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Visiting Monaco Top Cars Collection Museum

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We had the privilege to visit the Monaco Top Cars Collection or as the locals would like to call it The Cars Collection of H.S.H. the Prince of Monaco during the month of April 2018.

As soon as you enter the premises you will be captivated by an array of Formula One cars that is breathtaking beyond compare, just a few meters away the trip back in time starts with amazing Rally cars that took part in Monaco Racing series. On top of that, you get the chance to enjoy the history of Monaco throughout its special edition cars and vehicles used by the Royal Family in multiple special occasions.

Before taking you on a journey through time, I would like to start with a brief history of this amazing collection.

At the end of the 1950s, the car enthusiast Prince Rainier III began collecting old cars. His collection gradually grew over the years as he acquired more and more models, and the garage at the Prince’s Palace soon emerged as too small to contain this collection of around a hundred stunning streamlined and sporty cars, from majestic bodywork to gleaming hoods and regal radiator grills!

In 1993, Prince Rainier III, therefore, decided to open his precious collection to the public by establishing the Top Cars Collection Museum located on the Terrasse de Fontvieille. The exhibition spans 5 000 m2 and is unique in the world, bringing together around a hundred-odd different cars, from a 1903 DE DION BOUTON to the 2013 LOTUS F1 via HISPANO SUIZA, ROLLS ROYCE, LINCOLN, FACEL VEGA, DELAGE, DELAHAYE, PACKARD, HUMBER, NAPIER, FERRARI, MASERATI, LAMBORGHINI, ALFA ROMEO, the LEXUS used for the royal wedding in 2011, and without forgetting the racing cars seen at the Monte Carlo Rally and the Formula 1s from the Monaco Grand Prix.

You really can’t get enough as you move from one car to another, it is a dream come true for car fanatics and car collectors and is a must visit if you ever pass by Monaco. We would like to share with you some stories we picked up as we move along the Automotive Journey of the Royal Family:

The Humber 350 cc a motorcycle from 1902 driven by Prince Albert I to go from Monaco to his castle of Marchais in Aisne.

Next down the memory lane was the story of Prince Rainier and his faithful mechanic next to the DEUTSCH BONNET before the start of the Tour of France Automobile in 1953.

Moving up the timeline, was The New 1959 Renault Floride that was received by Princess Grace from Renault manufacturer in the Courtyard of the Princely Palace.

Fast Forward to the 2nd of July 2011 with the wedding of HSH Prince Albert II and the Princess Charlène in the LEXUS Hybrid specially coated in Landaulet.

Other notable cars in the collection were there as well to stun you including the Bugatti Type 35 driven by William Grover-Williams that won the inaugural Monaco Grand Prix in 1929, and Sébastien Loeb’s Citroën DS3 WRC, which he drove to victory in the 2013 Monte Carlo Rally.

The cars collection of HSH the Prince of Monaco is a unique collection of exceptional vehicles combining luxury with rarity.

We had a blast while going on a time-travelling journey in the middle of these amazing machine that ranges from late 1800 till nowadays.

ENJOY THE VIDEO BELOW

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In the News Interviews and Reports

First electric Ferrari faster than original: ‘It absolutely decimated it’

Source : CNN

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Back in 2016, Ferrari boss Sergio Marchionne said an electric Ferrari would be “obscene”. What’s the point of a silent Ferrari when the aggressive sound of its engine is a crucial part of the driving experience, he argued.

And while Marchionne has since changed his stance, admitting that the luxury automaker will move towards electrification by 2020, Hutchinson couldn’t wait that long, so he spent thousands of hours restoring and modernising his vintage 1978 Ferrari 308 GTS. Californian Eric Hutchison accomplished the unthinkable and created the very first — and, as it turns out, fastest — electric 1978 Ferrari 308 GTS.

Hutchison found the 1978 Ferrari totally destroyed after a catastrophic engine fire — the motor and all of its electronics were irreparable. But $10,000 later, he was the owner of a Ferrari 308 shell.

Now fitted with three batteries, the California-based vehicle is not only sustainable, but faster too.

The roar of Hutchison’s car, which has three batteries — one in the front and two in an L-shaped configuration where the gas tanks used to sit — has been replaced by a quieter electric hum.

“There’s something very calming about sitting in a car when it’s not making any engine noise,” he explains.

“You put your foot down on the pedal in this car, it elicits fear, it’s scary, it launches, it explodes and that there’s no noise and then you put your foot down and you hear your tires ripping.

“The adrenaline of getting in an electric car with this much power on a Ferrari frame is phenomenal. Indescribable.”

But is it comparable to an original Ferrari?

“Not by any means,” Hutchison admits. “It’s a whole different experience.

“The association with noise and shifting is an automotive experience … the symphony changes tremendously and the car — the feeling, the motors — sound much more like a jet engine when they fire up.

“So there are other noises that come with the change and if you compare it to what a Ferrari has sounded like forever, of course, it’s not a Ferrari engine.”

After completing work on the car, Hutchison put it up for sale with classic car auctioneer Barrett Jackson.

“The most satisfying part of the experience is having someone else share the experience of the electric car,” Hutchinson explains. “A classic car that’s 40 years old, it’s going to go for 40 more years to share that, to drive it, and to show that elsewhere to other people. ”

The GTE’s new owner, Drew Gill, was ecstatic to find out the sports car was electric.

“I didn’t know that it was electric when I was bidding on it,” he reveals.

“I just thought it was in pristine condition and something that you can drive.”

It was only when Gill won the auction after bidding $77,000 that he learned of its unconventional engine.

“It wasn’t making any noise but it was moving and then we sat in the post-bid section where we were discussing the car and I found out there that it was electric and I was even more amped.

“Being from California, electric right now is the way to be and then the good thing about it is there’s no emissions — all you ever have to do is change brakes and change tires so it’s something that I don’t feel bad about driving.

“It’s fast, it’s way better than any other electric car that you’re going to drive on the market today, and it’s a Ferrari. What else do you want out of a car?”

“The electric car absolutely decimated the gas car,” he says, having hired a professional driver to compare the two, concluding with a 10 second difference between the cars.

Having put the car up for auction, the GTE’s current owner, Drew Gill, was ecstatic to find out the sports car was electric: “It’s fast, it’s way better than any other electric car that you’re going to drive on the market today, and it’s a Ferrari. What else do you want out of a car?”

ENJOY THE VIDEO BELOW:

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Interviews and Reports

Italian companies rev up presence at Automechanika Dubai 2018

World’s 9th largest auto parts exporter looks to Middle East and Africa as key growth market

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Italian automotive aftermarket brands are looking to the Middle East and Africa as a key growth market, with leading players from the world’s 9th largest auto parts exporter revving their engines ahead of the upcoming Automechanika Dubai 2018 trade fair.

According to online data aggregator World’s Top Exports, Italy exported US$12.5 billion worth of auto parts and components in 2016 – 3.5 percent of total global exports for the year (US$360.6 billion).

The UAE is among the top ten markets for high quality and genuine Italian auto parts, and now major players are gearing up for more growth using the Automechanika Dubai auto aftermarket exhibition as their launch platform targeting trade buyers from throughout the wider region.

An Italian Country Pavilion comprising 33 manufacturers will be complemented by 37 standalone Italian exhibitors at Automechanika Dubai 2018, which will feature more than 1,900 exhibitors from 55 countries when it opens from 1 – 3 May 2018 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The Italian presence at Automechanika Dubai, now in its 16th edition, has witnessed a steady rise.  Over the last eight years, Italian exhibitor sqm space covered at the three-day event has nearly doubled, from 800sqm in 2011 to 1,500sqm in 2018.

Top returning brands covering the entire spectrum of the automotive aftermarket include Brembo, Dayco, Eni, Ravaglioli, ERA, Fiamm, and Metelli, while UFI Filters, a global leader in filtration technology, is exhibiting for the first time.

The Italian Pavilion is one of 23 country pavilions at Automechanika Dubai 2018, with others coming from Australia, Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, UK, and the USA.

Automechanika Dubai is the Middle East and Africa’s largest international trade fair for the automotive service industry, encompassing the six product of Parts & Components; Electronics & Systems; Accessories & Customizing; Repair & Maintenance; Car Wash, Care & Reconditioning; and Tyres & Batteries.

The annual three-day event returns with its popular Truck Competence initiative, where more than 1,500 exhibitors will showcase their products dedicated to the entire value chain in the truck sector, from truck parts and accessories, to workshop equipment, body repairs and care.

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Interviews and Reports

Meet Jean Pierre Kebbe Porsche Club Lebanon President

Auto Clubs are now a trend in the automotive industry. As you cruise the streets of any country on weekends you must stumble upon a certain club going for a ride.
However, certain clubs really strike you when you see them driving by and some clubs are even older than most of us on the roads, the Porsche Club of Lebanon is a club that combines both heritage being one of the oldest Auto clubs founded in Lebanon and probably the region and also a striking club with the variety of cars that you see in a cruise from classcs to modern and much more.
This wouldn’t have been possible without the commitee and board that works closely with the president and members of the Porsche Club Lebanon.
This is why, we’ve decided to go up close and personal with the President of Porsche Club Lebanon ” Jean Pierre Kebbe” in our meet the president section to better understand the motivation, objectives and future goals of this amazing club.

Jean Pierre Kebbe; President Porsche Club Lebanon for this iteration, you took over PCL for more than 2 years to date, what can you tell us about the changes, upgrades and the New Porsche Club Lebanon?

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Having been president of Porsche Club Lebanon for nearly two years, what I am proud of the most is having brought the club members closer together. We are now one big family and we are enjoying our cars and each others’ company more than ever. The changes were many but mainly the club has become much more organized and way much more recognized as one of the best and most active clubs in Lebanon.

What are the new objectives and what were the achievements of PCL under your presidency?

There will always be new objectives and they will mainly be acquiring more members, and engaging in more social work. Giving back to society is always our target.

As for the achievements of Porsche Club Lebanon throughout those two years are mainly:

Better quality events, more frequent events (24 per year), upgraded the member notifications, developed an app for the club, acquired more sponsors, engaged in much more charity and social work as well as planned for 4 trips for members to participate inn Porsche driving schools both on track and on snow and ice and finally keeping the traditional yearly events going (Yearly BBQ, Iftar, End of year dinner)

What was the role of the president in those achievements and fulfilling those objectives and who was there to support you?

Honestly in the current committee it was never about the president. The six of us are one tream and one hand and I am thankful for having had the opportunity to work and enjoy with such amazing friends.

What’s coming next for the Porsche Club Lebanon in the coming years?

The club always has been and always will be about its members. The members are what matters and I will always do my best as long as am I here to plan for and execute what keeps them together and make them happy and proud to be Porsche Club Lebanon members.

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4th CUSTOM SHOW EMIRATES DRIFTS INTO ACTION!

All roads lead to the capital this weekend as over 30,000 visitors will descend to the highly anticipated fourth consecutive edition of Custom Show Emirates (CSE), held from 05 April – 07 April 2018 at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The show features 17 exciting onsite activities, including 4 brand new ones, which are: Toyota Obstacle Course, Live Stainless-Steel Welding (Exhausts), Live Leather Works & Airbrush Land. Roaring into action will be all the crowd favourites, including; 4×4 and Saloon Drifting, Stunt Driving, Custom Cars & Bikes Competition, Engines Battle, Bikers Build-Off, Dyno Zone, King of Mechanics, RC Arena, Wheelie Machine, Kids Garage and much more to keep the adrenaline pumping for the visitors.

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‘’We are especially excited about 3 things this year; First, we have internationally acclaimed Airbrush & Pinstripe artist Danny SchrammWerk all the way from Germany for a special paint show. Second, SEMA USA pavilion will be open to public for the first time and third, we have a brand-new pavilion all the way from Motor Bike Expo Italy, which will showcase the most exotic custom bikes from all over Europe – its motoring euphoria!.’’– Nasser Taqi, Partner, Custom Events, UAE.

Top executives from international partner events are flying in from all over world to attend the show, including; SEMA USA, Sand Sport Super Show USA, Nippon Auto Parts Aftermarket Committee (NAPAC) Japan, Tokyo Auto Salon and Motor Bike Expo (MBE) Italy.

 

‘’Motor Bike Expo is very excited to be participating at Custom Show Emirates 2018. This year, both of the head organizers, Paola Somma and Francesco Agnoletto, will be present to meet with companies and organizations, as well as with the public, to share the first announcements regarding the next edition of MBE. The Motor Bike Expo team is looking forward to continue developing their partnership with Custom Show Emirates and is eager to find new and exciting ways for these two events to collaborate for years to come.’’ – J. Harley Staniforth, Foreign Relations, Motor Bike Expo, Italy.

 

The show has confirmed exhibitors from Italy, Switzerland, Australia, Russia, China, New Zealand, India, Japan and several GCC countries that will showcase the latest in auto customization products and services.

 

‘’Last year’s event was a massive success, in fact, we received so many orders that we ultimately decided to open our own showroom in UAE, under the brand name – ‘’Samurai Eagle’’. This year we are specially flying in 3 cars from Japan, which were displayed at Tokyo Auto Salon 2018 Tokyo and Osaka Auto Messe 2018, each a masterpiece in itself. Thanks to Custom Show Emirates, the UAE market is now our top priority’’
– Kuhl Racing, Managing Director, Takahiro Kataoka, Japan.

Happening concurrently, the 3rd International Motorshow Abu Dhabi will be the platform for several manufacturers planning their regional launches. Apart from returning exhibitors such as; GMC, Subaru, Chevrolet, Nissan, Infinity and Renault, participating for the first time will be; Toyota, Lexus, Ford and Borgward as well.

With its impressive line-up of international exhibitors and ‘action packed’ schedule of onsite activities, the event promises to give cars and bikes enthusiasts; an experience like never before.

4th Custom Show Emirates & 3rd International Motorshow Abu Dhabi 2018 will run from 10 AM – 10 PM, 05 April – 07 Aril 2018 at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

 

Tickets are priced at 55 AED and will be available for sale at the venue.

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Interviews and Reports

HATECO a One Stop Destination for all Automotive Needs

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Around the year, Arab Motor World Staff receives calls and inquiries about where to go for the best car servicing and what is needed for better car care.

Thus we have decided to shed light on the main companies in the business and highlight their history, present and future.

For this issue, we will be visiting HATECO S.A.R.L. headquarters in Tripoli for an insight about their progress in the automotive servicing industry.

History and the road to the future:

Hamad Ajaje Trading Establishment Company was founded in 1970 by Hamad Ajaje under the name of Hamad Ajaje Trading & Sons to promote tires and batteries in Tripoli, Lebanon. The venture evolved over the years to enter 2001 with its new name: HATECO S.A.R.L.

At present, the firm manages three branches and one main headquarter to efficiently serve its customers and has become one of Lebanon’s key importers and sole distributors of some of the best international brands in the fields of Tires, Batteries, Wheels, Lubricants and other automotive related products.

In addition, HATECO expanded over the years and entered 2013 with the opening of a new Workshop consisting of the latest technology and equipment to introduce new automotive services to the retail industry.

As a result, the company has built a solid reputation of reliability for its stakeholders and will always remain the most trusted name for automotive related products.

HATECO’s vision is to be the major provider of all automotive-related products in Lebanon and the MENA region.

HATECO’s mission is to bring the best automotive-related products from around the world and distribute them to the people of Lebanon and the MENA region.

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Here’s a quick look at HATECO’s main services:

  • Oil Change
  • Wheel Alignment
  • Brake Disc Services (Change or Straightening)
  • Brake Pads
  • Wheel Balancing
  • Repair Services
  • Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance
  • Steering and Suspension
  • Rim Straightening
  • Wiper Blade Services

* Use of Bosch products for oil filters, brake discs,
brake pads, and suspension parts.

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HATECO S.A.R.L. manages several brands covering all aspects of automotive servicing such as:

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In addition, HATECO S.A.R.L. has expanded from a national company covering only the Lebanese territories to a wider international network serving: Syria, Iraq, Sudan, United Arab Emirates, Ghana, Gambia, Congo, Liberia.

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Interviews and Reports

Interview with the Legends of Shelby

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Caroll Shelby Interview Essen Motor Show Arab Motor World (1)

Carroll Hall Shelby is an undisputable legend when it comes to the automotive industry, this auto icon is the person behind the most loved roadster of all times the AC Cobra and the iconic overhauled Ford the Shelby Mustang from the 60’s till today.

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That being said it is not every day that we in the Middle East get the chance to discuss the legend’s past, present and future with the heirs to the throne.

For the occasion, Arab Motor World got the opportunity to sit down with Aaron Shelby, Caroll Shelby’s Grandson, and Gary Patterson Shelby American Inc.’s president and this is what they had to say.

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What’s Shelby’s strategy for the Middle East?

Well, we know for a fact that the Middle East is one of the major markets for Ford and we are there as well part of that strategy. In Dubai, we already have the Shelby Ford F-150 truck and also the Super snake being sold on the market and we will continue to develop our presence in the Middle East and bring in new vehicles and increase our presence in that part of the world.

So what about that beast, the Shelby Raptor. What was the idea behind it and who are your competitors?

The cool thing is that we don’t have a lot of competitors in this market place as this vehicle is designed to perform both off-road and on-road so the Shelby Raptor will perform on a phenomenal level even if you decide to venture off tarmac. We wanted to deliver something that you can drive every day, take it for a weekend cruise and visit your country club and still look phenomenal under any conditions.

Caroll Shelby Interview Essen Motor Show Arab Motor World (3)
Caroll Shelby Interview Essen Motor Show Arab Motor World (4)

What types of roads is this vehicle made for, I mean the Middle East has desert and at the same time some countries have snow?

Well if you have seen our promotional video, you will know that this vehicle is already dune bashing with two wheels in the air and is performing superbly on those type of roads, as for snow well unlike other vehicles this machine is made for all types of roads and weather, it will perform on sand, snow, cold weather, warm weather and it can actually perform almost everywhere.

So what’s coming next for Shelby?

Ah well, during November 2017 we have revealed the Shelby 1000 which is a track upgrade for the Mustang with a 5.2L engine reaching more than 1000 Horsepower. And it is not just about the horsepower it is all about the full systems that comes in to play from suspension, aerodynamics, brakes.. when we fired this baby in our facilities it was phenomenal.

And like Caroll Shelby is known to say: “My favorite car is the next car”. So we are always in constant development and at this point this is what we can share but some secrets are still hidden in the drawer, so you have to wait and see we have more phenomenal vehicles coming in for 2018.

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Jaguar Land Rover insights with JLR executives

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During our visit to Dubai International Motor Show this year, we have visited the Jaguar Land Rover stand and were stunned with the amount of new vehicles released for our market. For that purpose, we sat with Mr. John Edwards Managing Director, Special Operations Division from Jaguar Land Rover to explain the strategy set for the upcoming few years.

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As MD of the SVO division at JLR, what’s coming in this year and what about future projects?

As you have seen today, we have two global debuts and one regional launch. Let’s start with the main attraction the Project 8. We like to call it the crazy car, it all started after Project 7, we were thinking what’s next? Someone at the division came up with the crazy idea to put our most powerful engine into our most lightweight platform and so the Project 8 was born. It is a car designed and engineered by petrol heads for the petrol heads. Project 8 is a track car with 200 MPH as top speed but we wanted a track car more than a straight line racing car and that meant lots of upgrades on the skin as well under it…
Project 8 is an exclusive car that will be produced in 300 unites only. We also have on the stand two global premieres: the Range Rover Sport SVR with carbon fiber bonnet and the SVAutobiography Dynamic with refined luxury. Both vehicles have improved performance and are positioned as a limited edition. Our operations as SVO division have a vision to build unique and distinctive vehicles that really stand out and make a bold statement while maintaining and improving the vehicle in terms of performance and luxury. This our business: Personalization is a form of luxury.
We have also coming up the Discovery SVX which is built on an already very sophisticated vehicle and we are taking it even further.
There are at least two major launches coming soon, we are busy and we are growing and you have to wait to see what’s coming.

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To get a better insight on the JLR in our region, we also got the chance to sit down with Salman Sultan Regional PR and Social Media Manager at Jaguar Land Rover and this is what he has to say.

Where does JLR stands today on the regional level?

Well, we brought several global and regional premieres this year at the Dubai International Motor Show as mentioned earlier by John. Our region has the highest market share for SVR sales in the world specifically in GCC, the evoque in Morocco has the biggest market share among JLR brands in the middle east and number 2 is Lebanon and the Velar is sold out till June 2018, thus JLR gives high importance to our market. The E-Pace is here as regional premiere and the XF Sportbrake also which is set for the UAE and KSA as pilot markets and will be followed by XF Sportbrake R ad XF Sportbrake S. Moreover, Project 8 which is produced in limited edition is also part of the regional strategy, we have already sold 25 units in the region which is a great accomplishment and shows our region’s high interest in the SVO products.

What is JLR strategy in KSA after the royal decree allowing women to drive there?

We have been selling cars for women around the world and KSA is no different. Women in KSA have been buying cars for long time, the change now will be: do I buy a car that is Chauffeur driven or self-driven? To us at JLR we see this in two axes: the first one is the increase in sales especially that our lineup allows the change in buying mentality and the 2nd axe is to empower women to move more into the working field of the automotive industry and we are working hard with our partners to enable that option in KSA. I think this is a great opportunity not only in sales but as an improvement for the whole automotive industry.

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FCA Executives Round Table Discussion

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Article by: Phillip Saydeh

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If you have visited Dubai International Motor Show this year, you can clearly notice the increasing lineup of the FCA products especially with Alfa Romeo and Jeep.

For this occasion, we got the chance to have a roundtable discussion with executives from both brands Alfa Romeo and Jeep.

Our morning discussion started with Alfa Romeo Brand Head EMEA Ms. Roberta Zerbi, our interest in Alfa Romeo was clearly about the noticeable increase in product lineup and also the Stelvio Quadrifoglio impressive numbers.

Ms. Roberta commented: A hundred years of history contributed to the unmistakable style that has always marked the Alfa-Romeo lineup. The Giulia and Stelvio are the result of this legacy and these two models are the Gems with which Alfa-Romeo is planning to take on the competition. Following the release of the standard versions of the Giulia and the Stelvio, the Dubai Motor Show was the opportunity where the Stelvio and Giulia were presented in the Quadrifoglio version on a worldwide basis. The aim is to allow everyday drivers and any person behind the wheel to have the opportunity to experience the pleasure of the Quadrifoglio legacy in racing all without losing the sense of safety and the ability to be in control.

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As for the Alfa Romeo move forward strategy, commercial schemes are being built to ensure that a good experience is delivered to customers when buying the car; One of the key features in providing a good experience for prospect buyers is to offer an opportunity for a test drive. The brand’s mantra is to allow as many people to drive the car as possible, primarily through the network of distributors and also through on track events to allow prospect clients to get a grasp of the true feeling of the sporty nature of the car. The plan for Alfa Romeo rebirth is confirmed and goes through a number of new launches and initiatives, and an array of new additions to the lineup and new technologies.

After this morning brief on Alfa Romeo, we step into the world of Jeep with Mr. Dante Zilli Brand head of EMEA.

Jeep has been going through lots of changes and lots of new entries out of which was on display at Dubai Motor Show: The New Jeep Compass and the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk among others, and this is where the discussion was heading.

Dante commented that Jeep, over the past few years, is growing in lineup and in numbers. The new additions of Renegade a few years back and now the Compass is setting the direction where Jeep is going worldwide and in the region. Despite the fact that the market is going down, Jeep sales have increased by 19% in the last year and we are expecting more in 2018 with the All-New Compass.

We have revamped some products and introduced new products and will continue to do so to complete the Jeep lineup.  To start with the Compass, it is a completely new car compared to the previous generation, the Compass has the Jeep spirit and design combined with its off-roading capabilities, new technology, comfort and most of all the Compass is a no compromise car that is pretty much above all competitors from the same segment. On top of the Compass, the Trackhawk is something to talk about so if you are looking for performance in the SUV segment The Trackhawk is there to satisfy the need. The Trackhawk is actually on display at the Dubai Motor Show first time outside the US as we believe these two newly introduced vehicles will have a great impact on Jeep’s regional and worldwide sales figures for 2018.

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As for the New Wrangler JL, Dante Commented when asked: you will see it at the LA Auto Show in the upcoming weeks, it was a challenge to replace the Icon of the brand but you will be surprised, also we are working on several new future releases that will complete the Jeep lineup as mentioned so stay tuned.

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Spending the day with Keskin Wheels and Syron Tires at ESSEN Motor Show 2017

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We got the chance to spend the day at Keskin Wheels and Syron Tires stand during the last Essen Motor Show event 2017.

During our visit, we got the chance to have fun, laugh, interact with the staff, talk to drifting and motorsport experts from Syron motorsport team and most importantly felt the engagement and the interest of car tuners in their brands.

It was a snowy day in Essen and very cold outside the Messe Essen however on the inside the warmth welcome of the Keskin Wheels and Syron tires made the balance, the day started with a tour around the Keskin Wheels’ new collection and may I say what a beautiful collection I personally loved the Hurricane design on Keskin wheels I think it will look amazingly beautiful on any European vehicle.

As for Syron Tires, we got the chance to sit with the drifting couple Corinna and Alexandre Graff; Alex is the head of motorsport team at Syron tires, holder of several Guinness World Records in drifting and one of Germany’s top drifter, who explained to us about their experience with Syron tires and how they benefit from the German engineered tire technology whether in car control or controlled drifting.

Later that day, we were joined by two gorgeous models that literally set the stand on fire. The models were posing on the cars on display at Keskin and Syron stand and give the audience a sense of beauty and the beast. And if you think this was fun wait till you get a visit from the killer in scream movies that tried to steal the Keskin Wheels and Syron tires and was faced by forceful resistance from the team and the fans.

We would like to thank the Keskin and Syron team for having us that day, it was a blast both on the entertaining level and on the technology and German engineering knowledge.

We would like to invite our fans and readers to check them out as I believe it will create a revolution in the world of wheels and tires.

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Meet Camaro Club President Pierre Nercessian

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Out of Arab Motor World’s Appreciation for the Auto Clubs which are transforming the Auto scene into a safe environment and their dedication to CSR activities, we sat down with Pierre Nercessian Camaro Club President for an interview up-close and personal.

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Pierre Nercessian; president Camaro club Lebanon for 4 years now, what can you tell us about the startup phase and the launching of Camaro Club in Lebanon?

It all happened after I bought my 2010 Camaro from Impex, Chevrolet dealer in Lebanon, and started asking around to start up a club with the dealership. After 6 months, I teamed up with my best friend Vladimir yeghiazarian (also a Camaro owner) and started a Facebook group for Camaros called Camaro 5 club Lebanon. A few months later, the group had around 30 members and I just received a call from Impex to join forces thus created an official Camaro Club with me as a president and Vladimir as vice president. After going through all the official papers and transforming Camaro 5 Club into the Official Camaro Club, we now count more than 350 club members.

What are the objectives and were the achievements of the Camaro Club during those 4 years?

Our objectives are simple:

– Promoting and sharing our passion for Chevrolet Camaro by organizing events and rides visiting all the Lebanese territories
– Creating awareness on safe and responsible driving
– Getting involved in CSR activities
– Having fun whenever we can

As for our achievements:
– We successfully organized rides all over Lebanon from north, south, Beirut, Mount Lebanon and Beqaa
– We have done all sorts of events such as speed tests, car shows, charity funding, movie nights and dinners
– We managed to grab international attention from GCC as we have participated in several events there and the US with constant collaboration with international clubs and competitions.

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What was the role of the president in those achievements and fulfilling those objectives and who was there to support you?

The president and vice president supervise, plan, and discuss the yearly pipelines of the club. The board team plans the yearly pipelines and supervises the executions and most importantly the road team, that consists of road captains who plan, scout and execute all the rides and logistics to keep all our members safe from any incidents.

What’s coming next for the Camaro Club in the coming years?

Our future plans include monthly rides, events, speed tests, drift events, movie nights, Christmas dinner and charity fundraising events and some very special surprises that will be announced in the near future.

Anything you would like to add?

Special thanks to Arab tuning magazine for covering all our events and rides and supporting our club and giving us the chance to spread the origins and identity of our club.

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Categories
Interviews and Reports

Iwata Airbrushes, Creating Art

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Imagination soars. Creativity shines. And your art comes alive. ANEST IWATA puts the best tools in the world at your fingertips. Iwata airbrushes continually push the bounds of innovations so nothing stands in the way of your creativity. Backed by the industry’s trusted company, our products stoke your passion for airbrushing, time after time after time.

Airbrush Artists

We are happy to introduce renowned local airbrush artists using Iwata airbrushes.

Hady B. (Hady Beydoun) is a Lebanese painter, sculptor and tattoo artist, formally trained as a Graphic Designer at the American University of Beirut. He currently operates out of his studio in Beirut, Lebanon. He self-taught how to airbrush (since 1993) with a special focus on automotive illustration. Hady says ‘After using other brands of airbrushes in the 90s, I tried the Iwata and found it superior in precision and durability and has been using it since. I find it simple, efficient and lethal.’

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HADY B.

Royal Roble of Al Ghandi Customs in Dubai says ‘It’s so great to use my Iwata Kustom Custom Micron CM for my airbrush project. I really love it the fine details. Well soon I gonna get my new Iwata Custom Micron CM-SB2 for more detailed project…. good job Iwata for the best airbrush for us.’

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ROYAL ROBLE

ANEST IWATA has a strong network among great airbrush artists on the globe and would like to introduce some artworks created by renowned American artists using Iwata airbrushes.

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RYAN (RYNO) TEMPLETON
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CORY SAINTCLAIR
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ARMANDO SERRANO

Iwata Professional Airbrush Maintenance Tools

ANEST IWATA Middle East proudly announces the arrival of the new Iwata Professional Airbrush Maintenance Tools.  Airbrush professionals will appreciate the convenience of having these Iwata-specific tools that come in a deluxe soft-sided zipper case that is ideal for artist’s on-the-go.

Assembling and reassembling airbrush nozzles, caps, needle packings, O-rings, and air valves are made easier with these highly-specific Iwata tools. Hiroki Nishida, Managing Director of ANEST IWATA Middle East says ‘Iwata Professional Maintenance Tools are a natural addition to your studio. They make routine cleaning and maintenance tasks easier so that you can keep your airbrushes performance-ready.’

The kit comes with a two-sided Iwata Air Valve Wrench, Iwata Soft Jaw Pliers, and Iwata Needle Packing Screwdrivers in 1.2mm and 1.4mm diameters, Iwata Nozzle Wrench, and a protective replacement needle tube. All of the items fit securely in the elastic straps within the protective case. The inner zipper compartment is ideal for carrying small replacement parts and the pouch has extra room to carry up to three gravity-feed or siphon-feed airbrushes.

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