The leading names in the auto industry - from the classic car makers for Superman and James Bond to the modern motoring favourites of Donald Trump and Prince William - will be out in force at this year’s Dubai International Motor Show.

The region’s premier motor event, now in its 22nd year, will run from November 10 to 14, said event organisers Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

The event presents an excellent business platform for the entire spectrum of motoring, from family saloons to off road vehicles and motorbikes, as well as many of the spectacular elite brands.

It will launch the latest models, parade the greatest designs and present the best business opportunities in a region which is famous for its infatuation with motoring.

As one of the most important premier car markets in the world, the Middle East is a magnet for the manufacturers whose brands have become bywords for style, elegance, speed and luxury, said the DWTC in a statement.

The rise in car sales across all classes for the beginning of 2011 has been phenomenal, with many of the leading manufacturers recording exceptional trade, they said.

According to General Motors, the figures for the Middle East were up by 21 per cent for February compared to the same month last year and Ford declared a remarkable 51 per cent increase in the first quarter sales compared to last year.

AGMC, the authorised Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Dealer in Dubai, Sharjah & Northern Emirates Rolls Royce, for instance, recorded a 178 per cent growth in sales in the first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010, and Bugatti recently announced that the Middle East now accounts for around 30 per cent of worldwide sales.

The Motor Show is not only a showpiece for enthusiasts, it presents an ideal business arena for all auto dealers, distributors and franchisees who either already operate in the region or are looking to expand, said a senior DWTC official.

“The Middle East has always attracted a significant market share of high-end motoring brands and manufacturers,” remarked CEO Helal Saeed Almarri.

'The potential for domestic growth and international expansion makes the Dubai motor show a unique prospect for those businesses,' he added.

With Mercedes posting early 2011 figures up by 14 per cent on the previous year, and Bentley stating that the region accounts for one in every 10 of their cars sold globally, the motor show is sure to draw customers and companies looking to invest in elite brands.

George Duncan, general manager of Bentley Emirates said: “We are in a region that is synonymous with luxury vehicles and there is every sign of that bond growing stronger. The Bentley, Bugatti and McLaren brands typify the classic images of prestige motoring and there is no doubt that Middle East owners and drivers expect the ultimate products.'

'The Dubai show is an excellent way for us to present those products and also for our potential clients to experience them. For us it is an essential date in the diary,' Duncan added.

Top brands which have already signed up for the show include Audi, Aston Martin, Bentley, Bugatti, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ferrari, Ford, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Infinity, Jeep, Kia, Koenigsegg, Lamborghini, Lexus, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.

The first time exhibitors include Invader Technologies, Lotus, MG, McLaren and Spyker, he said.-TradeArabia News Service