Cars & Autos | Sunday 15 November, 2015 7:54 am |

Carmakers’ officials attending the Dubai International Motor Show (DIMS) this week, at Dubai World Trade Center, confirmed the increasing importance of regional markets. 
In several interviews with car executives, they highlighted the relevance of GCC markets for achieving higher than average growth compared to other world markets and for growing at a faster pace than other markets. 
Despite the fact regional markets are still small compared to China, Asia and the US, they generate higher margins of profits for car companies because of higher demand on luxury and premium brands.
A clear indication of the commitment to the region is a statement on the eve of DIMS by Jim Farley, Ford’s executive vice president for Europe, Middle East and Africa, in which he confirmed that the regional markets are the most exciting and growing in the world. 
Ford confirmed that it would introduce 30 new vehicles in the region by 2020. The company expects regional markets in Middle East and Africa to grow by 40 percent to 5.5 million vehicles by the end of the decade. In the next two years alone, Ford will open 35 new dealerships. 
Two years ago, Ford established a business unit that includes both the Middle East and Africa. Arab News asked for a breakdown statistics for the GCC region but none was available. 
The importance of the region was reflected in the DIMS scale this week with more than 173 new global and regional launches of new vehicles and concepts. For the first time ever Cadillac opted for a global reveal of its new model, the XT5, in Dubai.
“This is one of Cadillac’s most important upcoming products. It will be a key aspect of Cadillac’s expansion globally, starting in early 2016. It has been our great pleasure to introduce the new Cadillac XT5 to the world from Dubai,” said Uwe Ellinghaus, Cadillac chief marketing officer.
Cadillac has seen a 21 percent growth in the region in the last year. Felix Weller, managing director of Cadillac Middle East, said: “The Middle East is a very important market for us. Now, more than ever, people are identifying with Cadillac’s new direction.”
Chevrolet displayed several new models at DIMS including the new2016 Chevrolet Camaro, 2017 Chevrolet Malibu, 2016 Chevrolet Spark, and enhanced 2016 Chevrolet Silverado.
Lincoln surprised DIMS with a world debut of its Continental Concept, a sleek sedan of fine design that the company plans to get into production next year. Kumar Galhotra, president of Lincoln, said: “The Continental Concept showcases the promise of quiet luxury from Lincoln going forward. It also is a strong indication of what’s to come next year as we introduce our new Lincoln Continental full-size luxury sedan.”
On its part, Ford introduced six new models including the supercar Ford GT, Mustang Shelby GT350, the new Explorer, the Ranger, the Figo and the 2016 Ford Edge. Many of the luxury cars that made an impact at the Frankfurt Motor Show this were launched in Dubai to local appreciation. 
These include the Bentley Bentayga which was inspected by Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum Al-Maktoum, who inaugurated the Dubai International Motor Show this year.
Aston Martin also displayed one unique copy of DB10 which featured in the latest James Bond movie. 
The car will not be replicated and will be sold in auction as announced by the company during the show.
More highlights
Ferrari unveiled its 488 Spider for the first time in the region. 
Giulio Zauner, general manager of Ferrari Middle East and Africa, confirmed to Arab News during DIMS that “Ferrari will continue to be Ferrari” after the initial public offering of 10 percent of its shares at the New York Stock Exchange recently. 
He reiterated the importance of the regional markets for Ferrari and highlighted the positive impact of Ferrari initiatives in the region such as the Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi.

Other prominent launches at DIMS include:
• Audi described its three regional premiers as “an offensive” which include the R8, the A4 and the RS3 Sportback.
• BMW unveiled its new 7 Series regionally and also the Mini Clubman
• Hyundai revealed two new models: the brand’s best-selling model in the region, the Elantra and the new compact SUV, the Creta.
• Jaguar Land Rover: F-Pace was the most prominent offering from Jaguar in its first regional appearance after its world debut at Frankfurt. Land Rover offered the full range of Range Rover, Evoque, Defender, Discovery and LR4.
• Infiniti introduced four model debuts including the QX50 LWB, the Q30, the Q60 concept and Q80 Inspiration which is a halo model for Infiniti’s design language
• Lexus unveiled the new 2016 RX with a hybrid version offered at the same price as the petrol equivalent
• Mercedes Benz focused on a new Maybach Pullman, G500 four-wheel drive and the AMG S63 4Matic.
• Nissan chose Dubai for a global premiere of the Patrol Desert Edition, which is a bespoke version of the off-roader.
• Porsche revealed the new 911 Carrera.
• Toyota displayed both the 4th generation Prius Hybrid and the Mirai fuel-cell demonstrator under the banner of “future of mobility.”
The Dubai International Motor Show had one of the largest gatherings in the region of Chinese manufacturers, many with eye-catching models of fine quality in all segments. 
These companies are likely to make greater impact in future regional shows.