Abu Dhabi Motor Show 2010 reports great results

Abu Dhabi International Motor Show (ADIMS) 2010 closed its doors on Saturday having reported a successful five days for both exhibitors and visitors. The show, which provided some 20 Middle East and UAE car premiers from over 60 exhibitors, also featured a wide range of activities for all the family at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

Held under the patronage of His Highness Lt. Gen. Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior UAE, and organised by Reed Exhibitions, the event saw the likes of the Range Rover Evoque, Camaro convertible, Toyota
FT-86G and Mazda Kazamai visit the UAE for the first time.

ADIMS 2010 was a big success for many of the exhibitors, giving them results measurable in terms of new customers generated and raising brand and product awareness. Among the companies benefiting from placing its products in front of the tens of thousands of visitors was Japanese manufacturer Subaru, which was making its first appearance at the show for many years.

“We have had a great response from the public, especially with regard to the WRX STI model,” said Hafiz Vakil, General Manager of Al Adiyat Automobiles LLC, which represents Subaru in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. “The show has definitely raised awareness of the Subaru brand in visitors’ minds. We look forward to converting this into increased sales over the coming weeks. Indeed, off the back of the interest generated here, we anticipate running out of STI stock by the end of the month.”

One of the busiest stands was that of Toyota. Hugh Dickerson, Senior General Manager, Al-Futtaim Motors Toyota said: “We are delighted to have been able to contribute to the success of the motor show through our star attractions – the FT 86G sports car concept and the launch of the new sports coupé, the Zelas. Once word got out on press day that we had unveiled these exciting new products, visitors were coming to our stand specifically to see these models.

“Abu Dhabi is a key market for Al-Futtaim Motors and this was a fantastic opportunity to showcase our entire market-leading range in front of Abu Dhabi’s car-enthusiastic population. Overall the show generated not only substantial interest in our range, but also saw a lot of orders being placed during the show itself. This will give us a good start to 2011.”

An additional feature of ADIMS 2010 was the opportunity for visitors to actually participate in a variety of other exciting, automotive-related activities. These ranged from a Red Bull Pit Stop game and racing simulators on the Ford, Toyota and Yas Marina Circuit stands to a Toyota SUV experience course and specially designed karting track, both set up outdoors. Such was the enthusiasm for the karting that it operated at virtually full capacity for all five days.

Visiting on the final day of the show, Mohammed Al Mazroui, from Abu Dhabi, said: “This is the second time I have come to the show this year. I came with my family on the first day, but today I am here with my friends – we have come specifically to race each other on the karting circuit and to try out the Ford Mustang simulator. We are also looking to compete against each other on the Red Bull Pit Stop game.”

Tessa Morgan, from South Africa, had travelled with her car enthusiast husband and two children. She said: “The show is great, especially all the family-orientated activities. I can just let my son go and play on all the simulators, which he loves. There’s a really good selection of cars on display and the whole set-up is really nicely done.”

Peter McConnell, director of Abu Dhabi International Motor Show 2010, said: “Abu Dhabi is a key market for the Middle East, so we are delighted that visitors to Abu Dhabi International Motor Show have been able to experience major new models from industry heavyweights such as General Motors, Toyota, Ford and Hyundai, as well as the many other exciting interactive activities we introduced this year.”