Saleh Fareed
Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH — The undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Faisal Al-Zabin, inaugurated on Wednesday the 8th edition of Luxury Motor Show (EXCS) at Jeddah Hilton, with the participation of more than 20 international luxury carmakers getting ready to launch latest models in Jeddah.
In its 8th consecutive year, the show reflects the Saudis’ passion and interest in luxury cars. Both local and international car dealers consider the occasion as a great opportunity to showcase their latest models which are aimed at meeting the aspirations of luxury car enthusiasts.
The show, which is reserved for the VIPs and social elite, introduced the latest luxury models of Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, BMW,Cadillac, Maserati, Audi, Infiniti, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Range Rover, Jaguar and others.
Spaeking at the inauguration, Faisal Abu Shosha, Chairman of the National Committee for Car Dealers in Saudi Arabia, expressed his pleasure for attending the show and for the great success that EXCS s achieved year after year.
“It is the pride of the organizing company and underlines the need of the Saudi market for such a show, which offers a great opportunity for dealers of luxury cars to communicate with their current and potential clients in an elegant and stylish way commensurate with the superiority of luxury cars,” he said.
“The show, after its great success at the local level, is expanding regionally to attract exhibitors from neighboring countries who would like to be in the Saudi market, the largest and strongest market in the region,” he added.
“Saudi Arabia annually imports about 679,000 cars worth about SR.77 billion with an increase of 9.5 percent per annum, and luxury cars represents more than 18 percent of the total number of imported cars, according to the latest statistics, thus making this market one of the world’s largest in the luxury cars category.“
Taking advantage of this iconic regional motor show, Juffali Automotive Company, dealers of Mercedes-Benz, revealed the all-new CLS, and Abdulatif Jameel Company unveiled the new Lexus super sports model RC-F.
Meanwhile, Aljomaih Automotive Company revealed the all-new remarkable SUV car Cadillac Escalade. The show visitors as well shared Maserati in its centennial anniversary celebration in which Fast Auto Technic, the sole dealer of Maserati in Saudi Arabia, designed its stand at the show to mark this distinctive occasion, and unveiled a special edition of the legendary Maserati Gran Turismo model.
EXCS also witnessed two pleasant surprises, when BMW showcased the excellent BMW i8 model, and Alghassan Motors showcased the super sports model “Lamborghini Hurricane”. The show also witnessed the return of Infiniti cars after sometime of non-participation.
McLaren showcased its super sports car McLaren 650 S, while Jaguar presented the sports model Jaguar R, including the F-Type R Coupe, which is the best sports car ever produced by Jaguar.
In addition to the two special editions of Land Rover, LWB AB and Black Edition , Mohammed Yousuf Naghi Motors, dealer of Jaguar Land Rover in Saudi Arabia, showcased the all-new Range Rover Sport.
As part of the show, the best three participating luxury cars in different categories were crowned, including Aston Martin model V12 Vantage S, which was rated as the “Best Luxury Sports Car, the Cadillac Escalade, rated as the “Best Luxury 4X4 Car”, and Maserati Ghbili, rated as the “Best Luxury Sedan Car”.
The Luxury Motor Show is running for three days, and visiting hours are from 10 a.m. until 12.00 noon, and from 4 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. During the show, National Commercial Bank (NCB), through its Auto Lease Program, offered a great opportunity for visitors to test-drive whatever cars they wish to, under the supervision of experts from the cars displayed at the show.
