I hear from AutoMiddleEast that the 2009 Mercedes-Benz GLK was launched at a public event in Dubai. Ironically, while I never heard about this event, I have been invited to a GCC press drive event in Oman, to show off the compact new GLK’s capabilities.
The Toyota Prius has become a fashion icon around the world for those who want to appear environmentally-conscious. It was the world’s first mass-produced four-door hybrid, powered by a petrol engine mated to an electric engine that recharged itself through regenerative braking technology. The current generation of the Prius is most recognisable, and Toyota has chosen to keep its existing shape for the 2010 model, while updating some styling, tech and interior details.
I have a 2006 BMW Z4 Roadster 2.5i, purchased in April 2008 from the BMW agent with 37,000 km. The previous owner was an Emirati woman, and from what I can tell, it was looked after extremely well as the car was in superb condition when I bought it. After driving many cars in the Dhs 100000-150000 price range over a few months, I strolled into the used car dealership by chance one afternoon, had a test drive, and then walked out Dhs 1000 poorer after putting down my deposit.
Ford chose Dubai’s GITEX 2008 tech-trade show as the venue to launch their 2009 Ford Flex crossover, equipped with their much-hyped Sync entertainment system.
Chrysler knew that their Jeep Grand Cherokee was a cash cow, and went all-out on its 1999 redesign. A lot of work went into this one, including frame engineering inputs from none other than Porsche. The result was a true off-roader with solid-axle front and rear suspension, with acceleration and handling performance that was surprising for such a “simple” setup. Indeed, barring the Wrangler, it was the last of the real Jeeps. Quality problems made it a headache to own, right up till 2002, when most reliability issues were sorted out. But the stigma of “unreliable American cars” forever haunts the Jeep brand,
Porsche held multiple events over the weekend to launch the refreshed 2009 911 range in various GCC countries. Attending the Dubai press event, I saw the new version, and had a hard time picking out differences from the older version. However, most of the changes were under the skin.
Our buddies at AutoMiddleEast report that the 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse will hit the streets of Dubai soon. In fact, their editor has gone on a press trip to Japan for a drive on a track, as Mitsubishi secretly starts promoting the Eclipse as well as the Lancer Ralliart before their imminent GCC launch.
The soft-top Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport was launched at a press event today in Dubai. I already reported on it before, so look it up for details. But I learned a few new things.
At a recent press conference, Nissan and Al Dahana have announced the establishment of a joint venture company called Nissan Gulf FZCO (NGF), to “enhance Nissan’s marketing and sales strategy in key GCC markets and introduce a fully fledged financial services platform through all Middle East and North African countries.” Nissan Gulf plans to sell 160,000 vehicles a year by 2012, in Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Bahrain. These four markets will represent more than 40 percent of Nissan sales in the region by 2012.
Just when you thought that nothing can defeat Godzilla, problems start to arise from within itself. The insanely-capable Nissan GT-R, already on sale in the United States officially, is being undone by transmission failures, according to the American Nissan GT-R Owners Club. A member of the club says his GT-R suffered from odd noises, and took it in for servicing. Nissan USA told him it needs a new automanual gearbox for US$ 20,000, and it won’t be covered under warranty.