorcycles, to industrial design (including helmets and motorcycles), as well as marketing consultancy.  At the Qatar Motor Show, the company will be presenting its Spada TS Codatronca, a courageous product which rejects the exasperated search for records at all costs.  Instead of increasing power dizzily, Spadaconcept has preferred to work to maximize the performance of the installed power, introducing aerodynamic forms and a light and essential structure, thereby obtaining an extremely stable and manageable car, which is capable of achieving racetrack performance with the maximum exploitation of the engine power of over 630 HP.

Paolo Spada, CEO, declares: “The Qatar Motor Show certainly represents a great opportunity for tackling a receptive market as regards niche products and joint investments. A market where craftsmanship, linked with Italian design, attracts a very attentive clientele.”

Touring Superleggera was established in Milan in 1926 and is considered all over the world to be one of the maximum players in the Italian Automotive design.  It created masterpieces such as the Ferrari 166 and the Aston Martin DB 4/5. For the very first time for the Middle East, Touring Superleggera introduces the Bentley Continental Flying Star, a high-performance shooting brake. This limited edition supercar is custom built on order (19 exemplars, at the most, 2 already on the road in Europe). It is designed and coach in Milan under the supervision of Bentley Motors for engineering and quality which guarantees sales and support. Blending advanced engineering with 4 thousand hours of highly skilled hand work, it features a servo-controlled boot lid 2 m long versatile luggage and a staggering 560 to 630 PS W12 engine on permanent all-wheel drive.

Piero Mancardi, CEO, says: “The Middle East Market is ideal for our products. The public in these countries appreciates the exclusive quality, the value of traditions, the preciousness of the work and the unmistakeable style, all specific values of our marque. In this sense, the encounter between Italian style and the technological perfection of Bentley offers an ideal product.”

Prototipo Group will also be present at the Qatar Motor Show with Nardò Technical Center, one of the most complete and active Proving Grounds and Experimentation Centres in the world of automobile testing.  For all motor buffs and high-speed fans, the famous “Nardò ring” is a “temple” frequented by not only the most powerful and fastest supercars, but also by motorcycles and prototypes created specifically to establish new international and world duration records. The extraordinary proving ground is located in the sunny Southern Italy in the area known as Salento Leccese and is accustomed to hosting technical teams, engineers, and pilots involved in running kilometres on tracks designed for development tests 24/7 on 363 days a year. Amidst olive trees and just a few hundred metres from the beaches, all types and categories of vehicles on two and four wheels (even lorries!) can travel uninterruptedly on the perfectly circular 12.6 km track, exploiting the incline of the track to speed along as if they were on an infinite straightaway, with no appreciable correction in the steering required up to speeds of 240km/h.

The First International Edition of the Qatar Motor Show, held at the Doha Exhibitions Center from 26 -29 January 2011, promises to be an extraordinary auto show that will thrill spectators from around the world. The 1st Middle East Automotive Summit will take place before the official inauguration on January 26, and will feature executives from top international automotive manufacturers, debating the future of the automobile. More information regarding the 1st Middle East Automotive Summit can be found in the dedicated section on the new website.  The exhibition will also offer a host of outdoor activities for visitors, including test drive sessions.

Our friends over in Qatar are quite excited because from 26 to 29 January 2011 they’re going to have their first ever international motor show. Motor shows in the Middle East used to be just a big marketplace, but that is so yesterday! Qatar Motor Show promises a great professional automotive event featuring international automobile manufacturers and more than 25 international brands.

Of course this region being amongst the wealthiest places in the world, you also get your fair dosage of hyper cars and special edition coachbuilt models. Here in this passage we try to look at what you can expect at the show. Organizers are confident that this will be one of the most popular events on the 2011 exhibition calendar as motoring enthusiasts, adventurists, industry representatives and fun-seeking families from around the region visit what is set to be a high-energy, exciting showcase of the latest in the automotive industry.

Press Release

he Qatar Motor Show, organised by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) in partnership with q.media Events and GL events, and under the patronage of HE Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al Thani, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, will bring together some of the most notable international carmakers showing their latest models. Exhibitors will include many sports, luxury and economy car dealers as well as different car accessory organizations showing the latest in auto and performance trends.
“We are very pleased with the overwhelming interest the Qatar Motor Show is receiving from top automobile manufacturers and dealers within Qatar and abroad,” commented an official from the organizing committee.  “With such distinguished exhibitors, we are confident that Qatar’s first international motor exhibition will position the country as a strategic destination for the regional car market.  Qatar is already an important international market for sports and luxury vehicles, and we believe the Qatar Motor Show will become one of the world’s key automotive events,” he added.

The prestigious four-day show is the first of its kind in Qatar, and will be held at the Doha Exhibitions Center.  Participating auto dealers and manufacturers will include Abdallah Abdulghani & Bros showing the latest Toyota and Lexus models; Al Fardan Automobiles exhibiting BMW and Land Rover vehicles , Range Rover , Jaguar Mazerati ; Al Mana exhibiting Chrysler, Ford and Peugeot; Domasco showing Volvo and Honda, Proton and  CMC models; Chinese car manufacturer Dreemah Automobile with ZX Auto; Horizon Automobiles with Aston Martin and Lotus sports cars; Ibn Ajayan exhibiting the latest Skoda models; Jaidah Automotive with Chevrolet and Isuzu brands; Mannai Trading showcasing GMC, Subaru and Buick brands; Nasser Bin Khaled showcasing Mercedes automobiles, Saad Buzwair Automotive displaying the latest VW and Audi vehicles; Saleh Hamad Al Manna with Nissan and Infinity; United Cars Al Manna with Jeep; and VW Group showcasing Bentley, Bugatti and Lamborghini makes as well as Porsche. “We are excited to be able to showcase our exclusive range of premium sports cars in Doha, home of our trusted partners,” says Matthias Müller, President and CEO of Porsche.

Other international brands showcased in the 1st  Qatar Motor Show include: Toyota, Lexus, Chrysler, Ford, Peugeot, Volvo, Honda, Skoda, GMC, Subaru, Buick, Audi, Nissan, Infinity, Jeep, Bentley and Lamborghini.  The show’s exhibitors, from Qatar and abroad, include:  Abdallah Abdulghani & Bros. Co. WLL, Al Mana Motor Company, Al Muftah, Al Nahdi Group, Alam Assayarat, Auto Car Middle East, Car Middle East, Car Seat, Car Xpress, Darwish Trading, Domasco, Dreemah Automobile Co., Gulf Knight, Ibn Ajayan, International Tyre Center, Intersection, Llumar Ibn Sultan Group, Mannai Trading Co. WLL, Nasser Bin Khaled, NBK, Nippon Motor Design Technologies JLT, Saad Buzwair Automotive, Saleh Hamad Al Manna Co., Saudi Auto, Overdrive and Auto Deal, Shell Qatar, Seef/Liqi Moly, Titanium, Top Gear Arabia UAE, United Cars Al Mana, and V.Cool, in addition to those exhibitors listed above.

There are many exciting reasons why residents and regional visitors don’t want to miss the Qatar Motor Show.   Let the list below offer some inspiration:

1.       A Truly International Motor Show – The Qatar Motor Show promises to showcase the latest models from car manufacturers in luxury and sports utility vehicles, as well as the latest in technology and services in the automotive industry.  Responses from car manufacturers and car dealers have been overwhelmingly positive for this inaugural show, with the exhibition space already at 100% occupancy for the 4-day event.  All major brands are represented including such names as VW, Porsche, Audi, Lamborghini, Bugatti, Bentley, Skoda, Toyota, BMW, Land Rover, Aston Martin, Lotus, Mercedes, Audi, Nissan, Peugeot, Chevrolet, GMC, Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, and many more.    At the Qatar Motor Show, visitors can expect to see world premiere appearances, regional premier appearances and debut cars unveiled.

2.       Italian Concept Cars Take Center Stage – When one thinks about ‘Italian-designed automobiles’, one visualizes elegant lines and sleek designs – a magical union of beauty and technology.  Italian car designers are known to design creations that stimulate the senses and trigger emotions.  The Qatar Motor Show will host an area at the exhibition dedicated to concept cars, super cars and prototypes created by eight key names in Italian car design.  Visitors to the Qatar Motor Show will get a true feel for the ‘perfect’ car that balances functionality with aesthetics designed by several prestigious names in the fields of Made in Italy automotive design and special bodywork manufacturers.

3.        Feel the thrill – The outdoor area surrounding the Doha Exhibition Center will be transformed to reveal multiple circuits that will host dynamic and interactive automotive activities sponsored by Red Bull including drifting, and freestyle motocross activities.  Lucky visitors will be able to share a unique outdoor drifting experience with a ride with well-known rally drivers around a specially designed track with roundabouts, corners and straight-aways

4.       Watch and learn from the best – Unlike traditional motocross, freestyle motocross places less emphasis on high speeds and more on the abilities of daredevil riders who perform thrilling and death-defying stunts high in the air.  Sponsored by Red Bull, four of FMX’ most well-known riders will participate in a choreographed routine that will consist of high-flying, action packed FMX jumping along with crowd interaction, photographs and autographs for a truly memorable experience.

5.       Try it on – Many of the exhibitors at the Qatar Motor Show will offer test driving experiences on the outdoor circuits of the exhibition center, presenting visitors a rare opportunity to get behind the wheel of some of the finest vehicles in the world.

6.       A chance to win prizes – There will be numerous chances to win prizes – big and small.  But you have to attend the Qatar Motor Show to be eligible to win!

7.       1st Middle East Automotive Summit – While today one’s choice of automotive vehicle largely defines a person’s individuality, times are changing where new requirements and modes of mobility are emerging thus setting the stage for transportation of the future to be more about efficiency and sustainability, which will affect buyer behavior.  With a focus on discussions around the future of the automobile, the 1st Middle East Automotive Summit will bring together industry leaders, motor personalities and stakeholders from key global interest groups to engage in dialogue and debate about the global vision for mobility.

8.       Experience Qatar’s passion for sports – Qatar has always had passion for sports – from the traditional Arabian sports still cherished today of camel racing, horse racing, equestrian events and falconry, Qatar has never stopped aiming high with its vision to promote sports in the country.  Qatar has recently emerged on the global stage as hosting country for many international championships in various sports including football, tennis, athletics, golf and motoring, becoming a hub for sports tourism in the region.  In early December, the tiny nation became electrified with the FIFA decision to be the host of the 2022 World Cup – another significant event in a lineup of sports championships taking place in Qatar.  January 2011 will also see Qatar play host to the month-long Asian Cup, as well as the Qatar ExxonMobil Open championship and the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.

9.       A country deep in rich cultural traditions – As the hub of cultural tourism in the Middle East, Qatar keeps its traditions alive by interconnecting them with the modern world and other cultures. Visitors to Qatar will be impressed by country’s splendid desert landscape, seascape, traditions, lifestyle and forward thinking which make up the fabric of Qatar as a cultural destination. The iconic Museum of Islamic Art houses a magnificent collection of artwork representing some of the finest Islamic Art from over 1400 years of history.  MATHAF (Museum of Modern Arabic Art) will soon join the Museum of Islamic Art as a world-renowned cultural center with amazing collections of art and history housed within its walls.  The National Museum of Qatar, scheduled to open in the near future, will showcase the culture, heritage and future of Qatar and its people.  The recently opened Cultural Village is another cultural attraction offering families, residents and visitors a destination to relax, and experience Qatari as well as international cultures.

10.   Impeccable accommodation – With over 9000 hotel rooms currently in its repertoire, Qatar offers a wide range of accommodation for visitors coming to the country for the first time, as well as returning guests.  Many of the world’s top luxury hotels are represented in Qatar.  The hotels’ luxurious spas, resort amenities and variety of exceptional dining experiences and lounges, offer a quiet and relaxing respite from the charged activities of the day.

From 26^th to 29^th January 2011, Qatar will host its first ever Motor Show. Due to the nature of the car shows in the Middle East, you don’t expect car makers to unveil strategic products or amazing concept models. But exactly becasue of that nature they bring along their special editions, and coachbuilt models. They’ve just sent us a press release that shows Qatari officials know what will be interesting for the spectators there.

And they are writing on the right wall for that purpose by collaborating with the Car Coachbuilders Group of ANFIA, the Italian Association of the Automotive Industry. They are talking names like Autostudi, Bertone, Castagna, Fioravanti, Pininfarina, Salt, Spada, Touring Superleggera. And that’s amazing, even for European shows.

You normally wouldn’t care a bit about a motorshow in the middle east, to be honest we wouldn’t either! But by reviewing these names and of course being aware of the other things they’ve planned, gotta say, Qatar’s show is really up to something! I mean for every pathetic EV you’ve seen in Paris, you will see a supercar in Doha, and that’s good, isn’t it?!

More info on 2011 Qatar Motor Show in the official PR below:

The global media attended the presentation of the first edition of the Qatar Motor Show, an international exhibition dedicated to the automobile and the world of motor vehicles due to take place in Doha from 26^th to 29^th January 2011. It is organised by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) in partnership with q.media Events and GL events, and under the patronage of HE Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al Thani, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.Against the refined backdrop of the Hotel Salomon de Rothschild in Paris, a splendid neo-classical building that has recently been renovated, Ahmed Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority, H.E. Sheikh Al Hussain Bin Ali Bin Ahmad Al Thani, CEO of q.media, and Olivier Ferraton, CEO of GL events Services, Giada Michetti, CEO of GL events Italia, gave the global media a preview of the first edition of the Qatar Motor Show, an event that aims to swiftly establish itself as a leader on the international scene of events dedicated to the motor world.

It will be a high-profile occasion, crucial for automotive brands, in a global scenario that highlights the Middle East and the Arabian Peninsula as markets that display the strongest potential for growth. With an  estimated 5.8 million cars in circulation (source: Global Insight), Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Oman registered an average 12% increase in car sales between July 2009 and 2010 (source: Global Insight). The peculiar characteristics of these markets include customers’ high level of spending power, their orientation towards high-end products, and their preference for luxury brands, sports cars and custom-built models.

The Doha Exhibitions Center, which will host the first edition of the Qatar Motor Show, will thus provide a launch pad for the latest models created by some of the most noted international carmakers in the premium segment onto the Middle Eastern markets.

In collaboration with the Car Coachbuilders Group of ANFIA, the Italian Association of the Automotive Industry, the Qatar Motor Show will host an area dedicated to concept cars, super cars, and to the prototypes conceived by several prestigious names in the fields of Made in Italy automotive design and special bodywork manufacture: Autostudi, Bertone, Castagna, Fioravanti, Pininfarina, Salt, Spada, Touring Superleggera.

The Qatar Motor show will be an unforgettable event because it will provide guests with an interactive and dynamic experience, according to a philosophy of “seeing, touching, trying”: the territory surrounding the Doha Exhibitions Center will host various demonstration areas for off-roading, freestyle and drifting exhibitions as well as test drive sessions of the latest car and SUV models. Visitors will also be able to approach leading experts for professional tips and advice regarding the driving styles best-suited to different conditions.

The Qatar Motor Show will also provide an opportunity for discussion and debate among key figures from the automotive world: the opening day, Wednesday 26^th January, will host the first “Middle East Automotive Convention”. This important international event aims to foster periodic think-tank efforts, bringing high-profile speakers to Qatar to discuss the future of the automotive industry, and to propose a new vision of sustainable, intelligent and secure mobility.

While presenting the first edition of the Qatar Motor Show, the Chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority, Mr. Ahmed Al Nuaimi, stated: “Over the last decades, Qatar’s explosive economic growth has been primarily the result of our vast natural resources in gas and oil combined with a strong national vision imparted by our country’s esteemed leadership. We have emerged as a leading destination in the Gulf region for international exhibitions, conferences and special events. Sport has always played an important role in the lives of Qataris. We host international sports championships in tennis, golf, athletics and water sports. As such, Qatar Tourism Authority is pleased to bring the Qatar Motor Show to Doha as another exciting addition to the events calendar for Qatar and for the region”.

H.E. Sheikh Al Hussain Bin Ali Bin Ahmad Al Thani, CEO of q.media, said: ” The show will be a hands-on, interactive event.  The Qatar Motor Show will be an immersive and all-encompassing experience that will have something for everyone. In addition to rally champions, fancy cars and the top international car manufacturers, the Qatar Motor Show will stand out from other auto shows by featuring exclusive interactive opportunities for participants to immerse themselves in the cutting edges of the automotive experience.  By next January, when we launch the inaugural Qatar Motor Show, we will set an impressive benchmark for an event that will surely become a tradition, and that all residents of Qatar as well as visitors from around the region and the world, will be able to enjoy for years to come.”

Olivier Ferraton, CEO of GL events Services emphasised the importance of the partnership with Qatar Tourism Authority in the organisation of the Qatar Motor Show: “We chose to support GL Middle East with our Italian automotive branch, GL events Italia, a group that is experienced in managing the organisation of automotive events such as Bologna Motor Show, which has reached its 35th edition this year.”

In her speech, Giada Michetti, CEO of GL events Italia, declared that: “Qatar is attracting important investments and is becoming a tourist and cosmopolitan destination, fusing tradition and innovation; in fact even last year during a period of deep world economic crisis, Qatar marked an economic growth of 9%. The exhibition at its first edition is already a premium international auto show and an appointment for the international automotive sector in Middle East, where the car market grew by an average 12% in 2010.”

www.qatarmotorshow.gov.qa

Wendelin Wiedeking, the man who ran Porsche for many many years and was responsible for the company’s pathetic try to takeover VW, is now stepping down along with finance chief Holger Haerter. Porsche said in an statement that these two have made “a significant contribution to the appeasement of the situation and to support the forming of an integrated car manufacturing company”.

Of course this contribution has been pretty beneficial for both of them as Wiedeking gets 50 million and Haerter 12 million Euros in compensation.

Michael Macht, company’s production chief will fill Wiedekin’s position, with Thomas Edig, head of human resources as his deputy.

Meanwhile, The supervisory committee of Porsche gives the green light to the management board to seal the the deal with the Gulf state of Qatar. This would help Porsche to settle things down a bit, before they get into talks for VW merger.

Their ultimate goal is to form an integrated group between Porsche SE and Volkswagen AG, which will manage up to ten different brands under one authority.

source: Porsche

As the world is waiting to see what will be the outcome of Qatar-Porsche talks regarding acquisition of 25 percent (some say 29.9) of the German sportscar maker’s shares, rumor has it that three more bidders have shown interest to negotiate a deal with the company. New bidders include Chinese and Russian sovereign wealth funds.

This news is based on a report by German business magazine Focus (www.focus.de). Porsche is currently in exclusive talks with the gulf state of Qatar, and apparently they are going to offer Arabs their share in VW, instead of direct stake in Porsche. Although Qatari authorities have announced that they are more interested in Porsche itself!

Porsche denies other bidders

Despite the media speculations, Porsche says that they are only engaged in talks with Qatar at this stage and they entirely deny the report of new bidders. Officials say that the decision on the Qatar deal will be made before July 15. Negotiations are taking a bit too long now and this raises a controversy if the parties are ever going to arrive at a deal. If they reach an agreement, Qatar will help Porsche to pay their huge debts and instead becomes a major shareholder of the company or it’s parent VW.

The gulf state of Qatar has been studying buying some big stakes in the German sportscar maker, Porsche since April. The negotiations went back and forth and now it seems that they are arriving at a conclusion. Still, Porsche which is desperately in need of money to pay debts, offering two options to the Arabs. They can either buy VW shares or get Porsche stakes consisting of its 51 percent shares of VW, directly.

The Financial Times revealed last month that Wendelin Wiedeking was talking to several Middle East funds – some from Abu Dhabi and Qatar – about a taking a stake of up to 25 per cent in the carmaker.

But according to reports in German weekly magazine Focus, Mr Wiedeking has worked out two possible options for an agreement with Qatar.

The first idea the carmaker is pursuing is for Qatar to buy up Porsche’s options for 24 per cent of shares of Volkswagen via its fund the Qatar Investment Authority, giving Porsche much needed cash and Volkswagen a new major shareholder.

Another option would be for Qatar to buy a direct stake in Porsche Holding, which controls the company’s sports car business as well as its 51 per cent stake in Volkswagen.

The second option would be more complicated because it would require a capital increase as well as an extraordinary shareholders meeting, according to the magazine article.

Porsche has been in talks with Volkswagen, of which it owns more than 50 per cent, about a proposed merger.

In March, Porsche tried to drum up €12.5bn in fresh credit. It needed €10bn to refinance loans and sought an additional €2.5bn.

But it has only managed to secure €10.75bn so far and has now asked the German government for a €1.75bn loan via state bank KfW.

Youssef Kamal, Qatar’s finance minister, told Reuters earlier this week that the Gulf state was still considering taking a stake in Porsche.

source: Financial Times via Zawya

Looks like wealthy Arab royalties have found a new way to blow up their not so hard earned oily dollars! and that’s buying car companies! We’ve heard about Abu Dhabi’s investment in Daimler and their negotiation with Opel (which has apparently failed). Now comes the Emir of Qatar with his interest in having some stakes in Porsche. According to German magazine Focus, it could be a way for Porsche to repay its €3.3 billion banking loans!

Qatar’s Emir seeks to buy a stake in German sports carmaker Porsche Automobil Holding SE (PAH3.XE), and this would be one way for the company to repay EUR3.3 billion banking loans due within a year, Focus magazine said over the weekend in a preview ahead of publication.

Porsche is able meet its interest payment duties on its around EUR9 billion loans, but regarding the tranche due within a year “we have to come up with an idea,” an unnamed source told the magazine.

A Porsche spokesman declined to comment to Dow Jones Newswires on the news.

Magazine Web site: www.focus.de

source: Focus via Zawya

Audi has launched the new A6 range to middle east market in Qatar including the new RS6 super saloon. 2009 RS6 is slightly revised in terms of design and is powered by a Lamborghini derived twin-turbocharged direct injection version of the S6’s 5.2 liter V10 with 580 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. With this sot of power the lofty RS6 is capable of 0-60 in 4.5 seconds but top speed is limited to 155mph(250kph). The RS6 will be available with optional ceramic disc brakes, as well as 20 inch wheels (19″ standard). Quattro permanent four-wheel-drive and a six-speed tiptronic gearbox are standard. The RS6 package will also include Audi’s Dynamic Ride Control, which allows the driver to toggle through sport, dynamic and comfort modes.The RS6 is priced $122,500 while there are other A6 variants with different power plants including 170 bhp 2.0T engine, a 220 bhp 2.8 and a 290 bhp 3.0T and start at. $43,200.

It’s no secret that there is a huge colony of supercars in the gulf region in middle east, so a good use of them might be rallies like Bullrun (here they call it Arabrun) or some concourse-like road shows like this one organised by Privatdrive, the supercar club. They have organised similar events in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and now they are going to Qatar. The show will be held at the newly-opened Boardwalk of Porto Arabia at The Pearl Qatar, Doha on 21 and 22 November. So if you got a supercar hurry to sign up or car dealers will steal the show with their marketing like they did in previous events!

source : CARmiddleest