More than 85,000 automobile enthusiasts are expected to visit the 'Riyadh Motor Show,' the oldest auto event in the Middle East region, to be held in the Saudi capital from December 5 to 9.

The organisers have lined up an array of exciting activities for the 28th edition of the show to be held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

For the first time, the motor show will offer test drives to visitors who will have a rare opportunity to get behind the wheel of some of the finest vehicles in the world, said the organisers, Riyadh Exhibitions Company.

This edition of the show in particular holds major relevance to the Saudi automotive sector, which has been posting strong growth despite the global downturn, with sales expected to exceed SR69 billion in 2010, said Kamil Al Jawhari, project manager of Riyadh Motor Show at the Riyadh Exhibitions Company.

Among the factors fueling the industry are the country’s rapidly growing and predominantly young population, low tariffs on imported cars, high per capita income, low fuel costs and increased vehicle lending, he added.

'Saudi automobile sales for this year have again been at very high levels and have influenced an accompanying increase in demand for various parts and services. We expect a 30 per cent increase in our exhibition size this year compared to the previous edition that will precisely reflect the market’s sustained growth,' said Al Jawhari.

'We believe that this edition of Riyadh Motor Show will once again reflect the vibrancy of the Saudi automobile industry and reinforce the Kingdom’s status as the top automobile market in the Middle East,” Al Jawhari noted.

Besides showcasing the latest models of passenger cars, station wagons, SUVs, pick-up trucks, motorcycles, Special Purpose Vehicles, and 4x4 vehicles, Riyadh Motor Show 2010 will also cover automobile financing and insurance services.

Last year’s edition welcomed over 86,000 visitors, 68 per cent of whom were Saudi residents. The rest came from the Gulf (24 per cent) and other countries (8 per cent). Germany, Iran, Thailand, Australia, India, Italy and the UAE were represented during the 2009 event.
 
Running alongside the show is Saudi Autoshop 2010 – The 14th International Exhibition for Auto Repair Equipment, Tools, Parts and Accessories.

This accompanying event will feature the latest automobile accessories and repair service equipment; gas station equipment; automobile parts; tires, exhausts and batteries; and automobile care productsm, Al Jawhari said.-TradeArabia News Service