The Dubai International Motor Show was a five-day extravaganza for some of the world’s best-known automotive brands, showcasing regional and global premiers. Luxury brands included Infiniti, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Peugeot and Volvo.

Dubai International Motor Show

The biennial event saw many deals generated for automotive manufacturers in the luxury and supercar ranges, with many reporting positive responses in leads and sales. Owing to the popularity for high-range vehicles in Dubai and the UAE, the show attracted major car manufacturers, tuners and related companies to sign deals and pursue partnerships.

Among the main crowd attractions were 9 global launches and more than 50 regional premiers, of which the Infiniti 2012 FX and G25 were prominent. A spokesman from the luxury car company reported over 1000 serious enquiries at the Nissan Infiniti platform, and hinted at another successful return in 2013. Visitors were also attracted to the innovative concept cars on show from Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Maserati and Toyota.

Over 100 000 visitors were said to have stopped in at the grand Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre in the central business district, where 150 companies showcased vehicles from over 30 countries worldwide. In addition to the vehicles on display, there were interactive features including the Nissan Live Action Track and a Fastest Tyre Change contest on a replica F1 racing car, sponsored by Infiniti.

Predicted to be the largest in the 22-year history of the event, the 2011 motor show exceeded expectations when key exhibitors reported record sales, of which supercar and high-end luxury cars featured prominently. A spokesman from the venue commented that the strength of the show confirmed the importance of the UAE to the automotive world and is as a key location for the unveiling of innovative concept cars.

The show was held from 10 to the 14 November, and officially opened by H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

There’s a war going on at the moment.  Not quite as life threatening or politically significant as in Libya or Afghanistan but it’s affecting the lives of ordinary British citizens.  It’s between Tesco, Sainsbury’s and other major supermarkets.  For the past week Tesco cut 2p a litre off its fuel prices across the majority of its stations.  Now the fact that Brent crude has fallen to around $105 a barrel might not mean a lot to most people, but it directly affects the prices we pay at the pumps.  As a result, Tesco and other stores are able to pass on these cuts to motorists, meaning that we pass just that bit less to drive.  Just think of all that extra money you’d save, perhaps you could treat yourself to a new or used car to have something to show for it!  AutoXY.co.uk is a search engine of ads showing used and new cars currently published by specialised sites and car dealers. Thanks to AutoXY people are able to find a car with particular features, at the best price and in the nearest town by only one search; saving you a lot of time.  So there you go, you’ve found out in this post how you can save time and money, proving that not everything in the news is doom and gloom!

Mazda Motors UK has announced that it is proud to be providing vehicular support to the RAF Typhoon Display Team for its activities during 2011

The Typhoon is a multi-purpose jet used by the Royal Air Force to protect the airspace of the UK and the Falkland Islands 24/7. It is acknowledged to be a highly versatile, world-class combat aircraft that is employed for air-policing, peace keeping and in high-intensity conflict situations. The RAF Typhoon Display Team has a crucial role in promoting the RAF’s capabilities, both in terms of its aircraft and of its personnel.

The Typhoon Display Team has a busy season ahead of it and will be attending 16 air shows during 2011, not only in the UK and Northern Ireland but also in Europe. In addition, there is pre-season travel to and from flight simulators and airports and the Display Team Managers have to attend meetings with air show organisers and sponsors. All in all a great deal of road travel is involved.

Mazda Motors UK is providing 3 vehicles to the Display Team to facilitate the transportation of its personnel, their kit and the aircraft’s computer support equipment. The vehicles being provided are a Mazda5 and two Mazda CX-7 models. The Mazda5, with its flexible seating and sliding rear doors is considered as ideal by the Typhoon Display Team for the transportation of its equipment whilst the roomy Mazda CX-7 will be perfect for comfortable and quick travel to and from venues.

Mazda CX-7

Mazda describes the CX-7 as a luxury, mid-size crossover vehicle – a cross between a sports car and a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) – offering practicality, performance and style. It features 6-way power adjustable driver and passenger seats and a 60/40 fold flat rear seating arrangement.

Meanwhile the Mazda5 is described by its manufacturers as being “the ultimate multi-purpose people carrier”. It has high levels of versatility, practicality and safety technology such as dual front and side airbags and front and rear curtain airbags. The Mazda5’s sliding rear doors, so appreciated by the Typhoon Display Team, means that getting the children etc in and out is no problem at all. Depending on the seat configuration that is employed, the Mazda5 can have a load space of a massive 857 litres.

Flight Lieutenant Tim Clement, the 2011 Typhoon Display Pilot commented, “The Royal Air Force Typhoon is an incredible, world beating, multi role aircraft. I am extremely privileged to fly the Typhoon Display in this superb aircraft. The sponsorship provided by Mazda goes a long way to assisting the Display Team in producing this exceptional display.”

The managing director of Mazda UK, Jeremy Thomson said, “Mazda is very proud to be associated with the RAF Typhoon Display Team in 2011 by providing vehicles to support the Team. We look forward to engaging in the 2011 sponsorship through air shows, dealership activities, competitions and supporting fundraising efforts for one of their chosen charities, the Not Forgotten Association.”

In 2010, the RAF Typhoon Display Team raised more than £12,000 for its chosen charities. In 2011, the Display Team will be fundraising for the Forces Children Trust, the Make-A-Wish Foundation as well as the Not Forgotten Association.

It is estimated that each Mazda vehicle will cover about 8,000 miles during the 2011 display season.

This article was provided by Jennings Mazda Sunderland UK mazda MX-5 Specialist dealership

The cost of driving in 2011

Those of us who love driving, and even those who don’t but use their cars simply out of necessity, are really feeling the pain at the moment in the UK.  We seem to be paying more for almost every aspect of driving and there’s little that we can do about it.

Average cost of fuel per year = £2,500. When the author started driving in 2000, unleaded petrol cost 75.6p per litre in southern England.  Now it is getting on for double that.  The last time I filled up it was 136.9p, up 13 pence per litre on April last year.  The rise in petrol prices seems to be on a fairly steady upwards trajectory, with no sign of slowing any time soon.

Average cost of insurance = £892 (fully comp). Despite being relatively stable for some years, the cost of car insurance has suddenly shot up.  Whilst this has been blamed on the no win no fee culture by some, the situation is really far more complex than car accident claims.  For example, the rise in female drivers’ premiums is mostly down to the new European legislation that states there can be no sex discrimination when it comes to assessing risk and pricing premiums.

Average road tax = £180 (estimated). Road tax is calculated based on the amount of CO₂ a car produces and unrelated to the amount of miles driven.  Those cars that emit the least pay nothing for their road tax but few cars fall into this category.  Although there appears to be no well published research into what the average car owner pays, it looks to be about £180.

MOT = £54.85. Assuming a vehicle is over 3 years old and kept in good condition, the cost of having an MOT done on an average passenger car is set at £54.85.  Some garages do run special offers on this though so it is possible to pay less.

Average servicing = £180. The cost of servicing once a year varies wildly around the UK and depends on whether an independent or official manufacturer garage is used, as well as the type of service conducted.   This cost does not include any work done.

There are no doubt other factors to take into account – repairs, oil, new tyres, windscreen wash, parking, not to mention depreciation – but as far as keeping a car running and legal, the cost of driving in 2011 looks to total £3,800 per year. , just be grateful you don’t have to add to that the cost of driving lessons!

RAC are launching a new campaign this weekend aiming to spruce up picnicking and roadside stops across the UK following negative feedback from our members about the state of the majority of sites in the UK.

To do this, we’ve just launched a new website (www.picnicwithrac.co.uk) that allows motorists to upload details of their favourite picnic sites across the UK, and sign an online petition calling for basic improvements to poorly catered sites.

Full details are available on request, and feel free to explore the site and upload your own picnic spot!

A one-off Ferrari is due to go under the hammer in Beijing next month, the luxury marque has announced.

Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano China Limited Edition

Motorists who cannot imagine being able to afford even the windscreen wiper blades or car bulbs on a Ferrari model may still be interested to hear a one-off Prancing Horse is due to go under the hammer next month.

The Italian marque has announced it is holding an auction at a special gala event in Beijing on November 3rd.

At this sale, a 599 GTB Fiorano China Limited Edition – signed by artist Lu Hao – will be on offer to the highest bidder.

The car boasts a cracked glaze design – inspired by the Ge Kiln porcelain created during the Song dynasty.

Chief executive officer of Ferrari’s Asia Pacific outfit Marco Mattiacci stated: “The 599 China Limited Edition model is a true masterpiece, combining rich Chinese artistic heritage with Italian design in a most spectacular way.”

In other Prancing Horse news, the manufacturer’s 458 Italia was unveiled at the Frankfurt International Motor Show last month.

This article was written by Richard Sinclair of Autobulbs Direct Ltd – UK’s No1 car bulb and wiper blade specialists and suppliers of the Ring Xenon Max