By Bonnie James/Deputy News Editor

The Arab world’s first locally designed and manufactured luxury hyper car, world premiere of a Brabus car, concept cars from Bertone and unveiling of latest cars from top brands are among the highlights of the 2013 Qatar Motor Show.
The third annual event, being held from January 29 to February 2 at Doha Exhibition Center by the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), q.media Events, and GL Events, with the theme ‘Stand Out from the Crowd,’ has a new logo.
Ammar al-Saadi, acting head of exhibitions organising section at QTA, expressed optimism that the show will break all previous records, given that last year’s event proved to be even more popular than the first show in 2011.
“Exciting premieres and launches on a regional and global scale, drifting shows, a car obstacle course, gymnastic performances, sports relays and a classic car show are among the attractions,” he explained.
q.media events general manager Roger Abi Haidar recalled that last year more than 120,000 visitors had a chance to walk down the hallways of Doha Exhibition Center to view some of the most modern vehicles.
“There is a 15% increase in the number of exhibitors this year and we are also expecting a considerable surge in the visitors’ numbers as well,” he said.
Elaborating on the new logo, Haidar said it had merged two important elements: the falcon, a strong symbol that is part of Qatar’s traditions, and a sports car.
“The merger combines tradition, power and speed all into one, with the bright and glowing colours representing the very same effect a car speeding through the night would impart,” he said.
Bertone, a brand synonymous with innovation and luxury in automobile design since 1912, will display concepts cars including the Bertone Nuccio, Bertone Pickster, Bertone Aston Martin Jet2, and the Bertone Jaguar B99.
Bertone introduced the new concept car Nuccio at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2012. Named after Nuccio Bertone, the long-time chief of the company who passed away in 1997, the car also pays homage to Bertone’s design heritage in recognition of its 100th anniversary.
The Bertone Pickster was presented to the world at the 1998 Geneva Motor Show, where it displayed a striking blend of low-slung GT car and pickup truck.
A one off Bertone concept developed from the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish, the Aston Martin Jet 2 concept was introduced in 2004. The name is a tribute to the Aston Martin Jet created by Nuccio Bertone in 1961, based on the Aston Martin DB4 GT as a one-off.
The Bertone Jaguar B99 concept car was first shown to the public at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.
“The most celebrated auto makers entrust Bertone with the task of realising car models that are able to impose themselves as cornerstones in design,” Haidar added.