Increase in space ‘healthy index’ for car sales this year

The increase in space and number of participating brands at the Qatar Motor Show 2016 indicates a “healthy index” for car sales this year, Roger Abi Haidar from Elan Group has said.
Speaking at the Qatar Motor Show (QMS) press conference yesterday, he expressed optimism that demand for more cars will continue to be present in the Qatar market despite a possible economic slowdown in the country.
“This is a healthy indication,” he noted. It is learnt that many car dealers in Doha had been experiencing a decrease in sales since last year, and thus offering huge promotions and discounts to customers.
Haidar said the non-participation of some companies at QMS is based on their strategy. “This also depends on what companies want to reveal either annually or bi-annually,” he added.
The event, which attracts a large number of visitors across the country and from abroad, features dozens of brands every year. About introducing electrically-powered cars in the Qatar market, Haidar said each region in the world has its own demand from the automotive industry.
“Until today, there is not much demand on these kinds of units in this region. Probably soon, specifically with the technology that is coming right now,” he noted.
Speaking about QMS, Haidar lauded the Qatar Tourism Authority for creating business and consumer platforms to promote the country as a leading business destination not only in the region but worldwide.