A significant number of first-time exhibitors in the region, from exclusive, limited edition super cars to practical city cars, as well as a wide range of on- and off-road two and three-wheeler bikes, will show their innovative vehicles. DUBAI – The world's automotive industry turns its attention to Dubai International Motor Show 2013 that opens today (Tuesday) at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The five-day event running until Nov. 9 will showcase an unprecedented 108 global and regional launches, including 15 concept cars by the world's leading motoring manufacturers. With over 65,000m² of exhibition space and more than 600 vehicles on display, the Dubai International Motor Show 2013 is expected to attract well over 100,000 visitors from throughout the region. A cornerstone event of the newly formed Dubai Motor Festival, created under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the Dubai International Motor Show brings the global motoring spotlight to Dubai. “The recognition of the Dubai International Motor Show as a truly international event has never been more evident, with an exceptional number of manufacturers choosing Dubai as the global stage for the unveiling of their new marques and models. This highlights the importance of the MENA region as well as the show's success at reaching the key customer audiences being targeted,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre, organizer of the show. This year's show sees models making their first debut in Dubai from high profile exhibitors including BAIC Motors, Bentley, Brabus, Bugatti, Devolro, Kia, Land Rover, Nissan, Okcu, Rolls-Royce, Spania GTA and W Motors. Regional premieres are expected from the world's top industry leaders including Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Ford, GMC, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Maserati, McLaren, Mercedes Benz, Mitsubishi, Opel, Porsche and Toyota. A glimpse into the future of automotive design is offered by the 15 concept cars being showcased by exhibitors, including Aston Martin, BMW, Devel 16, Ford, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Lexus, Lincoln, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen and Zenvo. Visitors to this year's show can expect to see a significant number of first-time exhibitors in the region, from exclusive, limited edition super cars to practical city cars, as well as a wide range of on- and off-road two and three-wheeler bikes. New brands to the show include Stingray RV UK, Chery, JAC, Opel, Rumble Cycle, Suzuki and Yamaha bikes. In addition to this, Dubai International Motor Show 2013 will host for the first time of the Dubai Distinctive Number Plates Public Auction by the Dubai Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) and supported by Lexus, taking place on Thursday 7 November in the Al Multaqua Ballroom at Dubai World Trade Centre. The motoring excitement generated by the show this year extends to the streets of Dubai with the launch of the Dubai Grand Parade - a spectacular convoy of hundreds of super and luxury cars and bikes that will follow a route past the city's most iconic landmarks. Taking place on Friday, and led by the Infiniti Red Bull Racing Formula One car and the Dubai Police fleet of supercars, the inaugural event is part of the Dubai Motor Festival. Taking place from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m., the RTA has advised that traffic on the designated route may be affected and is advising motorists to use alternative routes. An action-packed schedule of entertaining and interactive features at the show includes the Red Bull Car Park Drift Regional Finals, an adrenaline-fuelled battle of the best for the coveted ‘King of Drift' title sponsored by Chevrolet, taking place on Friday. Other show features include the Nissan experiential 4x4 track, a Hyundai World Cup Competition that focuses on football skills, and a Fastest Tire Change contest sponsored by Pirelli and Wheels Magazine. – SG
