TOKYO, Japan (August 7, 2019) Lexus International today announced it sold 360,045 vehicles worldwide in the first six months of 2019 (January to June). This sales performance represents a 10% increase compared to the same period last year (January to June 2018).

2019CYTD sales performance reflects increased consumer demand for the new "ES," sedan and newly introduced "UX" crossover, as well as the overall expanded luxury market in China.

"We are honored that our vehicles are accepted by many consumers across the world. This year, the new RC F and RX will arrive to showrooms, and we are ready to attract a broader audience to the brand. Meanwhile, we continue to bring the latest features and thinking to vehicles, with ongoing attention to detail and craftsmanship for our customers. We endeavor to provide amazing experiences exceeding customers' expectations, through our vehicles and beyond, as a luxury lifestyle brand." said Lexus International President Yoshihiro Sawa.

2019 CYTD Sales Results by Region
North America:149K units (+1% vs LY)
China: 95K units (+36% vs LY) included Hong-Kong
Europe: 40K units (+5% vs LY)
Japan: 32K units (-4% vs LY)
Middle East: 16K units (+9% vs LY)
East Asia:18K units (+17% vs LY)

​Qatar, 26 May 2016- Al Fardan Sports Motor, the official importer of Ferrari in Qatar, announced the arrival of the brand new Ferrari GTC4Lusso at a glittering launch ceremony. The new four-seater marks a major evolution of the sporting Grand Tourer concept by integrating rear-wheel steering with four-wheel drive for the first time.

​The GTC4Lusso’s name references illustrious predecessors, such as the 330 GTC or its 2+2 sister model, the 330 GT and the 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso, which represented a sublime combination of elegance and high performance. The number 4 alludes to the car’s four comfortable seats.
 
Powered by a 12-cylinder engine, the GTC4Lusso punches out a massive 690 cv at a 8,000 rpm and peak torque of 697 Nm at 5,750 rpm, with 80% available at just 1,750 rpm, the GTC4Lusso delivers an astonishing top speed of 335 km/h and sprints from 0 to 100 km in 3.4 seconds. Both its 13.5:1 compression ratio and its 2.6 kg/cv weight-to-power-ratio set new records for the category. 

​“The GTC4Lusso brings unprecedented versatility to Ferrari driving, enabling our customers to discover a whole new dimension of Ferrari. The strikingly sporty coupe promises to satisfy customers with a thirst for speed and power, without compromising on in-car comfort, sporty elegance and impeccable detailing. Ferrari Qatar is always committed to deliver beyond our customer’s expectations and offer them the pleasure of driving a Ferrari anywhere, anytime,” said Charly Dagher, General Manager Ferrari Qatar at Alfardan Sports Motors.

Penned by Ferrari Design, the GTC4Lusso is a further refinement of the shooting brake coupé that comes with an extremely streamlined, tapered shape giving it an almost fastback-like silhouette. Its sporty soul is underscored by the forms and styling of the rear where the curve of the roof has been lowered whilst retaining enough volume to guarantee exceptional space and comfort for all four occupants, as well as an ample luggage compartment.
 
The supercar coupe’s interior exudes a flawless air of sporty luxury thanks to the carefully executed detailing. Its Dual Cockpit architecture is another first, designed to enhance the shared driving experience for both driver and passenger. The GTC4Lusso also debuts the new Infotainment platform featuring a 10.25” HD screen with capacitive touch technology. The new steering wheel is more compact thanks to a smaller air bag and the integrated controls are more ergonomic than ever, making for an even sportier driving experience.

​The Maserati Levante is a turning point in Maserati’s history. The luxury SUV, which made its World Premiere at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, has now arrived in Qatar. 

​The Levante name was inspired by a warm, Mediterranean wind that can change from mild to gale force in an instant, mirroring the character of the first Maserati SUV. It enables the Trident to access the largest luxury segment in the world and contributes to creating of the most complete product line-up in Maserati’s history.
“This is the first ever SUV by Maserati, so it is a complete game-changer, particularly in this region. Maserati is renowned for exotic sports cars, so our mission was not just to build an SUV, but to build a Maserati. Exciting times are ahead and we are glad to be able to offer Maserati aficionados a completely new experience,” said Charly Dagher, General Manager Maserati Qatar at Alfardan Sports Motors.

The Levante is based on the evolution of the sedan platform, designed exclusively by Maserati. The car chassis has been specifically developed to offer unique on-road drivability and competitive off-road capability, with day-to-day comfort and practicality.
The Levante’s design is distinctive and attractive, embracing the most valuable aesthetic elements of Italian style. Its design brings a new concept to the SUV world, combining spaciousness and coupé lines while achieving the best aerodynamic efficiency in its segment with a Cx coefficient of just 0.31.
The thoroughbred on-road handling typical of all Maserati cars and solid off-road capabilities, as demanded in the SUV segment, describe the car’s overall dynamic. The Levante is here to excite any sports car driver counting on performance-oriented features, such as the extensive use of lightweight materials, ideal 50-50% weight distribution and its lowest in class centre of gravity. 

​The Levante was designed to deliver best in class comfort on rough terrains and handling on snow and ice. The aluminium “double wishbone - five link” suspension layout comprises standard Air Springs and electronically controlled Skyhook shock absorbers combined with the intelligent Q4 All-Wheel-Drive system and the newly introduced Torque Vectoring system.
The Levante is equipped with the latest evolution of the Maserati 3-litre V6 engines, globally acclaimed for their unique Maserati signature sound and exceptional performance. The petrol Maserati V6 engine with latest GDI and twin turbo is available in two versions: the top of the range 430 hp and the exciting 350 hp. The most powerful Levante makes it to 100 km/h in 5.2” and has a top speed of 264 km/h, while the figures for the 350 hp version are 6.0” and 251 km/h respectively.
Both variants of the Maserati Levante adopt the eight-speed automatic ZF gearbox that provides seamless comfort and fast gear shifting, depending on the selected drive mode: “Normal”, I.C.E., “Sport” or “Off-road”.
The Levante has entered the SUV segment with a marked advantage in terms of new options and content, including: Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Forward Collision Warning and Brake Assist System, Lane Departure Warning, Surround View camera, the capacitive 8.4" Touch Screen display with brand new rotary control and a high level of customisation. The result is a driving experience that is as unique as the Maserati brand and its customers.
A new state-of-the-art production line was set up exclusively for the Levante in the historic Mirafiori plant. Maserati’s 100-year tradition of craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology guarantees outstanding quality right down to the tiniest of details.

​This past weekend, the world’s most influential yogis flocked to Burj Park Downtown Dubai for the region’s largest yoga festival of 2016, XYoga Dubai.
 
Cadillac’s first ever XT5 Luxury Crossover made a serene presence as the event, alongside world-renowned yoga mavens including Dashama Konah, Sadie Nardini and Suneel Singh to name but a few.
 
The inaugural XYoga was organized by Dubai Tourism and XDubai, 

​Qatar Racing Club, the home of motorsports in the Middle East in partnership with Jaidah Automotive, a subsidiary of Jaidah Group, and the exclusive dealer of Chevrolet motors in Qatar has announced the grand opening of The Camaro Drift School in at Qatar Racing Club, Street 52 Industrial Area

​Drifting as a technique has been used by drivers as early as the 1930s in rally races, enabling them to take a car beyond its limits. Participants would drift, or slide, around corners throughout a variety of road conditions, allowing them to maintain a high speed, instead of slowing down to take the turn. Mastering this technique then led to a flashier and more skilled drifting, with competitors each developing their own unique style.
 
The adrenaline rush and intensity of drifting has increased the popularity of the motorsport amongst young Qatari's and a national  effort to ensure that this generation of enthusiast drifters are safe on the roads is a focus for the region.  Originally, the pioneers of drifting were also outlaws with street drifting being the only way to learn.  The Camaro Drift School provides a brand new fleet of customized Chevrolet Camaros, a state of the art dynamic space and world class professional instructors, offering students an exceptional experience, where complete novices can learn to drift in high powered rear wheel Camaro cars.

"Qatar racing Club aims to help students achieve their ultimate drifting experience; we encourage all aspiring professionals to acquire the necessary skills to enjoy the art of drifting. The Camaro Drift School provides a safe environment for the community of Qatar to obtain necessary skills to enjoy the art of drifting. We are thrilled to partner once again with Jaidah automotive in promoting a secure and sustainable space for future generations of drifters to thrive and master this unique sport" said Fahad Bahzad Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Racing Club
 
As a motorsport discipline, professional drifting track days are held at Qatar Racing Club every week . The judged competition has six rounds and is held throughout the Qatar Racing Club season. The drifters are judged according to the speed, angle, and showmanship. Today the sport has evolved into one of the most popular driving experiences globally.
 
The Camaro Drift School will be provide a ROOKIE DRIFT TRAINING programme, which is divided into three levels designed to give student’s a basic step-by-step training of the key drift techniques utilized by professional drifters. The programme is developed to ensure that students are equipped with the essential drift techniques, ideal for anyone wanting to get a taste of what the sport of drifting is really like.
 
Khalid Samir, Director of Operations of Jaidah Automotive said, “Drifiting is a very popular sport in the region, we are delighted to partner with Qatar Racing Club as an official sponsor of the Camaro Drift school , continuing to support the national efforts to raise awareness of the importance of safety in motorsports in Qatar with passion and commitment."  He added "The school is a great opportunity to discover just how versatile the Camaro car really is, cementing Chevrolet's reputation as brand rooted in innovation and authenticity" 

​Mannai Auto Group and Cadillac hosted a special track day for its customers and VIP guests at the Losail Circuit on Saturday. The event welcomed the brand new Cadillac CTS-V and ATS-V models to Qatar in an event that saw specialized race drivers as well as select fans and journalists take a spin around the race track in the high performance Cadillacs. 

​Mr. Mohammed Helmy, Group General Manager, Mannai Auto said: “The V-Series vies for honors in a highly competitive performance category and is well worth the wait for our customers who placed advance orders last year for the 2016 models which have just become available. With the ATS-V and CTS-V, Cadillac is able to open a new avenue for automobile enthusiasts to fulfill their passion for high performance luxury cars. These cars are built for peak performance, but they are also cars that anyone can drive with ease. Regardless of skill level, they deliver powerful performance, supported by advanced safety and drive control systems with luxury only a Cadillac can bestow.”

​Mr. Felix Weller, Managing Director, Cadillac Middle East said: “With the launch of the last generation CTS-V in 2009, Cadillac entered an exclusive and elite segment of performance sedans, without any compromise on comfort. The all-new CTS-V is the first car to combine sophisticated road manners expected in this segment with track-readiness as a factory standard, while setting a benchmark for power in its class. The 2016 CTS-V is simply awe-inspiring.”
Mr. Weller said the response from performance fans across the region has been overwhelming and that Cadillac expected similar enthusiasm when the CTS-V and ATS-V (both couple and sedan) are available for everyone to explore at the upcoming Qatar Motor Show at the end of January.  

The V-Series represents the very best of what the Cadillac brand can do. It is a showcase of the brand’s ability to bring design, performance and technology together in an expressive package.
The 2016 CTS-V, which graced the Losail track, introduced a new supercharged 6.2L V-8 engine certified at 640 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque. With more horsepower and torque than its main segment competitors, the new CTS-V is capable of 0-96kph performance in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 322 kph.

The ATS-V, meanwhile, is an all-new addition to Cadillac’s family and arrives in the region with a strong pedigree to uphold. Powered by the first-ever twin-turbocharged engine in a V-Series, it is rated at 464 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque. The engine is the segment’s highest-output six-cylinder and enables 0-96 kph performance in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 304 kph.
The new Cadillac Twin Turbo engine supports comprehensively redesigned chassis, suspension and drivetrain systems developed to make the ATS-V one of the most agile, responsive and confident luxury performance cars on the market.
Both V-Series models are backed by a paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission featuring launch control and Performance Algorithm Shifting.

​V-Series performance features don’t stop there. Both models have an available Performance Data Recorder which allows drivers to record high-definition video, with data overlays of their driving experiences on and off the track. Drivers can capture real-time video, cabin audio and performance data.
It also allows enthusiasts to share their personal track results with friends on social media. The system is controlled via Cadillac CUE’s color touch screen, and recordings can be reviewed on the screen when the vehicle is parked.
Cadillac’s CUE infotainment system is also new and improved, with a faster processor for responsiveness, and phone projection capability. Other conveniences include text-to-voice which converts incoming text messages to speech and reads them over the audio system speakers.
For those seeking even more convenience, the segment flagship CTS-V offers front and rear park assist, as well as Automatic Park Assist – which enables the car to park itself in parallel and perpendicular spaces – as well as a Curbview Camera for a lower-front view of the CTS-V to help when parking.

Mercedes-Benz's classic off-roader is beginning a new chapter of its success story which has spaned more than 35 years. With its continuously improved technology and high-class equipment specification, this cult all-terrain vehicle has consistently satisfied the highest expectations of off-road fans.

The G-Class models, G 500 and G 63, offer up to 16 percent more power with the added benefit of lower fuel consumption. The range includes the G 500 with a new, powerful 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine. A new suspension setup, together with more sensitive ESP® control results in increased driving stability, safety and road comfort. The exterior and interior have also been given an upgrade. At the same time, an exclusive AMG special edition will be available.

The new 8-cylinder powerplant in the G 500 can point to an exclusive heritage. It is based on the new generation of Mercedes-AMG V8 engines that have already coaxed exceptional levels of performance out of the Mercedes-AMG GT and Mercedes-AMG C 63. For use in the G-Class, the V8 has been modified to deliver 310 kW (422 hp) with torque of 610 Nm. Other standout attributes include a spontaneous response and high tractive power which are made possible, for example, by two turbochargers, which instead of being configured on the outside of the cylinder banks are arranged between them in the V – the so-called "hot inside V". This layout allows a compact design, optimal response and low exhaust emissions. 

High efficiency is ensured by Mercedes‑Benz's use of piezo direct petrol injection with spray-guided combustion. Maximum strength with lowest possible weight is guaranteed by the aluminium crankcase of the V8 engine. The cylinder bore surfaces feature Daimler's NANOSLIDE® technology, which makes them twice as hard as conventional cast-iron linings. This minimises both internal friction and fuel demand.

“The G-Class always wants to get ahead. With its peerless characteristics, proven technology, unsurpassed driving comfort and excellent functionality, the G-Class is a clear icon in the segment of true off-roaders. The new model will be highly welcomed by car enthusiasts in the Middle East as the G-Class offers them what they are always looking for - The best or nothing,” said Dirk Fetzer, Director of Sales & Marketing at Daimler Middle East & Levant.

Both the G 500 and Mercedes-AMG G 63 are equipped as standard with an ECO start/stop function that reduces fuel consumption and emissions by switching off the engine when the vehicle is at rest, e.g. in a traffic jam or at traffic lights.

As is typical of the G-Class, the new models retain the familiar sturdy basis of body and ladder-type frame, which still offers generous reserves to cope with the increased power. Also retained is the unrivalled off-road performance with permanent all-wheel drive, low-range gearbox and three differential locks that can be engaged/disengaged while on the move.

The standard suspension setup has been revised with optimised shock absorbers for improved control of body movements and even greater on-road ride comfort. An adapted ESP® setup makes for enhanced driving dynamics together with increased driving stability and road safety. Optimisations to ASR and ABS result in improved traction while shortening the stopping distance when braking.

In addition, the G 500 is optionally available with a new adaptive damping system with Sport and Comfort modes. This provides a significantly more agile on-road performance in Sport mode with undiminished off-road capability while at the same time reducing the typical SUV roll on corners.

Enhanced inside and out

Visually, the new G 500 models are especially easy to identify by their restyled bumpers and now standard AMG flared wheel arches in the colour of the vehicle.
On the inside, the G 500 feature an eye-catching instrument cluster in two-tube look with 11.4 cm multifunction display and redesigned pointers and dials. The two AMG models also sport a redesigned instrument cluster.

New choice of colours

A new Colour package is available for customers wishing to give their AMG G-Class an even more personal look. There are exclusive exterior paint finishes in solar beam, tomato red, alien green, sunset beam and galactic beam. Detachable parts such as mirrors, front and rear bumpers, wheel arch extensions, the ring around the spare wheel cover as well as the roof are painted in obsidian black. The interior topstitching is colour-matched to the paintwork. 

The renowned Nissan Patrol has been made even more capable off-road with the World Premier launch of the Desert Edition – a new model conceptualized and developed in collaboration with the Middle East’s most famous and influential motorsports personality, Dr Mohammed Ben Sulayem, specifically for this region.

The Nissan Patrol Desert Edition made its global debut at the 13th annual Dubai Motor Show, affirming Nissan’s customer-centric commitment to delivering tailored models for regional consumers.

Managing Director of Nissan Middle East, Samir Cherfan, said: “The development of the Nissan Patrol Desert Edition followed a research study that we conducted in the GCC, which outlined that our consumers wanted an ultimate off-roading version of the Patrol tailored to the region. The Nissan Patrol already occupies a unique place in the hearts and minds of off-road enthusiasts in the Middle East, teamed with the survey results we believed it was fitting for us to offer a special Desert Edition for its fans here. With his vast and unparalleled levels of experience, it was clear that there was nobody better to partner with than Dr Ben Sulayem. It is not only the ultimate Nissan Patrol but is also, without a doubt, the most capable vehicle there is for exploring this region’s unique and challenging terrain.”

Visually identifiable with special ‘Desert Edition’ and ‘MBS’ badges, this new model is based on the Nissan Patrol LE, powered by Nissan’s powerful 5.6L V8 engine that generates a formidable 400hp and 560Nm of torque. It is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission that incorporates manual mode and synchronised rev control – a set up that guarantees unmatched driving enjoyment, whatever the terrain. 

With Dr Ben Sulayem’s personal involvement, the mighty Nissan Patrol is now even more capable. Its suspension has been specially tuned after extensive and punishing sessions of desert testing. Having spent so much of his time competing in some of the harshest conditions on earth, Dr Ben Sulayem went further still and specified special equipment to ensure the Desert Edition won’t ever be caught short.

“To lend my initials to any vehicle, it has to be the best of its kind,” says Dr Ben Sulayem of his involvement in the Desert Edition project. “It was particularly thrilling for me to have so much influence over the technical specification of what was already the ultimate off-road machine. With my decades of first-hand experience competing in – and winning – the toughest off-road events in the world, this new Nissan Patrol Desert Edition has been developed to be the very best.”

The Nissan Desert Edition is being launched to further build on this unique heritage and take the Nissan Patrol greater heights. The Nissan Patrol’s platform is ideal for such a transformation, being incredibly versatile and adaptable, and the sheer number of these desert heroes still in regular use after decades of pounding the dunes is testament to the model’s inestimable build integrity.

Nissan’s comprehensive market research, carried out across the GCC, has proved there will be significant demand for the Desert Edition. To maintain its exclusivity, the new model will be available in strictly limited numbers and is sure to become highly prized by drivers throughout the region who have a keen sense of adventure and a taste for exploration.

“The standard equipment included in the Nissan Patrol Desert Edition makes this the ‘must-have’ full-size SUV in the marketplace for any desert driving enthusiast. As it is based on the Nissan Patrol LE, neither luxury nor refinement has been compromised in its development. There really is no other vehicle like it and it further solidifies the Nissan Patrol’s deserved reputation as the ‘Hero of All Terrains in Life,” continued Cherfan.

The new Nissan Patrol Desert Edition is priced at $69,430 USD in the UAE. Prices per market will vary from region to region. 

Middle east second highest growth market

The Middle East continues to cement its position as a key market for Cadillac, which reported 18% year to date sales growth in the region.
This makes the region one of the highest growth markets for the brand globally, second only to Mexico.
Felix Weller, Managing Director for Cadillac Middle East said that the brand’s focus on breaking away from convention has been the key driver behind the brand’s success.

“We have been focusing on differentiating ourselves. We concentrate on unique design, advanced technologies and emotive driving dynamics. This makes Cadillac bold but not ostentatious, and we are delighted that more and more customers here are identifying with that,” he said.

The flagship Escalade SUV continues to grow in popularity, with a 60% increase in sales over last year. At the other end of the scale, sales of the entry-level ATS range were up 16%.

The increasing growth in popularity of Cadillac has given rise to an aggressive portfolio expansion plan that will see the introduction of eight new vehicles over the next few years. It is a plan that this region has already played a role in.

“Cadillac takes its Middle East market very seriously, which is why it was a strategic decision to hold the global reveal of the first-ever XT5 crossover in Dubai last month,” Weller said.

“During the Dubai International Motor Show we also hosted the regional debut of the CT6 prestige sedan. This received a very warm welcome at our Motor Show stand; I never saw the car without people in or around it.”

Two more vehicles in the new lineup, the performance ATS-V and CTS-V Series are due to hit showrooms in the coming weeks.

·      New hybrid race car for the 2016 Le Mans 24 Hours
·      Unchanged driver line-up in the DTM
·      High demand for new Audi R8 LMS GT3 sports car

Audi Sport has fundamentally re-designed the Audi R18 for the 2016 season. The LMP1 race car that competes in the Le Mans 24 Hours and in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) features innovative aerodynamics, represents the next stage in lightweight design and has a modified hybrid system with lithium-ion batteries for energy storage, plus an efficiency-optimized TDI engine.

“With our new Audi R18, we’re setting a clear signal: Audi continues to put the pedal to the metal in motorsport, deliberately relying on TDI – the world’s most successful automotive efficiency technology – at Le Mans,” says Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich.

In the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) that will start at Silverstone (Great Britain) on April 17, Audi Sport Team Joest will be fielding two new Audi R18 cars. In the interest of maximum cost efficiency, Audi and its Group sister brand Porsche, have both agreed to each compete in the Le Mans 24 Hours, the WEC season’s pinnacle event, with only two instead of the most recent three cars.

In the DTM, Audi relies on continuity. All of the eight drivers that were in the field in 2015, scoring ten Audi victories in 18 races, will remain on board. The only change: Adrien Tambay and Nico Müller are swapping teams. Audi Sport expects this move to provide the brand’s two youngest DTM drivers with new impulses. The eight Audi RS 5 DTM cars will continue to be fielded by the long-standing Audi Sport Teams Abt Sportsline, Phoenix and Rosberg.

In GT racing, the development of the new Audi R8 LMS has been completed and deliveries to customers have begun. Due to the high demand, Audi Sport customer racing is exploring possibilities to expand the production scheduled for the 2016 season. Originally, 45 cars were planned.

Audi customer teams will be fielding the new Audi R8 LMS on four continents in the 2016 season. In the Audi R8 LMS Cup in Asia, the new model will be debuting in 2016 as well. Special highlights on the calendar of Audi Sport customer racing are the two 24-hour races at the Nürburgring (D) and at Spa (B), the 12-hour race at Bathurst (AUS) and the FIA GT World Cup in Macau (MAC).

Following its successful inaugural season, the Audi Sport TT Cup will again be held as part of the supporting program of selected DTM events. The number of permanent entrants will increase from 18 to 20. The final selection of the young drivers will be made following an evaluation course at Vallelunga (I) on December 4/5. In total, quattro GmbH received 125 applications from 35 nations.

“We’re proud about being able to again represent the Audi brand in 2016 with such an extensive commitment in motorsport,” says Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “The new Audi R18 marks a major step that we’re expecting a lot of at Le Mans and in the WEC. In the DTM, we already had the strongest car in 2015. That’s what we’d like to build upon. Plus, the high demand for the new Audi R8 LMS is equally gratifying as the many young talents that are interested in the Audi Sport TT Cup.”