A steady stream of visitors began as soon as the gates of the exhibition hall were opened at 1pm – as part of extended weekend hours – and filled the open-air sites as well as the spectators’ seating booth erected especially for the outdoor activities.

“Compared to last year, the 2012 Qatar Motor Show is much better. The outdoor arena is also equally complementary, as last year’s felt like an afterthought,” said Larry Shaffer, a resident of Qatar for over two and half years, who came out with his family of four.

“We have an SUV and are in the market for a new sedan. As a motor enthusiast, it’s good to be surrounded by cars and get to know what’s happening in the industry in general,” added Shaffer.

Beginning on January 23 (Monday), the six-day event features latest car models, concept cars, super cars and futuristic cars from the most innovative style centers and car designs and serves as a launching pad for a number of never-before-previewed in the region vehicles that would be seen as series models on the roads soon.

“I missed the show last year and was really looking forward to being here this time around. It is truly fantastic and feels wonderful. I only wish there were more luxury car options for buyers like me,” said Jassim Mohammed Al-Khulaifi, who visited the show along with a friend.

For exhibitors, the 2012 Qatar Motor Show could not have been a better-timed opportunity to showcase their latest designs and offerings, as hundreds of prospective customers registered their interests and booked test drives.

“It’s quite impressive that a lot of people have come over the past few days. Most of the people that we interacted with came out to find out about latest models and their availability. We estimate that close to

70% inquiries we received were from serious buyers,” said Nahed Helwani, an official of Saad Buzwair Automotive, the sole distributors of Volkswagen and Audio vehicles in Qatar, and which launched the most number of Middle Eastern premiers since the opening under the banner of Volkswagen Group, which also includes Porsche, Bugatti, Bentley, Lamborghini and Skoda brands.

Organized by Qatar Tourism Authority, in partnership with Q.media Events and GL Events, the 2012 Qatar Motor Show is also hosting classic cars, motor bikes, and various car service providers.

“Our brand, Hyundai, is now ranked number four in Qatar according to the latest figures available, so it was important for us to showcase the growing number of unique and new models amidst increasing public interest. We have been absolutely thrilled with the response,” said Wafik Saad, an official of National Car Company, the sole distributors of the Korean brand in Qatar.

Meanwhile, the fun outdoor activities – FMX and freestyle stunt biking and car drifting – continued to enthrall the large number of audience three days after getting underway with more people making use of the off-road circuit and the test drive areas.

Today marks the culmination of the 2012 Qatar Motor Show, which runs from 1pm to 10pm.

The main sponsor of the 2012 Qatar Motor Show is Qatar Holding LLC.  The Diamond Sponsor is Qatar Shell, and the Official Hotel Partner is the W Doha Hotel & Residences.  Alfardan Automobiles is offering BMW VIP transportation for the 2012 Qatar Motor Show being the official VIP transporter.

Featuring vehicles that enthrall, summit sessions that engage, and outdoor activities that excite, the 2012 Qatar Motor Show is set to captivate the imagination of all who harbor a kink for machines-on-wheels as it serves as a platform for a range of new reveals, agreements, trade deals, and announcements until January 28 (Saturday), when it concludes.

Kicking off the 2012 Qatar Motor Show will be the 2^nd Middle East Automotive Summit under the title ‘The New Age of Mobility’ , with a host of speeches and presentations from motor industry leaders as well as environmental and energy experts on the strategic production of cars and its effect on transportation in the Middle East. Keynote speeches will be delivered by significant names in the industry in Qatar and internationally including Qatar Shell, VW Group and Qatar AG.  An open-to-all event, the Summit will be held at Katara, adjacent to DEC.

Leading the official opening ceremony of the 2012 Qatar Motor Show will be HE the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al-Thani.   Local and international press as well as VIP and trade professionals will be preview the new cars and designs for the first two days.  The exhibition will admit general public starting Wednesday (January 25).

The 2012 Qatar Motor Show culminates months of campaigning in the run up to its start and included a number of exciting local, regional and international activities.

Over the weekend, Qatar Shell in partnership with the Qatar Motor Show organized an unprecedented street demonstration of Scuderia Ferrari Formula One in front of thousands of spectators and VIPs along the Doha Corniche, as driver Marc Gené entertained the crowds with his driving skills and outstanding performance.

Mr. Ahmed Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority, said: “The 2012 Qatar Motor Show is a not-to-be-missed event for any car enthusiast, adventure seeker, tech expert, industry representative or family member, whether young or old.  The bigger and expanded 2012 edition will reinforce its identity as an event that taps into the most evolved segments of the business in a region that represents one of the most important international markets for sports and luxury vehicles.”

Organized by Qatar Tourism Authority, in partnership with Q.media Events and GL Events, the 2012 Qatar Motor Show will host classic cars, motor bikes, concept cars, super cars and prototypes including models by Italian designers.  Outside the DEC, a newly expanded and redesigned outdoor arena will be the site for thrilling drifting demonstrations, FMX and stunt bike shows. Visitors will have the opportunity to try the latest car and SUV models in the test-drive areas.

The Main Sponsor of the 2012 Qatar Motor Show is Qatar Holding LLC.  The Diamond Sponsor is Qatar Shell, and the Official Hotel Partner is the W Doha Hotel & Residences.   Alfardan Automobiles is the Official VIP Transportation Partner for the 2012 Qatar Motor Show.

Held under the title ‘The New Age of Mobility’, the one-day Summit kicked off the highly-anticipated 2012 Qatar Motor Show,and offered a discourse for industry leaders to gauge the direction of the automotive industry as well as its impact on energy resources and environment.

Opening the Summit, Mr. Ahmed Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority, the organizer, said: “We aim for the Qatar Motor Show to be a source of inspiration for manufacturers of cars and to provide a rare and unique experience to automotive lovers. The 2^nd Middle East Automotive Summit not only represents the latest developments in the field, but also reflects the direction of the industry in general.”

Other opening ceremony speakers – from Qatar Shell, Scuderia Ferrari, Volkswagen, Qatar Automotive Gateway (Qatar Ag) and Qatar Holding – reiterated their support to Qatar serving as a driving force in the global automotive industry as the country surges ahead in its vision to become a knowledge-based economy.

Mr. Ghanim Bin Saad Al-Saad, Chairman of Qatar Ag, said: “Qatar Ag is an attempt at diversification in Qatar, supporting the country in its drive to become a knowledge-based economy as well as create job opportunities for Qatar’s future generations. This initiative will help us put Qatar on the map prominently.”

In the subsequent panel session automotive industry representatives presented a variety of views in offering a holistic picture.

Mr. Harald Hamprecht, Editor-in-Chief of Automotive News Europe, and who also moderated the panel session began by bringing the often complex question of changing demographics and their effect on sustainability under the spotlight, and separated out a number of key emerging challenges.

“The global population is getting larger, older, more urban. By 2050, it is estimated to be 9.2 billion. Today, we have 700 million cars and by 2015 we are expected to have three billion vehicles,” said Hamprecht.

However, the lack of specialists and scarcity of raw materials will hamper the growth trends, he warned.

Another challenge, noted Mr. Luigi Piero Ippolito, Product Strategic Scenario & Innovation, Magneti Marelli, was the continuous neglect of the actual stakeholder in the equation: humans.

“It’s easy to imagine, even considering a big growth of the current technology level, that human behaviors will be part of the solution,” noted Ippolito.

Mr. V.G. Ramakrishnan, Senior Director of Automotive and Transportation for the region, Frost & Sullivan, then shared his vision of the future where commuting is multi-modal and rests on integration.

“The developing markets are likely to be at the forefront… and they are integrating public transportation; rail network, electric cycles, bicycles, two wheelers and more. For a consumer, convenience, fuel economy and environment will remain the ultimate choices,” said Ramakrishnan.

Back to cars and Mr. Roberto Vavassori, Vice President SGL/Brembo & director Business Development Brembo, highlighted how technology transfer from aviation and aerospace to open-road vehicles has been a beneficial one.

“The transfer of technology has enabled a better lifetime of brake discs, shortened the production process and improved overall performance,” said Vavassori, brakes from whose company can be found in 17 out of 20 best braking cars.

Mr. Harald Ludanek, Head of Vehicle Engineering and Prototyping in Technical Development Area, Volkswagen AG, and Mr. Ahmed M. Sorour, CEO, Qatar Ag, completed the discussion and emphasized how material development, storage of energy, lightweight construction, and cars that are networked together will be the ones leading the road in the future.

Under the title ‘The New Age of Mobility,’ the summit will open the second international edition of the Qatar Motor Show on January 23 with a host of speeches and presentations from the leaders of the motor industry as well as environmental and energy experts on the strategic production of cars and its effect on transportation in the Middle East.

The Summit will open with a welcome address by Mr. Ahmed Abdulla Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority.  Also opening the summit will be keynote speeches by significant names in the industry in Qatar and internationally including Qatar Holding, Qatar Shell, VW Group and Qatar AG.   Marc Gene, Scuderia Ferrari Test Driver, will also be speaking at the summit.

“Changes in consumer trends are usually seen by market players in light of how they will affect their production, but it’s time we turn the attention to how these shifts will affect our environment and our mobility, as well as the industry as a whole,” said Dany Hachem, Group Advisor for Events, Qmedia.   “The discussion during the panel session will address these issues head-on, with a focus on technology, new consumer attitudes, mega-city trends, environmental and economic crisis – and the influences these factors have on the automobile industry.”

Panel experts will include Luigi Piero Ippolito, leader of Product Strategic Scenario and Innovation at Magneti Marelli, VG Ramakrishnan of Frost & Sullivan, Roberto Vavassori of SGL/Brembo, Harald Ludanek of Volkswagen and Eng. Ahmed Sorour of Qatar AG.  The panel discussion will be moderated by Mr. Harald Hamprecht, Editor in Chief of Automotive News Europe.

“The auto industry is undergoing a major structural transformation. New mobility solutions such as electric vehicles and car-sharing schemes may have a bigger role in mature western markets. In countries such as China and India, mass mobility is taking off. This means the industry faces tough and diverse global challenges. It will be very enlightening to discuss potential solutions and success strategies with experts in Qatar,” said Hamprecht.The 2^nd Middle East Automotive Summit will be held at Katara, and is open to the public.  The 2012 Qatar Motor Show will be held from January 25 to January 28 at the Doha Exhibitions Center. Media, trade professional and VIP days are reserved for January 23 and 24.

Organised by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) in collaboration with Q.media Events and GL events and with the support of the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al Thani, this year’s Qatar Motor Show exhibition will host classic cars, motor bikes, concept cars, super cars, and prototypes including models by Italian designers Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, I.DE.A. Institute, Pininfarina and UP Design.

The Main Sponsor of the 2012 Qatar Motor Show is Qatar Holding LLC.  The Diamond Sponsor is Qatar Shell, and the Official Hotel Partner is the W Doha Hotel & Residences.   Alfardan Automobiles is offering BMW VIP transportation for the 2012 Qatar Motor Show.

The six-day event features latest car models, concept cars, super cars and futuristic cars from the most innovative style centers and car designs and serves as a launching pad for a number of never-before-previewed in the region vehicles that would be seen as series models on the roads soon. It opens to general public today until Saturday (January 28) along with a variety of outdoor shows.

First to captivate the imagination was the exclusive premier of the show car, Vittoria, by UP Design firm in Italy and part of the Italian Association of the Automotive Industry (ANFIA), which also revealed three more concept vehicles yesterday.

Destined to become a visual legend, Vittoria’s start of the journey in Doha could not be a better debut for a car that combines a futuristic shape and a distinctive Made-in-Italy impression with the essence of a global city able to impose itself on the international automotive scene within a couple of years.

In another exclusive premier by the ANFIA banner, the I.DE.A Institute revealed a restyled version of a previous concept under the label of Futura. Two further Middle East reveals – Gumpert Tornante by Touring Superleggera and 2uettottanta by Pininfarina Group – completed the active participation by ANFIA at the 2012 Qatar Motor Show.

From within Qatar, Abdullah Abdulghani & Brothers Company took the lead in introducing four models into the local market as the 2012 versions of two of the region’s most popular vehicles, the Toyota Land Cruiser and Toyota Camry, charmed their way to winning hearts.

The company also unveiled the latest from Japanese luxury manufacturers, Lexus, with two models, the 2013 Lexus GS450H sedan and 2012 Lexus LX570 SUV.

In more launches, Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Company lifted the curtains from the Infiniti’s newest marque: the 2012 Infiniti FX in a local premier, while Al Mana Motors introduced the all-new 2012 Ford Focus five-door hatchback. The National Car Company completed the list of unveils with the introduction of the new Veloster, a three-door compact coupe for the generation Y.

Separately, Qatar Automotive Gateway (Qatar Ag) joined hands with UK-based automotive company, Prodrive, in a partnership that sees the two firms explore areas of cooperation in the development and production of advanced carbon fiber composite automotive parts and assemblies.

Following two dedicated days for trade professionals and global media, the 2012 Qatar Motor Show admits general public starting today from 4pm to 10pm. Over the weekend (Friday, Saturday), the motor show will have expanded hours, from 1pm to 10pm.

Organized by Qatar Tourism Authority, in partnership with Q.media Events and GL Events, the 2012 Qatar Motor Show is also hosting classic cars, motorbikes, prototypes and interactive games.

The main sponsor of the 2012 Qatar Motor Show is Qatar Holding LLC.  The Diamond Sponsor is Qatar Shell, and the Official Hotel Partner is the W Doha Hotel & Residences.   Alfardan Automobiles is offering BMW VIP transportation for the 2012 Qatar Motor Show being the official VIP transporter.

The 2012 Qatar Motor Show got underway on January 23 with two days open to the international and local press and trade professionals, making the first day of the show a grand opening as far as the public – an estimated 20,000 of whom flocked to the Doha Exhibitions Center – was concerned.

The show’s capacity to draw such a large turnout was partly due to its nature of being an ultimate haven for motor buffs in Qatar, but also because of the stunning outdoor activities that featured FMX and freestyle motor biking to car drifting.

Hundreds had already amassed by the time the first drift car produced a screech on the specially-built outdoor asphalt track, an approximately 7,000 square meters surface that will undoubtedly be bruised beyond recognition by the time the 2012 Qatar Motor Show concludes on Saturday. The spectator’s area, boasting a capacity of 1,500 – an increase of a thousand over last year, quickly swelled with enthusiastic audience as more onlookers watched from the general viewing area.

The earsplitting sound of rubber melting on track sent the crowd into a pumped up state of bliss as they relived scenes straight out of Fast and Furious or Gone in 60 Seconds, thanks to three lean but sturdy freestyle motor-cross (FMXs), one lascivious freestyle motorbike and two scorching drift cars.

“It was amazing and full of adventure. It is the first time ever in my life that I saw a live dual drifting on a track. The 2012 Qatar Motor Show brought us a lot of things never before seen in Qatar from the Ferrari Demo on the Corniche to FMX stunts. I am already looking forward to the 2013 Qatar Motor Show,” said visitor Bilal Shafiq, a Doha-born expatriate of 31 years.

The outdoor activities also involve winners of the social media campaign that the organizers of the 2012 Qatar Motor Show ran in the lead up to the event on Twitter and Facebook.

“It’s exciting to see events like this in Doha! I’ve never seen drift racing before and I found it absolutely thrilling! And it shows that Qatar is able to compete on an international level,” said Megan O’Connor, a Qatar resident for six years.

Visitors also had the chance to test drive their favorite vehicles in an adjacent test-drive area.

Inside the exhibition hall, the motor show continued to serve as a crystal ball for all things cars, as visitors took the opportunity to closely look at the vehicles on display, inquire about their specifications, and engage in general chatter on motoring.

“I’m excited to be here. The place has a great vibe,” said first-time visitor, Maria, a Qatar resident for four years.

Beginning on January 23 (Monday), the six day event features latest car models, concept cars, super cars and futuristic cars from the most innovative style centers and car designs and serves as a launching pad for a number of never-before-previewed in the region vehicles that would be seen as series models on the roads soon.

Organized by Qatar Tourism Authority, in partnership with Q.media Events and GL Events, the 2012 Qatar Motor Show is also hosting classic cars, motor bikes, and car service providers. The event runs from 4pm to 10pm today, while admissions on the weekend are from 1pm to 10pm.

The main sponsor of the 2012 Qatar Motor Show is Qatar Holding LLC.  The Diamond Sponsor is Qatar Shell, and the Official Hotel Partner is the W Doha Hotel & Residences.  Alfardan Automobiles is offering BMW VIP transportation for the 2012 Qatar Motor Show being the official VIP transporter.

The Williams Immersive Formula Simulator (IFS) is one of the first major products to emerge from the applied research and technology commercialisation programme at the Williams Technology Centre (WTCQ) in Qatar. The IFS builds on and extends Williams’ extensive existing proprietary motorsport simulator technology developed for its Formula One drivers and new technologies created at the Williams Technology Centre. The result is a modular, transportable simulator system which brings the thrill of the top levels of precision racing closer to those who drive it.

The Williams IFS is now exclusively available in Qatar for use at summits, events, exhibitions, corporate days and private events. Custom systems based on the same platform are also available for purchase in Qatar and internationally.

Much of the new developments are common to the road-going simulators being developed at the WTCQ to help improve road safety and fuel efficiency as part of its collaboration with Mowasalat.

One of the first people to drive the simulator was Williams F1’s test driver Valtteri Bottas. Having previously spent time in Doha working with the Williams Technology Centre’s engineering team in its simulator development programme, Bottas returned to Doha to experience the finished system and light up the timing screens.

After driving the simulator, Bottas said, “I use the Williams simulator in the UK extensively in my role as test driver. It is a very important tool in Formula One for development and is integral to my training programme. It is fantastic to drive the Williams IFS developed here in Qatar which brings this experience to a wider audience.” Speaking about being back in Qatar, Bottas added, “It is great to be back in Doha. I really enjoy spending time here and working with the Williams Technology Centre team.”

Commenting on the debut of the simulator, Damien Scott, General Manager of the Williams Technology Centre Qatar said, “We are delighted to be launching worldwide one of the most exciting products developed at the Williams Technology Centre at the Qatar Motor Show. The IFS provides a unique driving experience which is set to thrill drivers at a variety of events throughout the year.”

The six-day event features latest car models, concept cars, super cars and futuristic cars from the most innovative style centers and car designs and serves as a launching pad for a number of never-before-previewed in the region vehicles that would be seen as series models on the roads soon. It opens to general public today until Saturday (January 28) along with a variety of outdoor shows.

First to captivate the imagination was the exclusive premier of the show car, Vittoria, by UP Design firm in Italy and part of the Italian Association of the Automotive Industry (ANFIA), which also revealed three more concept vehicles yesterday.

Destined to become a visual legend, Vittoria’s start of the journey in Doha could not be a better debut for a car that combines a futuristic shape and a distinctive Made-in-Italy impression with the essence of a global city able to impose itself on the international automotive scene within a couple of years.

In another exclusive premier by the ANFIA banner, the I.DE.A Institute revealed a restyled version of a previous concept under the label of Futura. Two further Middle East reveals – Gumpert Tornante by Touring Superleggera and 2uettottanta by Pininfarina Group – completed the active participation by ANFIA at the 2012 Qatar Motor Show.

From within Qatar, Abdullah Abdulghani & Brothers Company took the lead in introducing four models into the local market as the 2012 versions of two of the region’s most popular vehicles, the Toyota Land Cruiser and Toyota Camry, charmed their way to winning hearts.

The company also unveiled the latest from Japanese luxury manufacturers, Lexus, with two models, the 2013 Lexus GS450H sedan and 2012 Lexus LX570 SUV.

In more launches, Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Company lifted the curtains from the Infiniti’s newest marque: the 2012 Infiniti FX in a local premier, while Al Mana Motors introduced the all-new 2012 Ford Focus five-door hatchback. The National Car Company completed the list of unveils with the introduction of the new Veloster, a three-door compact coupe for the generation Y.

Separately, Qatar Automotive Gateway (Qatar Ag) joined hands with UK-based automotive company, Prodrive, in a partnership that sees the two firms explore areas of cooperation in the development and production of advanced carbon fiber composite automotive parts and assemblies.

Following two dedicated days for trade professionals and global media, the 2012 Qatar Motor Show admits general public starting today from 4pm to 10pm. Over the weekend (Friday, Saturday), the motor show will have expanded hours, from 1pm to 10pm.

Organized by Qatar Tourism Authority, in partnership with Q.media Events and GL Events, the 2012 Qatar Motor Show is also hosting classic cars, motorbikes, prototypes and interactive games.

The main sponsor of the 2012 Qatar Motor Show is Qatar Holding LLC.  The Diamond Sponsor is Qatar Shell, and the Official Hotel Partner is the W Doha Hotel & Residences.   Alfardan Automobiles is offering BMW VIP transportation for the 2012 Qatar Motor Show being the official VIP transporter.

The 2012 Qatar Motor Show’s will have another trade and press day today (Tuesday, January 24), and will be open to the general public from January 25 (Wednesday) until January 28 (Saturday).