McLaren Automotive is set to continue rapid expansion in the Middle East and Africa, with the McLaren P1, the first of a new breed of hypercars, due to be delivered to customers in the coming weeks.

The British car manufacturer is also seeing an increasing demand for McLaren 12C and 12C Spider, indicating that it is entering a critical period of growth in the region, said a senior official.

Regional director for the Middle East and Africa Ian Gorsuch, said: “When the McLaren P1 hits the roads of the Middle East later this year it will turn heads like no car has ever done before."

“The Middle East region will also see a number of customers among the first in the world to take delivery of the McLaren P1,” he said.

“The regional market is particularly important and fascinating as luxury and sports car owners are very discerning.  While a demanding market, we are confident that the end of 2013 will be a success for McLaren,” Gorsuch added.

Only 375 McLaren P1s are being built for customers worldwide, with just over 10 per cent destined for the Middle East. This is an increase on the percentage of the company’s core sports cars, the 12C and 12C Spider.

The car features IPAS (Instant Power Assist System) – with a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine coupled to an electric motor that produces more than double the power of the KERS unit used in Formula 1. It was designed using the same aerodynamic systems and technology as a Formula 1 car.

The 12C and 12C Spider sales are also exceeding expectations in the region with nearly 150 car sales predicted for 2013. - TradeArabia News Service