Cars
World’s First Standalone AMG Store Opens its Doors in Dubai
Leading UAE-based business conglomerate, Gargash Group, and the performance luxury car brand, Mercedes-AMG, have announced the opening of the world’s first standalone AMG Store in Dubai. The ‘hybrid retail’ concept store located in City Walk sets a new benchmark for the AMG brand experience in Dubai as it seeks to create a unique lifestyle experience in one of Dubai’s most exciting urban precincts.
It features a showroom, boutique, and F&B where enthusiasts can test drive a broad range of the latest top-end Mercedes-AMG models, purchase an exclusive selection of high-quality lifestyle accessories, and enjoy its signature F&B offering including the premier AMG Kaffeehaus. The architecture of the newly launched AMG Store extends beyond the familiar and established design features of the AMG Brand Centres by introducing a series of individual elements that emphasise the unique character of the format.
To mark the opening, a media preview event was held earlier today which is being followed up with a VIP inauguration ceremony at the premises in the evening. In addition to this, a large convoy of AMG vehicles will travel through Sheikh Zayed Road and take over the main streets of City Walk tomorrow. The two-day celebrations are being attended by VIP guests, AMG customers, high-end influencers from Dubai, and celebrities including the globally recognised former F1 driver David Coulthard.
Shehab M. Gargash, MD & Group CEO of Gargash Group, said, “The opening of the World’s first AMG Store in Dubai highlights the strong relationship between Gargash and Mercedes-AMG. The launch of our first standalone AMG Store with its unique lifestyle format is a significant addition to our well-developed UAE network offering an exclusive brand experience to AMG lovers.”
Matthias Lührs, Head – Region Overseas of Mercedes-Benz Cars said, “The opening of the new AMG Store is a fundamental step forward into the future of performance luxury, which is what Mercedes-AMG stands for. With this store, we are proud to further reinforce our long-standing partnership with Gargash Group, which have been strong allies in our Middle Eastern success. This opening helps us expand our well-developed network in the UAE even further, not only offering an exclusive brand experience to AMG lovers but also helping customers closely interact with our top-end line-ups, to further reinstate Mercedes-Benz’s position as the world’s leading luxury car manufacturer.”
Kay Pagenkopf, Head of Retail and Brand Strategy & Brand Experience, Mercedes-AMG GmbH, said, “Mercedes-AMG stands for performance luxury at its best, and the new AMG Store is a remarkable representation of that offering. We are grateful to our partners Gargash Group for committing to this vision and bringing it to life. The store sets a new benchmark for our product and brand experience to ensure future growth and competitiveness while making our top-end lineup more accessible to a wider audience. It combines performance and luxury together in an entirely new and holistic experience of both the product and brand for our customers.”
Open from Sunday to Saturday from 10 AM – 9 PM, visitors will be able to experience the true fascination of motor racing and an authentic sense of being part of the ‘World’s Fastest Family’ at the store, which shares a vibrant location with major attractions in the emirate. The new format will complement the existing sales network of Gargash Mercedes-Benz showrooms in Dubai, Sharjah, and the Northern Emirates.
Cars
Rolls-Royce Unveils Black Badge Ghost Series II
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has today unveiled the Black Badge Ghost Series II, a daring and powerful new expression of its iconic Ghost model. This latest addition to the Black Badge family is the most agile, driver-focused, and technically advanced Rolls-Royce ever created.
Powered by an uncompromising 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine in a high-power configuration, the Black Badge Ghost Series II delivers exceptional performance. The all-wheel-drive, all-wheel-steering chassis, combined with the Black Badge Planar Suspension System, ensures a thrilling and dynamic driving experience.
The exterior design of the Black Badge Ghost Series II is equally striking, featuring a unique lower grille, darkened chrome accents, and a dramatic 22-inch wheelset. The interior is equally impressive, with luxurious materials, advanced technology, and a focus on driver comfort and control.
Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, commented, “Black Badge Ghost Series II responds to a very specific demand among our clients – those who wish to enjoy the potency of this motor car’s uncompromising engine and inherent agility almost exclusively from the driver’s seat.”
Juliane Blasi, Head of Exterior Design at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, added, “With Black Badge Ghost Series II, we have introduced subtle but impactful design impulses that clearly signal this motor car’s incredible agility and power.”
The Black Badge Ghost Series II is available to commission now, alongside the Ghost Series II and Ghost Extended Series II.
Cars
Sinotruk Enters UAE Market with New Brand VGV
Chinese automotive giant Sinotruk, a pioneer in the heavy-duty truck industry, has officially entered the UAE market with its new passenger vehicle brand, VGV (Visionable Global Vanguard). Established in 1930, Sinotruk has a long innovation and technical excellence history. The company’s decision to expand into the passenger car market is a testament to its growing global ambitions.
The new VGV showroom is in Al Qouz 1, Dubai, UAE. The brand offers various vehicles, including SUVs, pickups, vans, and MPVs, powered by various energy sources such as electric, hybrid, fuel, diesel, and alternative energy.
VGV’s SUV models are designed to cater to families, offering spacious interiors and advanced safety features. The pickup models, powered by the renowned Wei Chai Engine manufactured by Sinotruk, are known for their durability and performance.
Prices for VGV vehicles start at AED 73,000, making them an attractive option for consumers seeking quality and affordability.
Cars
Audi, Al Nabooda Automobiles Launch the Audi Q2
Audi, Al Nabooda Automobiles have launched the Audi Q2 in the UAE. The vehicle will be on display at 25hours Hotel One Central from October 3rd to 6th, 2024. Audi customers and car enthusiasts are invited to be part of the exclusive celebration marking the arrival of the new Audi Q2 under the vibrant theme of ‘Paint the Town’.
Guests who visit on October 3rd will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a hands-on spray-painting session surrounding the new car, indulge in Q2-inspired mocktails, relish in live music from DJ Tala Samman and be among the first to explore the stylish and comfortable feature of the Audi Q2.
“The arrival of the Audi Q2 is a testament to our dedication to bringing the best in design, technology, and innovation to our customers in Dubai and the Northern Emirates,” said K. Rajaram, CEO of Al Nabooda Automobiles. “This segment serves as a gateway into the Audi family for younger buyers seeking to purchase their first vehicle or upgrade their current one. Its youthful, modern styling combined with upgraded technology makes it the perfect choice for those who demand versatility and a dynamic driving experience in every setting.”
The Audi Q2 receives a significant upgrade to its infotainment system, as well as the addition of the virtual cockpit and an 8.8-inch touchscreen as the central control unit for the MMI (Multi-Media Interface). In addition, a convenient storage compartment replaces the previous rotary/push button. Audi Q2 is now available across all Audi, Al Nabooda Automobiles showrooms, with a starting price of AED 139,900.