DOHA: Most high-end car models at 2015 Qatar Motor Show have evoked an overwhelming response from customers, according to some luxury car dealers in the country.
International carmakers that showcased their latest models, included BMW, Mercedes, Porches, Maserati, Ferrari and Rolls-Royce, among others.
The prices of some luxury and ultra-luxury models ranged between QR700,000 and QR2.5m.
“We displayed luxury models at this year’s show, but focus was on Mercedes-Benz S-Class. So far we have sold about 10 units of these models to businessmen and senior government officials,” Sheikh Faleh bin Nawaf Al Thani, Deputy Chairman, Nasser Bin Khaled (NBK), authorised dealer of Mercedes-Benz cars in Qatar, was quoted as saying by a local Arabic daily yesterday.
“The revised prices of some models, which witnessed a significant reduction from the estimated prices, was one of the important factors for high demand.”
Mohamed Kandeel, Chief Operating Officer, Alfardan Group – Automotive Division, said: “Maserati’s four-door sedan models, the Quattroporte and Ghibli, the top-of-the-line S Q4 variant we displayed have received very good response from customers.”
The Q4 accelerates the Quattroporte and Ghibli from 0-100km/h in 4.9 and 4.8 seconds — faster than their rear-wheel drive counterparts — up to 283km/h and 284km/h.
The BMW i8, a plug-in hybrid sports car, is one of the most preferred among Qataris.
Kandeel said his company has sold all units of 2014 models of BMWi8 imported last year. Each was sold at about QR675,000. The daily said there were six Rolls-Royce models sold in the Middle East, and one of them came to Qatar — at QR2.5m.
According to reports, Qatar has been the fastest-growing market for Rolls-Royce motor cars in the Middle East, with its Doha dealer achieving about 40 percent increase in sales over the last couple of years. This demonstrates the success of the company’s business strategies and increasing strength of Qatar’s ultra-luxury car market.
The Peninsula
