Leading auto-brands, environment and energy experts explore ‘The New Age of Mobility’ at 2nd Middle East Automotive Summit
Doha, 21 January 2012 – To many in Qatar and across the region, cars are luxury, power, individuality and cutting-edge technology. They are also, as this year’s 2nd Middle East Automotive Summit will discuss, a medium of interaction for the modern man’s relationship with his surroundings.
Under the title ‘The New Age of Mobility,’ the summit will open the second international edition of the Qatar Motor Show on January 23 with a host of speeches and presentations from the leaders of the motor industry as well as environmental and energy experts on the strategic production of cars and its effect on transportation in the Middle East.
The Summit will open with a welcome address by Mr. Ahmed Abdulla Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority. Also opening the summit will be keynote speeches by significant names in the industry in Qatar and internationally including Qatar Holding, Qatar Shell, VW Group and Qatar AG. Marc Gene, Scuderia Ferrari Test Driver, will also be speaking at the summit.
“Changes in consumer trends are usually seen by market players in light of how they will affect their production, but it’s time we turn the attention to how these shifts will affect our environment and our mobility, as well as the industry as a whole,” said Dany Hachem, Group Advisor for Events, Qmedia. “The discussion during the panel session will address these issues head-on, with a focus on technology, new consumer attitudes, mega-city trends, environmental and economic crisis – and the influences these factors have on the automobile industry.”
Panel experts will include Luigi Piero Ippolito, leader of Product Strategic Scenario and Innovation at Magneti Marelli, VG Ramakrishnan of Frost & Sullivan, Roberto Vavassori of SGL/Brembo, Harald Ludanek of Volkswagen and Eng. Ahmed Sorour of Qatar AG. The panel discussion will be moderated by Mr. Harald Hamprecht, Editor in Chief of Automotive News Europe.
“The auto industry is undergoing a major structural transformation. New mobility solutions such as electric vehicles and car-sharing schemes may have a bigger role in mature western markets. In countries such as China and India, mass mobility is taking off. This means the industry faces tough and diverse global challenges. It will be very enlightening to discuss potential solutions and success strategies with experts in Qatar,” said Hamprecht.The 2nd Middle East Automotive Summit will be held at Katara, and is open to the public. The 2012 Qatar Motor Show will be held from January 25 to January 28 at the Doha Exhibitions Center. Media, trade professional and VIP days are reserved for January 23 and 24.
Organised by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) in collaboration with Q.media Events and GL events and with the support of the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al Thani, this year’s Qatar Motor Show exhibition will host classic cars, motor bikes, concept cars, super cars, and prototypes including models by Italian designers Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, I.DE.A. Institute, Pininfarina and UP Design.
The Main Sponsor of the 2012 Qatar Motor Show is Qatar Holding LLC. The Diamond Sponsor is Qatar Shell, and the Official Hotel Partner is the W Doha Hotel & Residences. Alfardan Automobiles is offering BMW VIP transportation for the 2012 Qatar Motor Show.
