RIYADH: The Riyadh Motor Show at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center on Dec. 5 will offer test drives to visitors for the first time on some 2011 models introduced in the Kingdom. Kamil Al-Jawhari, Project Manager of the Riyadh Motor Show, said this is the first time ever that test drives are being offered to potential buyers at a motor show in Riyadh. “The potential buyers will have a rare opportunity to get behind the wheel of some of the finest vehicles in the world,” Al-Jawhari said. The Saudi automotive sector has been posting strong growth despite the global downturn, with sales expected to exceed SR69 billion in 2010, Al-Jawhari said. There has also been an increase in sales of parts and services. The Riyadh Motor Show will reflect the vibrancy of the Saudi automobile industry and reinforce the Kingdom's status as the top automobile market in the Middle East, he said. “We expect a 30 percent increase in the number of participants at this year's exhibition, compared to previous years, which reflects the market's sustained growth,” he said. An array of activities is planned for the more than 85,000 visitors expected to attend the five-day event. This is the 28th edition of the Riyadh Motor Show, the oldest and most important auto show in the region, he said. About 86,000 people, 68 percent Saudi residents, visited last year's motor show. Twenty-four percent of visitors were from Gulf States, and eight percent from Germany, Iran, Thailand, Australia, India, Italy and the United Arab Emirates. Among the factors fueling the industry are the country's rapidly growing and predominantly young population, low tariffs on imported cars, high per capita income, low fuel costs and increased vehicle lending. Aside from showcasing the latest models of passenger cars, station wagons, sports utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, motorcycles, Special Purpose Vehicles, and 4x4 vehicles, the show will also cover automobile financing and insurance services. Saudi Autoshop 2010 – the 14th International Exhibition for Auto Repair Equipment, Tools, Parts and Accessories – will run on the sidelines of the show. The accompanying event will feature the latest automobile accessories and repair equipment; gas station equipment; automobile parts; tires, exhausts and batteries; and automobile care products.
