DOHA: The second international edition of the Qatar Motor Show is scheduled to take place in Doha from January 25 to 28, 2012, at the Doha Exhibitions Center. This was announced at the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (also known as the Frankfurt Motor Show), in Frankfurt by the organising officials of the 2012 Qatar Motor Show. January 23 and 24 have been reserved for press and trade professionals. A major 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 another major announcement will be made related to the electric vehicle and hybrid industry. Given the influence of the Frankfurt Motor Show as one of the largest and most important of international motor shows, Qatar Motor Show organisers held an open reception and press event for international media, introducing them to 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. 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,” said Ahmed Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority and one of the event’s organisers. “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. 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,” he said. An unprecedented 90,000 visitors attended the first edition of the three-day motor show in 2011. “The first international edition of the Qatar Motor Show exceeded our expectations on all levels. 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,” said Dany Hachem, group advisor for Q.media events. For 2012, it has been confirmed that all 36 brands that took part in the inaugural show have confirmed their presence for 2012. Also, 2012 edition will have some exciting and well known newcomers including Ferrari among others. Giada Michetti, CEO of GL events Italia, 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 organiszers are working on the Second Middle East Automotive Summit, titled “The New Age of Mobility”. For more information on the 2012 Qatar Motor Show, visit www.qatarmotorshow.gov.qa. The Peninsula

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