Industry Developments

US carmaker General Motors (GM) has reason to be positive, as its Middle East division announced record sales for the first nine months of 2008. Sales of 111,944 units were a 13%... 2008-10-27

Ford Middle East has maintained the pace set in H108 - when it achieved record sales - with a further record for the nine-month period between January and September 2008. Sales were... 2008-10-15

Japan's Nissan has joined forces with Al-Dahana FZCO of Saudi Arabia to form a new joint venture, dedicated to Nissan's business in the markets of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC).... 2008-10-14

British carmaker Aston Martin is looking to expand its presence in the Gulf states, to capitalise on the oil income that is fuelling growth in the region's premium car segment. The... 2008-10-10

Mercedes-Benz has consolidated its position as the leading luxury brand in the Middle East, with record sales of 1,872 units in September. This is a 24% increase over September 2007... 2008-10-09

Iranian national carmaker Iran Khodro has announced that its latest version of the Samand 'national car' will be aimed specifically at female drivers. In addition to its appearance,... 2008-10-08

South African firm Optimal Energy will display the country's first homegrown electric car, known as the Joule, at the Paris motor show. Designed in South Africa, with around 50% of... 2008-10-06

Toyota's margins are coming under pressure as the global economic downturn begins to bite, while costs remain high. In the first quarter of FY2009, April-June 2008, net income fell... 2008-10-03

Toyota's margins are coming under pressure as the global economic downturn begins to bite, while costs remain high. In the first quarter of FY2009, April-June 2008, net income fell... 2008-10-03

Two deals signed within recent weeks will see an increase in the number of Chinese vehicles arriving in Israel, while also further developing the country's electric vehicle initiatives.... 2008-09-29