Visit us at the 2008 Sharjah Auto Show
As you may have noticed, the website has seen almost no updates for the past week. I made the mistake of accepting too many press events and test cars, all in the week when I’m supposed to prepare our stand for the 2008 Sharjah International Auto Show at the Expo Centre. I was thinking of dressing up my BMW M Roadster, but have now decided to display it at our stand in all its beaten-to-hell glory, since I don’t have the time or the space to turn it into a shiny garage-queen show-car. Now, everyone who wants to meet up at the show, do tell me when you guys want to visit, as I don’t intend to man the stand always. I’ll have a little remote-controlled slot-car drift game set up on a table too.
Show Dates: November 18 to 22, 2008
Show Timings: 11 am – 10 pm daily (except Friday 3 pm – 10 pm)
The International Automobile Show to be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from November 18 to 22 will see the launch of several new 2009 models.
The show is the Middle East’s most popular biennial auto exhibition for car lovers and enthusiasts and hosts some of the finest automakers from across the globe.
Prominent among the launches will be Mercedes-Benz GLK, the Middle East preview of the “Most beautiful European car” of 2008 PGO Hemera, and several Lamborghini, BMW, Audi and Nissan vehicles, among others.
“The move by prominent auto makers to launch their new vehicles at the International Automobile Show is proof of the vibrancy of our market and the opportunities if offers to manufacturers and dealers,” said Mr Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, Director-General of Expo Centre Sharjah.
“Several best vehicles in categories such as four-door sedans, two-door coupes, station wagons, 4x4s, convertibles and sports cars will be lined up at Expo Centre Sharjah. Auto enthusiasts can expect an adrenalin-pumping experience at the show,” said Mr Midfa.
The Mercedes-Benz GLK had its world premiere in April 2008 and is being introduced here for the first time. The GLK packs superlative performance courtesy of the powerful yet economical engines.
It features a choice of 4MATIC models including two V6 petrol engines (GLK 280 and GLK 350). The GLK 280 has 231 horsepower, with a 3.0-litre engine and an acceleration of 0 to 100 kph in 7.6 seconds.
The GLK 350 has 272 horsepower and 3.5-litre engine with acceleration from 0 to 100 kph in 6.7 seconds; the vehicles have a top speed of 210 kph.
The highly robust body is a key to the pioneering passive-safety setup, extremely low noise levels, exceptional degree of interior comfort to produce that typical Mercedes feeling of wellbeing and the high value retention.
In addition, state-of-the-art systems such as the leading-edge PRE-SAFE® safety concept and the Intelligent Light System (ILS) are available in this market segment.
Lamborghini, the Italian manufacturer of sports cars, will be represented at the show by Al Jaziri Motors, the authorised dealers for ultimate sports cars in the UAE. Several current and new models of the manufacturer will be on display at the show.
Owned by Abdul Rahman and Bader Al Jaziri, Al Jaziri Motors has the highest number of sales annually in the Middle East and Asia. It recently set up Lamborghini Abu Dhabi to better serve this rapidly growing capital city.
“Some of the sports cars are absolute jaw-droppers. The Middle East has been a good market for these niche vehicles and continues to have excellent prospects to drive up sales and marketing efforts,” said Mr Fasahat Ali Khan, Adviser to the Chairman and Board of Directors of Expo Centre Sharjah.
French replica-maker PGO is showing its first self-designed, all-new model PGO Hemera. Set to be the eye-catcher at the show, the Hemera is a low-slung shooting brake-style coupe, with a 1.6-litre, 150 hp natural gas-compatible engine, and can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in seven seconds.
Audi, through the participation at the show, is aiming to boost its Middle East sales further. Audi Middle East sales rose by 38.2 per cent to 6,380 cars in 2007 (2006: 4,616).
The current Middle East model range comprises the Audi A3 Sportback, A4 Saloon and Cabriolet, A5, A6 and S6, TT Coupe and Roadster, the A8, S8, the Q7 and the R8. Visitors can expect to see the 2009 models of some of these vehicles at the show.
AGMC, the exclusive importer for BMW Group products in Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, is also looking to boost its sales figures. It sold a total of 1,953 vehicles in the first half of 2008, a growth of 19 per cent over the same period in 2007, representing the highest sales figures across the Middle East for any BMW Group importer.
In 2007, AGMC delivered a total of 150 BMW 5 Series vehicles to Dubai Police, as well as a fleet of BMW 7 Series and BMW 5 Series to the Dubai Protocol and Guest House department.
“Leading automakers are also looking for ideal venues to showcase and promote their fuel-efficient and environment-friendly vehicles and attract bulk buyers such as transport authorities, government establishments and big companies,” said Mr Khan.
The International Automobile Show will feature a Hummer Driving Zone, where visitors can test-drive latest models of Hummer 2 and 3.
“In addition, BMW will host a speed driving challenge. Visitors to the show who own a valid driving licence can participate in the contest and take home valuable gifts,” Mr Khan said.
The current edition of the show will host more than 40 exhibitors and over 25 brands including Toyota, Lexus, Lamborghini, Nissan, Infiniti, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Maybach, Skoda, and Hummer, among others.
The show will also feature the latest models in convertibles, prototype cars, 4×4 vehicles, luxury coaches, motorbikes, water vehicles, vintage cars, accessories, audio and video systems, navigation systems, commercial vehicles and auto finance facilities. The exhibition space will cover 16,000 square metres in addition to the boulevard and outside display areas.
The International Automobile Show is organised by Expo Centre Sharjah in association with Emirates Motor Sports Federation and Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
See you there!
Comments
sulaiman
well i have a Question, which is….. how can some one get a Job a auto show such a like that?
coz i’m looking a part time Job, so what is the bestway to get a job there?
please can someone help??
thatsit(mohamad)
have a look…new Z370 red color
http://nissan-arabia.com/vb/showthread.php?p=507230#post507230
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
sulaiman, from what I’ve seen, jobs like that in an auto show are limited, unlike the hectic GITEX. Unless you are a female model.
spyke
Was wondering what happened to the updates, anwyas Mashfique i will surely be there..What times are you most likely to be there?? in the evening may be?? Hopefully all the guys could meet there as well??
assassin
mash, the doors of your bmw will be unlocked?
Faisal
will surely be there one of the days….
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
There is a chance I will lock the doors when I’m not there. The piece-of-crap interior is falling apart. Maybe that’s why new ones are locked too.
Give me some dates and timings, guys. Most likely, I’ll be there all day on the 18th.
assassin
what about 6:00pm on first day of the show?
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
Cool. I’ll hide at that time.
assassin
cool ! I will scratch your car’s paint as much as possible at that time 😎
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
It already needs a new paintjob.
vivek
i wonder hw they’re gon’ manage the crowd for test driving hummers and participating in Bmw speed challenge!!!
vivek
by the way, are they really going 2 let us drive the Hummer and BMW’s??? I’ll go thre everyday then 🙂
Fouad
hey hope to run into u guys at the exhibition…mite giv a good opportunity to get to see some of the new offerings…cant wait to see the 370Z, i got the 350Z so its always interesting to see a new model…
Fouad
had been to the car exhibiton in Sharjah the last time it was around…pretty good…but ya the one in Dubai is always bigger…but then again…atleast lots of the major car companies do participate in both…so its kool…any ideas wen the next one in dubai is due? its biennial event i think
Fouad
hey vivek if u wanna test drive the hummer just go to the GM website and book a test drive…its simple…u dont hav to go gaga over driving one…its not all that impressive…
walter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmmDDhvNxqc
spyke
Mash have they started charging people for entrance or is it still free??
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
I assume it is still free. No mention of entrance fees.
Faisal
I’m up for the 18th….anyone want to join in???
Faisal
wait a minute…
Timings : 10am to 1pm and 5pm to 10pm
That’s weird…why do they have a break in the middle…it took me three hours last time at the Dubai Show when I wasn’t armed with a fully charged camera….I’ll need more than 3 hours!!! Is that information correct??
spyke
Yup i think it is, those were the same timings they had last time as well.
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
My documents say 11 am to 10 pm every day, except on Friday, when it starts at 3 pm. I’ll confirm later.
vivek
Fouad – I’ve driven the Hummers, both H2 and H3!!..have taken the H3 off-road too 🙂 ..jus wonderin if they allow us to drive coz last time, the Hummer ppl did not allow anyone to drive!
Faisal
Can you confirm about the timing Mashfique…
assassin
I can confirm about the timing
http://www.int-autoshow.com/showinfo.htm
Ahmed El-Alamy
yeah, i remember just sitting at the back seating while the guy drives slower than a snail. I hope they’d allow people to actually drive this time. And any details regarding the BMW speed challenge??
assassin
thatsit(mohamad), i would love to see you at the show. is it possible?? 😛
and dont forget to come in your 2008 altima, because i want to race with you 👿
anyway, i saw our boss’s boss car on past few days.
http://img20.imageshack.us/my.php?image=454so5.jpg
tell me your ideas, man.
you are so shy these day. Where are you?? 😯 .
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
Confirmed new timings now listed in the post.
11 am – 10 pm daily, except Friday 3 pm – 10 pm.
azz
lookin forward for the automotive show!!
Faisal
11am….damn…I was hoping 10am cause need to be out by 2pm…I’ll be there on the 18th…confirmed!!!
Btw heard about the Abu Dhabi Auto show in December???
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
Yeah, don’t intend to attend it though. Too far.
😐
vivek
why Mash?? cant keep the interiors of the BMW from fallin apart till you reach Abu Dhabi?? 😆 😆
Faisal
Hmm….I might end up going…let me know if you want anything on it…
thatsit(mohamad)
hi assassin..really am very busy in this week and even the next one…today i had a midterm..and on saturday i have a very important exam(Comprehensive engineering exam)..and next week i have 2 midterms… if i have a free time i keep working on my project…but inshallah i will try to come with the infiniti FX50S 😉
assassin
good luck in your mid-semester exams. 😀
but i’m wondering? what is your project about??
is it about how to engineer a car to be as good as the L**** cars?
assassin
have you got the new infiniti fx50s??
thats cool!!
Ace
who’s in for tomorrow ? and what time ?
Mash, dyu have snacks at your stall ? labans ?
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
You want cars or a cafeteria?
😆
spyke
Yo Mash where were you?? I saw ur nicely polished out BMW but u were missing..Nyways will go there again one of dese days.
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
I must’ve been out for lunch. I am here again, hehe. I’ll be here on evenings mostly from tomorrow.
assassin
the show is not that good, there is no toyota cars there 🙁 . but mitsubishi is shining there. especially the new 85k Dhs Galant full options. liked it so much 🙂
mash, i took somthing from your car, ( the cover of the wiper-tank. i wont turn it back, since you didnt show up this afternoon.
spyke
Sharjah motor show is usually very small, major players werent there either!!
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
See, I told you guys to confirm times with me. Now I barely met anyone new. And the fluid cover was missing already.
spyke
Mashfique must say ur car was realy shining 😀 , will some how make it on another day, gotta put a face to the man behind this website. I was mostly at nissan asking them bout the Xterra, and as usual the sales persons (at least the one i met) didnt know too much bout the vehicle. Must return to clarify things, but from what i saw nissan has made it abit more civilized as opposed to what it was prior to the facelift. They’ve also introduced the off road package with rear diff lock and even more rugged shocks from bilstein.
Ohh also mash if you now look at the rear you should find some rear vents for the passengers and also leather seats for the top of the range.While all this seems good they’ve also incresed the price, it now starts at 98k. 🙁
assassin
yeah, and what about hiding at that time
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
I’ll be there in the late evenings now. Let me know on this blog when you guys intend to be there. We’ll talk.
assassin
spyke, do you really want to buy the x-terra?
Fouad
hey do they have the 370Z in the nissan stall? hope it doenst look all that great…lol…makes me wanna change my 350Z…anyone seen the 370?
spyke
Nope they didnt have it, its not released here yet i think.
Assassin: yeh the family is looking into buying a new 4wd,the santa fe will have to be retired soon. since ma dad and i both share the vehicles. If we do buy the Xterra it’ll most probably be used by me since it suits me better.Why’d u ask?? dont like it much i see..Well honestly i like 4wd and this looks like it mite be within our budget. If theres any other models im open but for now Toyota only has the Fj and those suicide doors seem a lil annoying to use in tight spaces, and definitely not the fortuner so that leaves the pajero, but that doesnt have the boyish brutish looks the x has, also the power..and i’ll also only have the base 3ltr..
assassin
i was going to say fj. But i think both x-terra and fj are not good choice for you, there is no rear a/c on them.
Fortuner v6 with rr diff lock is somewhat good. I think it costs about 110k now.
But also, the xterra is better if you mostly dont carry passengers on the rear seats all the time.
spyke
The x now comes with rear ac vents on the floor not on the roof much like a car for the rear occupants. And i honestly dont like the fortuner, i feel the handling is very tipsy..nyways lets see..
Imran hussain
Well i have a Question, which is….. how can some one get a Job at auto show such a like that?
coz i’m looking a Job, so what is the bestway to get a job there?
please can someone help??