Frankfurt, Germany - Organizing officials of the 2012 Qatar Motor Show took the opportunity to meet with international media arriving in Frankfurt for the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (also known as the Frankfurt Motor Show) and announced new and exciting details about the next edition of the show. The second international edition of the Qatar Motor Show is scheduled to take place in Doha from January 25to 28, 2012, at the Doha Exhibitions Center. January 23 and 24 have been reserved for press and trade professionals.
Given the influence of the Frankfurt Motor Show as one of the largest and most important of international motor shows, Qatar Motor Show organizers held an open reception and press event for international media, introducing them to the State of Qatar not only as a top business and exhibition destination in the Middle East, but also as a rising player in shaping the automotive industry in the region.
Addressing international journalists during a press conference at the Roomers Hotel in Frankfurt, Mr. Al Nuaimi was joined by Mrs. Giada Michetti, CEO of GL events Italia and Mr. Dany Hachem, group advisor for Q.media events, and provided some details and insight into the 2012 Qatar Motor Show.
Among the exciting news was confirmation that an announcement about Formula 1 will be made at the Qatar Motor Show. This is the first time such an announcement has been made in the Middle East – and the event will not come without ceremony.
It was also revealed that a major announcement will be made related to the electric vehicle and hybrid industry.
Boosted by the success of the inaugural edition, it was announced that an expansion of the exhibition space was required to accommodate the increased demand for space by exhibitors. Also confirmed was the presence of the world's most well-known car manufacturers, hints of new car reveals and concept cars, and multiple entertainment activities that will keep everyone interested in visiting the show.
“Qatar, as a country, has grown in stature on the world stage over the past half decade,” stated Mr. Ahmed Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority and one of the event’s organizers. “In 2022 our country will host the FIFA World Cup. This year we will host the Pan Arab Games and the 20th World Petroleum Congress. We are also bidding for the 2017 World Athletic Championships and the 2020 Olympics.”
Mr. Al Nuaimi continued: “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.”
“The first international edition of the Qatar Motor Show exceeded our expectations on all levels,” said Mr. Hachem. “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. The 2011 Qatar Motor Show was an exceptional event. We are working to make the 2012 edition bigger, more engaging and more entertaining for everyone.”
An unprecedented 90,000 visitors attended the 3-day motor show in 2011. Organizers are well aware that the benchmark has been set for the 2012 Qatar Motor Show. For 2012, it has been confirmed that all 36 brands that took part in the inaugural show have confirmed their presence for 2012: Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Bugatti, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Citroen, CMC, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Honda, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Lotus, Maserati, Mercedes, Mini, Nissan, Peugeot, Porsche, Proton, Range Rover, Rolls Royce, Skoda, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo and ZX Auto. Organizers hinted at some exciting and well known newcomers for 2012 – including Ferrari among others.
Announcements of previews and new car reveals are of great interest to motor show visitors. Without offering specifics, Mr. Al Nuaimi assured journalists that the previews for 2012 will be just as unforgettable as those at the 2011 show. The 2011 Qatar Motor Show witnessed the dazzling unveiling of Volkswagen’s most fuel-efficient car – the XL1 – and there was great interest at the press event about what Volkswagen will do in 2012 in Qatar given its investment relationship with the country. Mrs. Michetti confirmed the presence of the Volkswagen group at the 2012 Qatar Motor Show, but details about the products to be showcased were not yet revealed.
Mrs. Michetti also confirmed the partnership with Car Coachbuilders Group of the ANFIA (the Italian National Car Industry Supply Chain Association) again for 2012. The Qatar Motor Show will host an area dedicated to concept cars, super cars and prototypes of some of the most prestigious names in automobile design and in the production of special Italian-made bodies.
The organizers are working on the Second Middle East Automotive Summit, titled “The New Age of Mobility”. The summit, scheduled for January 23, serves as a platform for discussion and debate among industry leaders on the future of mobility, and involves different governmental authorities of Qatar, representatives of the business communities of Qatar, the GCC and around the Middle East as well as top managers in the automotive, components, energy and services sectors.
Also presented during the press event was the new promotional campaign for the Qatar Motor Show. The campaign was conceived by Armando Testa, one of the leading creative agencies in Europe. The new campaign intends to reinforce the show's international position by combining the profile of a dream car with Doha's ultramodern futuristic skyline. The slogan, "Motor Show. Up to you.", is an invitation to the public to become the stars of an experience with high thrill content.
For more information on the 2012 Qatar Motor Show, visit www.qatarmotorshow.gov.qa.
