Held under the patronage H.E. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Prime Minister and Interior Minister of the State of Qatar, the 6^th annual Qatar Motor Show closed its doors after an action-packed five days. Inaugurated by H.E. Mr. Jassem Bin Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti, the Minister of Transport and Communication of the State of Qatar, the exhibition has thrilled motor fans of all ages.

More than 40 brands were on display giving visitors the unique opportunity to bask in over 20 GCC and local premieres from leading car makers that chose Qatar to launch their new models.

In addition, 2016 saw the return of daily car parades by Mawatar. Taking Qatar Motor Show to the streets of West Bay, residents were able to witness exciting parades featuring local groups such as FJ Cruiser Club, Jeep Club Qatar, Qatar Mustang Club, Mopar Qatar Club showcasing Dodge Challengers and Qatar’s Camaro Club. Harley Owners Group, featuring the Ladies of Harley, were also present.

The showroom revealed the first ever concept sports car designed in Qatar. Conceptualised by Texas A&M University at Qatar graduate Abdulwahab Ziaullah, the model was brought to life in partnership with Ali Bin Ali Group. The Qatar Motor Show also welcomed the inspirational global automotive designer Horacio Pagani, Automotive Entrepreneur and Founder and CEO of Pagani Automobili, as a special guest. Pagani shared his industry insights and experiences as the founder and creative force behind the company responsible for the award winning Zonda and Huayra. Other draws included Carbondrone, showcasing the lightest and fastest carbon fibre drone on the market, and Performance Technology, introducing turbo-charged motorcycles

Audi used Qatar Motor Show 2016 to unveil five new models, including three regional premieres for the Audi RS Q3, SQ5, S8, plus the all new R8 and A4. Porsche, another member of the VW Group, also chose Qatar to premiere the new 911 range, comprising the 911 Carrera 4S, 911 Targa 4S, 911 Turbo S and the all new Macan GTS.

In addition, Volkswagen unveiled the Golf GTI Clubsport, the new Passat and the new generation of the best-selling Tiguan. Thomas Milz, Managing Director, Volkswagen Middle East said: “This year’s Qatar Motor Show at the DECC provides a unique and synergetic platform to showcase the new Tiguan, an all-access vehicle for a new era.”

Following its recent global debut in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Alfardan Sports Motors unveiled the Ferrari 488 Spider for the first time in Qatar. Also featuring at Alfardan Motors were the limited edition BMW 7 Series Solitaire, the most expensive BMW ever built, and the regional premier of the BMW M2. Mr. Ihab Allam, General Manager of Alfardan Automobiles, commented: “The Qatar Motor Show has become one of the most important yearly automotive events in the region. Our support for this year’s event is evident with the regional debut of the BMW M2 Coupé. As the biggest market for the M models in the Middle East, this is a fitting location to make its first appearance.”

At the luxury end of the scale, Rolls Royce used Qatar Motor Show for the first public unveiling in Doha of the Rolls-Royce Dawn. As well as the Rolls-Royce Dawn, visitors viewed a bespoke Rolls-Royce Wraith, conceptualised by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Doha, as well as the quintessential Rolls Royce Phantom.

Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles took the opportunity to premiere four new models from Mercedes, including the new Mercedes Benz A-Class 250 Sport, the G500 Square, the C450 AMG and the C300 Coupe. The group also introduced visitors to the new light-passenger vehicle brand, Maxus, and unveiled the all new Mitsubishi Montero Sport. Sheikh Nawaf bin Nasser, Chairman & CEO of NBK Automobiles said: “Qatar Motor Show is one of the most prominent events in the region. Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles are once more giving the visitors a chance to have a close look at a selective collection of its luxurious and sport cars that are considered a benchmark in the luxury segment in this exhibition.”

Visitors to Qatar Motor Show were also privy to the latest line-up of performance vehicles under the Nissan Nismo brand, the GTR Nismo, the 370Z Nismo and the Patrol Nismo, as well the latest tune-up for the Patrol – the “Desert Edition.” Declan McCluskey, General Manager, automotive at Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana Company said: “The Desert Edition of Nissan’s legendary Patrol has been specially developed to be the best vehicle for off-road driving. With the abilities of this incredible vehicle, the Patrol Desert Edition will address one of the most popular customer needs in Qatar.”

United Cars Almana and Almana Motors Company unveiled the new 4x4 and SUV models, showcasing the 2016 Ford Ranger, the 2016 Ford Explorer and the 2016 Ford Edge, plus revealing the all new Jeep Renegade.

In the small car segment, MINI premiered the brand new MINI Hatch Convertible and the all-new MINI Clubman model. Renault unveiled the regional premiere for the Clio RS and Toyota headlined the regional reveal for the Toyota Prius, offering visitors the chance to experience a virtual test drive at their stand.

Additional reveals came courtesy of Mannai Automotive Group, who showcased the new shape GMC Sierra and Terrain 2016, plus regional premiers from Cadillac of the 2017 CT6, 2017 XT5, as well as the new 2016 ATS-V Sedan and Coupe, and the 2016 Escalade ESV. Infiniti also revealed the regional premier of the QX50.

Qatar Motor Show also featured regional premieres for two exciting new race concepts; the FT1 from Toyota, and the Lexus RC F GT3.

Qatar Motor Show is an exhibition hosted by Qatar Tourism Authority as part of the long-term Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030 vision to attract more tourists to the country. The event forms part of the strategy to position Qatar as a premium business events destination. Since its inception, Qatar Motor Show has become one of the most anticipated regional consumer and trade shows on Qatar’s annual events calendar.

For more information on the event, please visit or follow the Qatar Motor Show 2016 via the websiteand official hashtag #QMS2016,or Instagram Facebook, Twitter, Snap Chat and YouTube.

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