The five-day event will feature more than 100 global and regional launches, with a particular focus on electrification and autonomy.
Dubai - Five-day event will feature more than 100 global and regional launches
Published: Tue 14 Nov 2017, 4:26 PM
Updated: Sun 28 Jan 2018, 1:44 PM
For fans waiting for the latest models of their favourite car brands, the Dubai International Motor Show is the place to be, as manufacturers unveiled their latest models.
Many offered a rare first look at the new models before they are officially launched in showrooms across the region.
First glimpses of the Day 1 at Dubai International Motor Show:
Mazda UAE unveils new CX-5
The all-new CX-5, which refines every aspect of Mazda's design and technology, unveiled in the Middle East at the Dubai International Motor Show.
The slogan for the development of the all-new CX-5 was "an SUV all customers will enjoy" - born of a desire to provide every driver and their passengers with driving pleasure and a deeper relationship with the car.
Axel Dreyer, GM of Galadari Automobiles, also spoke to Khaleej Times about the launch of the new Mazda CX-5 at the event.
"The Dubai International Motor Show is a perfect platform to launch new cars and we are very excited to launch our mid-size SUV the all-new Mazda CX-5 at the show. The New CX-5 already won a lot of awards worldwide so we are confident that it will appeal to the UAE customers as well. The Mazda CX-5 is a premium Japanese product with a stunning design and many tech features for an unmatched value for money."
Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum tours Dubai Motor Show
Video: Launch of the latest Toyota models
Rolls-Royce unveils new Rolls-Royce Phantom
Rolls-Royce took the opportunity to unveil the highly anticipated new Rolls-Royce Phantom - described by many as the world's most luxurious motor car - alongside the one-off Bespoke Spirit of Calligraphy Ghost and Dawn Black Badge. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars' CEO, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, described the car as a triumph in the brand's pursuit of perfection.
The new Mercedes-AMG Project ONE at the event
Mercedes took the opportunity to showcase the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE - the world's first high-performance hybrid, which is said to produce 1,000 hp and reach top speeds beyond 350 km/h.
"This is the world's first approved and tested Formula 1 road car, and the most ambitious project Mercedes-AMG has ever taken - a fitting triumph as AMG celebrates its 50th anniversary. Motorsport engineers have dreamed of bringing motor racing technology to the road for many years and today Mercedes-AMG is making this dream a reality," said Lennart Mueller-Teut, head of marketing & communications, Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East.
The Mercedes-AMG Project ONE displayed at the 14th edition of the Dubai International Motor Show. (Photo by Rohma Sadaqat/Khaleej times)
Live updates: https://t.co/GGbTLTME3p pic.twitter.com/8DLeDlXw8e
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) November 14, 2017
The new 2018 Range Rover SV Autobiography Dynamic and Range Rover Sport SVR have made their global debuts.
Audi A8 showcased at the event
World premiere of the Infinity QX 80
Infiniti Motor Company marked the occasion with the world premiere of the new QX80 full-size luxury SUV.
Speaking during the media tour, before the exhibition officially opened its doors to the public, Christian Meunier, vice president of the Infiniti global division, reiterated the importance of the UAE market in the brand's global plans.
"The new Infiniti QX80 has been designed and engineered to allow customers to travel everywhere in luxury. It strengthens the brand's position in the global full-size SUV segment, which currently accounts for more than half of all full-size luxury car sales around the world. The new model will further enhance our profile in an area of the market that prizes modern exterior design, high-tech cabins engineered for relaxation, and effortless, empowering performance. The fact that we held the global reveal in Dubai reinforces the strategic importance of the Middle East for Infiniti," he said.
Regional unveiling of the Porsche Panamera Turbo S e-hybrid
Regional launch of the Porsche Panamera 4S Sport Turismo
Ford Middle East took the opportunity to showcase its electrified vehicle plan, and revealed that the Ford F-150 Hybrid is the first vehicle to be confirmed for launch in the Middle East as part of those plans. The F-150 will join the Fusion Hybrid currently available in some Middle East markets and will offer powerful towing and payload capacity and operate as a
mobile generator.
Nissan reveals new models
Autonomous and electric mobility leader, Tesla, will be present the show; while BMW, which launched its first connected car in 2002, will showcase its latest technology and future driving solutions. Since 2016, the German car giant has embedded a SIM chip in every model and has played a key role in facilitating the vision of connected, autonomous driving in the form of the BMW i Vision Future Interaction.
Other manufacturers bringing the future of mobility to the show include Lexus and Jaguar Land Rover, whose 2018 Range Rover Sport will make its debut in the Middle East with its latest driver-assisted technology - the Touch Pro Duo infotainment system - described by its manufacturer as 'your twin high-definition touchscreen digital butler'.
"As the Middle East's premier automotive event, the Dubai International Motor Show is the only place car fans, young and old, will get up close to some of the latest, glamorous cars set to be hitting roads around the world in the near future," said Trixie LohMirmand, SVP of Exhibitions & Events Management at DWTC. "However, what makes this year's show truly unique is that it goes far beyond the car. With so many visitor-focused activities, interactions and experiences throughout the five days, the 2017 Dubai International Motor Show promises to be a fun-packed, adrenaline-fuelled day out for the whole family."
"Volkswagen is moving people forward; at the Dubai International Motor Show we are presenting the Arteon, a Gran Turismo fastback and the Teramont, our first seven-seater SUV," Andrew Savvas, brand director at Volkswagen Middle East, told Khaleej Times. "The Volkswagen BUDD-e, a futuristic concept model from the Volkswagen Group, will make its regional debut at the show; presenting an all-wheel electric drive built on the MEB platform, while the interactive and networked world of infotainment and mobility offers a clear view of the future."
Toyota will also be at hand to showcase its 2018 Yaris Hatchback. Saud Abbasi, MD of Toyota at Al-Futtaim Motors, said that the vehicle is a hit in both retail and rental segments, thanks to its impressive fuel efficiency and compact size, and is one of the most comfortable cars for a city drive.
Amongst the eye-popping, awe-inspiring reveals, Jeep will showcase its Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, the world's most powerful production SUV courtesy of its V8 engine, and Infiniti has chosen Dubai International Motor Show to unveil its new QX80 to the world.
Debutants, Rimac, will display its electric Concept One supercar, and Italian company Icona has crafted a supercar from titanium - the Vulcano Titanium - which was inspired by the iconic SR-71 Blackbird - the world's fastest-ever aircraft. UAE brands Devel and Shaali Motor Sport will also be keen to show the emirates can make a noise in the supercar sector too, with their presence on the Boulevard of Dreams, the show's dedicated sector for supercars. Devel will unveil the production version of its Sixteen, which the manufacturer says produces an astonishing 5,000 horsepower.
Meanwhile, luxury manufacturer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, will also unveil a special one-off commission - the Bespoke 'Spirit of Calligraphy' Ghost - a unique Extended Wheel Base Rolls-Royce Ghost that combines the words of the luxury brand's founder with the region's Arabian heritage.
Tickets for the show are priced at Dh50 online on the event website and Dh65 on-site; VIP tickets are available at Dh250. Special packages are also available for groups and government employees.
- rohma@khaleejtimes.com
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