MEMTS Custom Design Cup competition now open

One of the region’s largest shows for car tuning has launched a unique auto tuning design contest, which will undoubtedly be the highlight of an action-packed customised car show featuring TV favourite and customiser to the stars, Bear Garcia.

The Custom Design Cup is the Gulf’s first open competition giving people the chance to have their own interior and exterior designs brought to life on a Ford Mustang, provided by Al Tayer Motors. The modified vehicle will be unveiled on the first day of the Middle East Motor Tuning Show (MEMTS), which runs in parallel with the International Automobile Show (IAS) from 14-18 October 2010 at Expo Centre Sharjah.

Entrants are invited to upload their designs on the CustomDesignCup.com website and the winning design, chosen by a panel of experts and journalists, led by HE Sheikh Marwan bin Rashid Al Mualla, Chairman of the Emirates Motor Sports Federation and owner of the Umm Al Quwain MotorPlex, will then be brought to life by Bear Garcia and his team at local outfit Bespoke Auto Design. The winner will also receive a cash prize and feature on MTV Arabia’s programme about the competition. Garcia has an impeccable pedigree and has created unique cars for the likes of Snoop Dogg, Paris Hilton, Shaquille O’Neil and Kobe Bryant.

“The market for customised cars has been growing steadily over the past five years, but it’s such a new market a lot of people are still watching reruns of the West coast Customs TV show I was in. I’m really excited by the prospect of working on creative designs from within the region and how Arabic culture might influence their design. We also specialise in building body parts from scratch so I hope people incorporate this kind of imagination into their Mustang designs,” said Garcia.

Nahla Elmallawany Channel Manager for MTV Arabia, which will broadcast the competition, said: “It is our pleasure to support the Custom Design Cup, which promotes creativity in young people. It also shows the world that the Arab is striving ahead in youth and teamwork so we plan to be involved with the Middle East Motor Tuning Show for many years to come.

Budding customised car designers can choose to enter the interior or exterior categories, or both. In the exterior category, points will be awarded for creativity, attention to detail and functionality of; bodykits; wide body; colours; tyres; rims; and accessories, while interior designs will be judged, based on; upholstery; boot; audio; TV; DVD; and add-ons. Extra points will be awarded for emotional appeal.

“We have seen a number of cases recently where illegal modifications have been made to cars, which have clearly put lives at risk. Safety is our priority and we hope that this show will highlight why only professionals can create a safe vehicle that conforms to warranty and safety standards, as well as UAE road traffic regulations. Of course it has to be fun and look good as well,” said Roman Gavrilin, Project Manager for MEMTS.

As well as the Custom Design Cup, MEMTS will also feature the latest trends in car modification from the likes of Invader, Top Speed Performance, Bespoke Auto Design and others.

“With so many leading industry names on board the MEMTS 2010 is going to be a fantastic show. We want visitors to enjoy the thrills of the show and we’ve brought some of the industry’s biggest names together under one roof to make this the place for tuning enthusiasts,” said Gavrilin.

The IAS is the Middle East’s most popular auto exhibition, hosting some of the finest automakers from across the globe. The show attracts car lovers and auto enthusiasts alike, not only from the UAE but from across the Middle East and with events for all ages.

MEMTS and IAS together will span 58,000 square metres of indoor and outdoor space and is supported by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Emirates Motor Sports Federation. There will be a number of visitor-focused initiatives, including safety, which will be one of this year’s main themes. Instructors will give demonstrations and offer driving tips to visitors in a purpose-built area.

Show highlights include the first Middle East Motor Awards and a state of the art 4×4 driving course by Off-Road Zone. The track will include an extreme rock driving track, complete with artificial wadis, log drives and a Radio Controlled Racer Zone.

Entries for the Custom Design Cup close on 31 August with the 10 finalists announced on 5 September.

The Custom Design Cup is supported by Al Tayer Motors, Bespoke Auto Design, Yellow Hat and ZAFCO.

For more information and to submit your entry please visit the www.customdesigncup.com website.