Doha, January 27 2012 – The 2012 Qatar Motor Show, quickly ascending to become the region’s most prominent industry fair in just two years, confirmed its reputation as a crowd-puller on the first day of the weekend yesterday as thousands more flocked to the event.
A steady stream of visitors began as soon as the gates of the exhibition hall were opened at 1pm – as part of extended weekend hours – and filled the open-air sites as well as the spectators’ seating booth erected especially for the outdoor activities.
“Compared to last year, the 2012 Qatar Motor Show is much better. The outdoor arena is also equally complementary, as last year’s felt like an afterthought,” said Larry Shaffer, a resident of Qatar for over two and half years, who came out with his family of four.
“We have an SUV and are in the market for a new sedan. As a motor enthusiast, it’s good to be surrounded by cars and get to know what’s happening in the industry in general,” added Shaffer.
Beginning on January 23 (Monday), the six-day event features latest car models, concept cars, super cars and futuristic cars from the most innovative style centers and car designs and serves as a launching pad for a number of never-before-previewed in the region vehicles that would be seen as series models on the roads soon.
“I missed the show last year and was really looking forward to being here this time around. It is truly fantastic and feels wonderful. I only wish there were more luxury car options for buyers like me,” said Jassim Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, who visited the show along with a friend.
For exhibitors, the 2012 Qatar Motor Show could not have been a better-timed opportunity to showcase their latest designs and offerings, as hundreds of prospective customers registered their interests and booked test drives.
“It’s quite impressive that a lot of people have come over the past few days. Most of the people that we interacted with came out to find out about latest models and their availability. We estimate that close to
70% inquiries we received were from serious buyers,” said Nahed Helwani, an official of Saad Buzwair Automotive, the sole distributors of Volkswagen and Audio vehicles in Qatar, and which launched the most number of Middle Eastern premiers since the opening under the banner of Volkswagen Group, which also includes Porsche, Bugatti, Bentley, Lamborghini and Skoda brands.
Organized by Qatar Tourism Authority, in partnership with Q.media Events and GL Events, the 2012 Qatar Motor Show is also hosting classic cars, motor bikes, and various car service providers.
“Our brand, Hyundai, is now ranked number four in Qatar according to the latest figures available, so it was important for us to showcase the growing number of unique and new models amidst increasing public interest. We have been absolutely thrilled with the response,” said Wafik Saad, an official of National Car Company, the sole distributors of the Korean brand in Qatar.
Meanwhile, the fun outdoor activities – FMX and freestyle stunt biking and car drifting – continued to enthrall the large number of audience three days after getting underway with more people making use of the off-road circuit and the test drive areas.
Today marks the culmination of the 2012 Qatar Motor Show, which runs from 1pm to 10pm.
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 being the official VIP transporter.
