According to a study by the Ohio, USA-based Auto Strategies International, during the first half of 2001 auto makers sold 40,500 cars and commercial vehicles in the United Arab Emirates, representing an increase of 34 per cent compared to the same period in the year 2000, which saw 30,200 cars and commercial vehicles sold. Total UAE vehicle sales in the year 2000 were 76,500 cars and commercial vehicles sold.
Dubai’s 6th Middle East International Motor, held in November, was an opportunity for car manufacturers to report excellent results in 2001. General Motors Middle East reported record sales, with an increase of 31 per cent in the first half of 2001 compared to the same period of 2000 (Sales in 2000 were also excellent, rising 50 per cent over 1999). The US auto giant reported in the Dubai motor show that it had sold 23,000 vehicles in the six-month period to the end of June, compared to 26,500 in the full 12 months of 1999. In June alone, GM sold more than 6,000 vehicles, with the Chevrolet Caprice and the Chevrolet Lumina the top selling GM models. (www.albawaba.com)
