Surprises promised for 2012 Qatar Motor Show

Major announcements in the electric vehicle and hybrid vehicle industries, as well as Formula 1 are promised for the Qatar Motor Show 2012, which is being held in Doha from January 25 to the January 28, 2012. 

The show organizers have expanded the outdoor exhibition area to cater for better than expected demand from exhibitors. Some of the world’s leading car manufacturers have confirmed their presence and many have hinted at new car reveals, concept cars and multiple entertainment activities. 

It is being staged in the Doha Exhibition Centre, which is in the popular West Bay area, and around 20 minutes from Doha International Airport. It is also close to many of Qatar’s finest hotels and neighboring on Katara, Doha’s Cultural Village. The exhibition and reveals will all take place within the Exhibition Centre, whilst outdoor events will be held beside the centre throughout the Qatar Motor Show weekend. “Qatar, as a country, has grown in stature on the world stage over the past half decade. In 2022 our country will host the FIFA World Cup. In 2011 we hosted the Pan Arab Games, and the 20th World Petroleum Congress. We are also bidding for the 2020 Olympics. But it is not just these mega events that are driving visitors to Qatar, it’s our commitment to staging events of cultural and commercial significance to the GCC region and beyond – the Qatar Motor Show is one such event,” said Ahmed Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority and one of the event’s organizers. 

Some 90,000 visitors attended the inaugural 3-day motor show in January 2011. All 36 brands that took part in the show have confirmed their presence for 2012. “The first international edition of the Qatar Motor Show exceeded our expectations on all levels. From the demand for space by exhibitors and number of brand previews, to the high profile industry VIPs in attendance and the overall number of visitors. We are working to make the 2012 edition bigger, more engaging and more entertaining”, said Dany Hachem, group advisor for Q-media events, one of the event organizers. 

“The positive feedback and enthusiasm from the premiere edition was beyond our expectations. Our objective was to bring together global automobile brands, industry leaders and auto enthusiasts at an automotive event that not only raises and defines the new standard of motor shows in the region, but establishes Qatar as a platform for dialogue and debate on global themes and challenges facing society,” said H.E Sheikh Alhussain Bin Ali Bin Ahmed Al-Thani, CEO of Q-media. 

Automotive Industries asked Hachem how many exhibitors and visitors are expected at the 2012 show. 

Hachem: We are expecting over 100 exhibitors this year – from car brands to car accessory companies, as well as a few other surprises. This is up from about 85 in our inaugural show in January. With the 2012 show increasing in space and number of exhibitors, and with adding another day to the event, we expect about 120,000 visitors. 

AI: What topics will be discussed at the 2012 summit conference at the Qatar Motor Show? 

Hachem: The theme of the summit will be the ‘Age of Mobility’. It offers a venue for key international players in the sector to debate the future of the automobile, of mobility and of new technologies. Discussions will include new concepts of mobility, materials, technologies, energy sources, and skills development. 

AI: What announcements can visitors expect? 

Hachem: In addition to the preview of Volkswagen’s Xl1, Porsche and Lamborghini all previewed models exclusive for the Middle East market, and Lamborghini revealed its new Gallardo LP560-4 Bicolore (for Euro and Asia-Pacific markets). There were a number of regional previews as well. For the 2012 show we expect another line up of reveals that will appeal to the visitors and consumers here. 

AI: What about the participation of electric vehicle and hybrid vehicle manufacturers? 

Hachem: Major announcements will be made related to the electric vehicle and hybrid industry. 

AI: What is different this year? 

Hachem: We have expanded the exhibition space to include an outdoor area, which allows for more exhibitors and more to see. Our outdoor show returns with drifting legends and FMX riders. We have some other surprises up our sleeves – but rest assured, visitors will see the best, new models in automobiles today, as well as experience some exciting activities. 

AI: What makes the Qatar Motor Show a must-visit? 

Hachem: Unique, exclusivity, luxury, individualism. Our show embodies these attributes, ensuring an experience to remember for all visitors. Unlike other motor shows in the region, the Qatar Motor Show complements its premium international auto exhibition with a unique platform for key regional and international interest groups to discuss and debate the global automotive industry- the Middle East Automotive Summit. The Qatar Motor Show will be the first truly international show in the region, with manufacturers from as far as Germany and China participating in the show. 

By bringing together the automotive sector’s various interest groups, from energy providers and infrastructure planners to car manufacturers and intelligent mobility companies, the Middle East Automotive Summit provides an invaluable opportunity for dialogue and debate on the future of the industry. In addition to being the region’s only fully-integrated automotive show, the Qatar Motor Show offers visitors a truly interactive experience, with hands on activities for visitors at the exhibitor stands as well as the outdoor activities that are scheduled.