(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The UAE leads automobile sales growth in the world in 2012 as the country expects a significant boost in sales over last year, according to an industry expert.
It is estimated that automobile sales in the UAE will record a more-than-25 per cent growth in 2012 compared to last year. In 2011, there was a nine per cent growth in sales compared to previous year.
The country's total industry volume is expected to touch 305,000 vehicles this year compared to 243,000 sold in 2011, Arabian Automobiles chief executive officer Michel Ayat told Khaleej Times at the 11th International Automobile Show in Sharjah.
The credit goes to the country's leadership for creating the safe environment that brigs economic stability in the country, mainly contributed by tourism, trade and logistic sectors, Ayat added.
Talking about the UAE's leading role in automobile sales in the world, he said: "It's a significant and phenomenal growth this year, compared to low single-digit in the US, negative growth in Europe and four to five per cent [growth] in China."
"Our sales are expected to cross 40,000 units, which will give us a significant market share in the territory we operate," he said.
GCC sales
Total auto sales in GCC countries is also expected to achieve a significant growth this year. "This year, the GCC region recorded a 21 per cent auto sales up to October and this is extremely phenomenal compared to one per cent last year," Ayat said.
For the first time, the GCC's total industry volume is estimated to reach 1.35 million units, which will cross the peak mark witnessed in 2008, he added. Ayat mentioned that there many reasons for this great growth in the region, which include high profitability on sustainable oil prices that attracted many infrastructure projects and new industrial units in the region.
"We cannot ignore growth in population as one of the reasons and migration of families and businesses due to Arab Spring to the GCC, which emerged as a safe haven during the political crisis time in some countries."
Sharjah show
The International Automobile Show is a great platform for major car manufacturers and dealers in the UAE to showcase their products and, over the years, it has continued to attract both serious car shoppers looking to find out more about the latest products, as well as automotive enthusiasts who simply love cars.
Spread over 1,324sqm and featuring a line-up of 14 models from Nissan and eight models from its luxury brand Infiniti, the Arabian Automobiles stand is one of the largest at the show that is being held at Expo Centre Sharjah, which concludes today. Visitors to the Nissan and Infiniti stands can also avail of special offers on car purchases made during the show.
The group has been participating at the Sharjah auto show since its inception, Ayat said, adding: "We have been in Sharjah since the first time because the market in the emirate is very important for the automobile business.
Our participation in this event is indicative of our commitment to the Sharjah government and our customers in the city and Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah."
"We have invested heavily in the market. There are already two 3S facilities in the emirate and another landmark showroom of the group worth Dh200 million is also coming up in the first quarter of 2013."
Taking centre stage at the Arabian Automobiles Nissan stand is all-new 2013 Nissan Altima and the all-new NV350 Urvan which were launched in the region recently.
As part of the Infiniti line-up, the all-new 2013 Infiniti JX and the world's most exclusive crossover, the Infiniti FX Vettel Edition, will be showcased.
Revealed recently in Dubai, the 2013 Infiniti JX has been designed to excel in the areas that crossover buyers desire most - interior flexibility and roominess, safety, and advanced hospitality features.
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