Premium car sales are accelerating across the UAE, with brands such as BMW and Infiniti targeting large increases this year.
BMW Middle East recorded a 22 per cent growth in sales during the first six months - its best start to a year ever.
The German brand sold more than 12,600 cars in the period, with Abu Dhabi and Dubai accounting for about half the volume.
"High position" cars such as the 6 Series make up about three quarters of the brand's sales in the region, with the 3 Series - the company's best-seller worldwide - accounting for just 12 per cent, said Jorg Breuer, the managing director for BMW Middle East.
It hopes to sustain the growth in the second half of the year with releases, including the 4 Series, which will launch in September, the M6 Gran Coupe and the new X5, which is due to go on sale in November.
Mr Breuer said BMW was not worried by Maserati's latest model, the Ghibli, which means "hot wind" in Arabic, and is expected to cost about £50,000 (Dh273,500) when it goes on sale in the UK later this year. "Competition is part of daily life and we welcome competition because we know where we are coming from and what we stand for," said Mr Breuer.
BMW's fellow competitor in the premium car segment, Infiniti, also aims to launch new models to increase its market share, with plans for four new vehicles over the next four years.
The Japanese brand sold just under 2,000 vehicles in the 2012 fiscal year in the UAE and is targeting an increase of about 25 per cent this year.
"We are aiming for 2,500 sales, which is a big jump but … we have a lot of new stories and a lot of things happening which will be supporting the brand growth in the UAE market specifically," said Badreiddine Mansouri, business manager for Infiniti Middle East.
gduncan@thenational.ae
Company%20Profile
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
A Cat, A Man, and Two Women
Junichiro Tamizaki
Translated by Paul McCarthy
Daunt Books
Essentials
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.
The Buckingham Murders
Starring: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ash Tandon, Prabhleen Sandhu
Director: Hansal Mehta
Rating: 4 / 5
RESULTS
5pm: Maiden | Dh80,000 | 1,600m
Winner: AF Al Moreeb, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)
5.30pm: Handicap | Dh80,000 | 1,600m
Winner: AF Makerah, Adrie de Vries, Ernst Oertel
6pm: Handicap | Dh80,000 | 2,200m
Winner: Hazeme, Richard Mullen, Jean de Roualle
6.30pm: Handicap | Dh85,000 | 2,200m
Winner: AF Yatroq, Brett Doyle, Ernst Oertel
7pm: Shadwell Farm for Private Owners Handicap | Dh70,000 | 2,200m
Winner: Nawwaf KB, Patrick Cosgrave, Helal Al Alawi
7.30pm: Handicap (TB) | Dh100,000 | 1,600m
Winner: Treasured Times, Bernardo Pinheiro, Rashed Bouresly
Company: Instabug
Founded: 2013
Based: Egypt, Cairo
Sector: IT
Employees: 100
Stage: Series A
Investors: Flat6Labs, Accel, Y Combinator and angel investors
BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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