(MENAFN Press) Sales of pickup trucks are on the rise in the Middle East, with two of the leading manufacturers, General Motors and Ford, reporting impressive growth.
According to General Motors' dealers in the Middle East, total sales of Chevrolet Silverado, Avalanche & Colorado and GMC Sierra increased by 26 per cent in August due to a strong performance by Silverado, the sales of which surged by 134 per cent during the month.
"Pickups are a common sight on city roads, with thousands of businesses still relying on them to transport goods, while they have become indispensible for numerous families. Similar to high-end cars, pickups are part of the high life for many, thus setting a trend for modification of these vehicles to suit one's personal tastes and requirements," said Mr Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, Director-General of Expo Centre Sharjah.
Experts say that while there are several facilities for car customization, there are not many workshops in the country that can carry out decent modification works on trucks. They also point out that one needs to consider the safety aspect and the quality of the work. Besides, if it is a new vehicle, its owner needs to be aware about what happens to the validity of warranty offered by the manufacturer.
"Newer generations have given a fresh twist to this craze, by ensuring their pickup trucks stand out among thousands of other vehicles on the roads. It is difficult to miss those different types of exhausts, rims, colours and accessories," pointed out Mr Midfa.
Providing insights on how to go about getting a new look for trucks, the forthcoming Middle East Motor Tuning Show is set to feature a live modification of a pickup truck.
During the three days of the show, which will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from March 15 to 17, 2012, a team of professionals from G-Force Performance will provide a complete makeover on a GMC Sierra.
"Safety has to be the first priority while modifying pickups. Though you might be looking for better mileage, better looks or improved performance. Some modifications may be illegal, while some could alter your vehicle's driveability. Others may be potentially damaging. At MEMTS, we will show you how to do it the right way," said Mohammed Al Ghandi, General Manager, G-Force Performance.
The Sierra makeover will provide truck owners and lovers with a clear perspective on how to get things done in the right way. The Sierra will undergo a total transformation, with an incredible 22" rims and tyres, new suspension kit, plenty of high quality accessories and a new exhaust system.
Some of the brands that will be used on the vehicle body include SS Street Scene Ground Effects Kit, GM Accessories Grill and Chrome package, ANZO Lights front and rear, GM Bedliner, Leer Hard Tonneau cover, and GM Assist Steps, among others.
On the performance front, the vehicle will be enhanced with Ground Force lowering kit, MagnaFlow catback exhaust system and Magnuson TVS1900 Supercharger.
Other activities at the show includes Drifting Arenas, Airbrush Contest, Raceroom competition, Car Audio contest and Custom Car competition
