Luxury car makers target Dubai for sales boost

Luxury car makers, including Rolls-Royce and Bentley, are set to showcase their top models in Dubai next month as the region is predicted to see record sales of the world's most expensive automobiles this year.

With the Middle East predicted to witness unprecedented growth within the luxury car segment over the next five years, the world's premium marques have signed up for the Dubai International Motor Show, which runs from November 10-14.

According to IHS Automotive, sales of luxury cars in the Middle East are expected to increase by 20 percent this year - the highest level ever and more than double the 9.7 percent growth seen last year.

It is also predicted that, if the pattern continues, the Middle East luxury car segment will double over the period 2010-2015 positioning the region as a global leader within this lucrative market.

Trixee Loh, senior vice president of Dubai World Trade Centre, the organiser of the show, said: "We are delighted that so many key names within the luxury car market choose the Dubai International Motor Show as their preferred event to exhibit and launch new models to the region and globally."

To mark the 100th year anniversary of the Spirit of Ecstasy -the iconic Flying Lady mascot - Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is to showcase two highly bespoke phantom models.

James Crichton, regional director at Rolls-Royce Middle East and Africa, said: "This has been a tremendously successful year for Rolls-Royce with sales achieving almost 65 percent market share of the ultra-luxury (over $250,000) car segment until the end of August.

"The Middle East region continues to be an important driver in the global growth of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and last year contributed to over 15 percent of our global sales."

Ultra-luxury car manufacturer Bentley said it has also enjoyed ongoing success this year, having witnessed a 31 percent increase in global sales on the same period last year.

Chris Buxton, regional director, Bentley Middle East, Africa and India said: "The Dubai Motor Show grows in size and importance each year. At this year's show, Bentley will show the new Continental GTC for the first time in the region, alongside the new Continental GT."

Exhibitors joining Bentley and Rolls-Royce include Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Aston Martin, Bugatti, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ferrari, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Koenigsegg, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lexus, Maserati, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Peugeot, Renault, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.