Luxury Cars Reaffirm Qatar's Vibrant Economy at Motor Show

Doha, January 28 (QNA) - Wide-eyed visitors representing a mix of various nationalities gawk at the meticulously polished cars of all classes displayed by the world's top automobile brands at the cavernous Doha Exhibition Centre (DEC) for the Second International Qatar Motor Show (QMS). The bolder visitors run their fingers over the gaunt body lines of the metallic beauties. Some open doors and slide into the driver's seat to get a feel of the latest models from marquee brands while others whip out pocket digital cameras and click photographs. The sprawling DEC floor is a sight to behold. Colorful luxury, concept and popular cars as well as motorbikes, with pretty hostesses in attendance, sparkle under the fluorescent lights. There is an air of excitement, a buzz of high decibels among the throng of visitors and blinding flashes as cameras click periodically all over the place. Indeed, the latest models from brands like Aston Martin, Audi, Bugatti, Bentley, BMW, Chrysler Dodge, Ferrari, Ford, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Lamborghini, Lexus, Maserati, Mercedes, Nissan, Porsche, Pininfarina, Ranger Rover, Rolls Royce, Renault, Skoda, Toyota and Volkswagen draw interested fans at the 21 open pavilions of QMS organized by Qatar Tourism Authority, in partnership with Q.media Events and GL Events. As the show closed Saturday, the questions that arise are: Is the QMS just another premier event on Qatar Tourism Authority's expanding MICE (Meetings, Initiative, Conferences and Exhibition) calendar Is it a show aiming to boost sales of high-end luxury cars, horse power loaded super sports cars or mass-selling sedans? Whatever the objectives of the event organizers, citizens from Qatar and the Gulf Co-operation Council states have traditionally been passionate about adventure, speed and dare-devilry. What better human invention than an aesthetically designed Italian, German, British or American speed and power machine to express this passion. If the horse was the symbol of strength and power of Arab tribes in the 19th and 20th centuries, a V8 4691cc 450 bhp Maserati Grancabrio Sports or a Jaguar XKR-S is the 21 century motif, an aspiration realized by many citizens on the returns of a vibrant hydrocarbon-based economy that continues to propel Qatar's per capita GDP (Gross Domestic Product) among the highest in the world. Qatar's GDP in the third quarter of 2011, was estimated at QR 164.82 Billion, according to a Qatar Statistics Authority (QSA) report last December, which is an increase of 39.5% compared to the estimate of Q3 of 2010 valued at QR 118.17 Billion. Compared to second quarter of 2011 estimates of QR 153.73 Billion the increase is 7.2%. Qatar's spiralling GDP - both year-on-year as well as quarter-on quarter basis) - has been driven mainly by expansion in the production levels of LNG, pipeline gas, other gas-related products and condensates, coupled with increases in hydrocarbon prices which is good for the country's economy and its citizens, particularly those from the government sector who benefited from substantial increase in their salaries late last year. Citizens empowered by increased disposable incomes and a thriving private sector disbursing bonuses to the large expatriate workforce has had a direct impact on FMCGs (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) as well as top-end products like luxury brand four-wheel drive cars moving out from marquee dealers and retail shelves. Small wonder, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had estimated Qatar's GDP per capita to rise to US $109,900 by the end of 2011 from $76,160 in 2010, propelling the country up the world ranking. Indeed, the impact of Qatar's increasing per capita income has been noted by sales managers of the world's top car brand dealers here. French carmaker Renault has plans to double its sales figures in Qatar from 800 units sold in 2011. Japanese major Nissan, which has a strong presence in Qatar, also has similar plans. Its volume sales have traditionally been driven by sedans like Sunny and Altima and at the top end, four-wheel drives like Pathfinder and Patrol. BMW Group importer in Qatar, Alfardan Automobiles recently introduced the new Mini Coupe and its Premier Motor arm has launched the Ranger Rover Evoque while United Cars Almana is launching 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. Other Japanese, European and American brands also unveiling 2012 models in premium categories, the rush of visitors at the QMS was not surprising. The six-day event, which featured the latest models, concept, super and futuristic cars from the most innovative style centers and car designs, served as a launching pad for a number of vehicles not previewed in the region before. Besides gleaming cars in the DEC pavilions, there were outdoor fun activities like the FMX and freestyle stunt biking and high speed car drifting demonstrated by professionals. These awesome acts enthralled the large turnout on all days of the show. For exhibitors, the second edition of QMS was ideally timed to showcase their latest models as hundreds of prospective customers registered their interests and booked test drives. "A lot of visitors made inquiries 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 an official representing Saad Buzwair Automotive, the sole distributors of Volkswagen and Audio vehicles in Qatar which includes Porsche, Bugatti, Bentley, Lamborghini and Skoda brands. An official from National Car Company, distributors of Korean brand Hyundai, said, "Our brand is now ranked number four in Qatar according to the latest figures. So it was important for us to showcase the growing number of new models like Genesis Prada." Displaying new models at show is important for various reasons although Qatar is one GCC state where distributors don't have worry too much about purchasing power of customer and even if there are financing issues, the banking sector here offers competitive vehicle loans to consumers. Truly, there is much more to motor shows than just the sales pitch. It is about making a statement in the world of automobile shows and Qatar has succeeded in doing it. If the response to second edition of QMS is any indication for the future, Qatar will soon make it to the big league led by Geneva and Detroit motor shows. (QNA)