Industry News

Volkswagen has responded to growing market demand for factory upgraded vehicles with the launch of a new wholly-owned subsidiary – Volkswagen R GmbH. Tasked with creating sporty and exclusive models, Volkswagen R GmbH’s workforce of over 350 employees meets individual customer preferences for sporty, customised versions of Volkswagen vehicles. This includes fitting sportier exteriors, exclusive interiors, and installing professional racing powertrains and running gears.

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Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world’s first Ferrari theme park and largest attraction of its kind, has announced that it will open its doors to the public on October 28, 2010, three weeks ahead of the second Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The long anticipated opening date was announced in a ceremony held on 6th May 2010 at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, attended by representatives from Ferrari, Aldar Properties PJSC and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.

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First-quarter revenues, sales volume and earnings of the BMW Group all improved sharply compared to the previous year. Group revenues grew by 8.1% to euro 12,443 million (first quarter 2009: euro 11,509 million). The profit before tax increased to euro 508 million (first quarter 2009: loss of euro 198 million), while the profit after tax improved to euro 324 million (first quarter 2009: loss of euro 152 million). The profit before financial result (EBIT) was euro 449 million (first quarter 2009: loss of euro 55 million). The total number of BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brand vehicles sold increased by 13.8% to 315,614 units (first quarter 2009: 277,264 units).

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Cadillac announced today a 28% increase in total regional sales in Q1 2010. This impressive growth is due to high demand for the all-new SRX luxury crossover vehicle which was successfully launched in the region in January this year, and the continued popularity of both the Escalade full-size utility vehicle and the CTS entry level luxury sedan.

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Volvo Cars’ crash-test laboratory in Torslanda turns 10 this year – and the almost 3,000 full-scale tests that have been carried out during the high-tech facility’s first decade have helped give Volvo owners even safer cars.

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Al Tayer Motors, the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury importer in the United Arab Emirates, together with Premier Motors – its subsidiary in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, was recently honoured by Ford Middle East for achieving the highest Customer Satisfaction Index rating among all Ford dealers in the Middle East for 2009.

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Porsche Centre Dubai, Al Nabooda Automobiles LLC, held a special Porsche Service Clinic from the 29th of April till the 1st of May 2010 at its Service Centre in Al Quoz. The three day event was specifically designed for Porsche customers with cars at the age of three years and above. Clients enjoyed diagnostic vehicle checks, complimentary oil and oil filter changes as well as preferred rates on extended warranties and other premier Porsche products including accessories.

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BMW Financial Services has announced a partnership with AQSAT, the financial company of Mohamed Yousuf Naghi, to provide a Shariah-compliant financial package to BMW Group customers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

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The South African-based fleet management systems company FleetPro has concluded a deal with Diamondlease, the largest independent vehicle rental & leasing company in the United Arab Emirates. Managing Director of FleetPro John Bell says the contract was won against fierce competition from a number of international suppliers.

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Land Rover has achieved record global sales in March 2010 selling over 24,000 vehicles – an increase of 43.1% versus the same period last year. The MENA region also achieved phenomenal success in Q1 2010 with an increase of 19.9% in sales compared to Q1 2009.

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