Friday

Lamborghini flown from Qatar to London













In a virtual slap to the face of eco-friendly drivers worldwide, a wealthy Sheikh went to the trouble of shipping his oddly-hued Lamborghini from Qatar to London and back... for an oil change. That is 3,250 miles each way, or about the total distance likely traveled between oil changes in the first place. It's bad enough that the Lambo LP640 is a high carbon-emitter in the first place, but this act truly shows utter disregard for the environment. The shipping companies seemed to agree, with an airport worker saying, "This car doesn't have a carbon footprint – more of a crater." A London-Heathrow cargo handler added, "It would have been far more efficient to fly mechanics out there."

It could be that these things happen more often than the public knows, as David Price of Lamborghini Club UK says: "If an owner wants to service his car in that way, it is his choice. I'm not surprised. Thankfully the age of excess in some areas continues." Lamborghini UK spokeswoman Juliet Jarvis says, "This sort of thing is not unheard of." Perhaps that's true, but it certainly should be unheard of. Coming from Qatar, the wealth which made this purchase possible, along with the ridiculous $46,644 USD is cost to ship, likely comes from oil in the first place, making this story truly come full circle.

[Source: The Sun]

Thursday

Top Automotive News

* Toyota sales grow in GCC region

Sales of Toyota and Lexus vehicles in 2008 in the GCC region are expected to reach 517,000 units (123 percent of the 2007 figure), exceeding 500,000 units for the first time, according to the Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), which also expects a strong sales momentum in 2009. The Peninsula - 08Jan 06:57GMT

* Al Rawas Auto inks deal with Emrald to distribute industrial tyres

Al Rawas Auto has joined hands with Emrald Resilient Tyre Manufacturers Pvt Ltd, the flagship company of the Emrald Group of Companies, India, for the distribution of the Emrald brand of industrial tyres. Times of Oman - 08Jan 05:33GMT

* Dubai's Rent a car sector sees 20% rise in demand

Demand for hired cars in Dubai has grown by up to 20 per cent in the past few months despite the financial crisis, says Moried Al Taher, Chairman of Discount Rent A Car. Emirates Business 24/7 - 07Jan 06:16GMT

* New Renault Symbol drives in to the UAE

Reinforcing its commitment to offer UAE residents a wider product range choice, Renault GCC is proud to introduce the all New Renault Symbol which represents the evolution of the successful Clio - popularly known as Clio Classic. Press Release - 06Jan 12:01GMT

* New Suzuki Alto Lapin with enhanced performance and fuel economy launched

Suzuki Motor Corporation has announced the Japanese domestic launch of the new Alto Lapin, a minivehicle that combines a distinctive retro design with outstanding fuel economy. Press Release - 06Jan 07:49GMT

* Porsche takes over Volkswagen

The German luxury sportscar maker Porsche has taken over Volkswagen, the biggest European car maker, by purchasing more than 50 percent of its shares, Porsche said late on Monday. AFP - 06Jan 07:47GMT

* Al Rawas Auto, India's Emrald Tyres join hands

Al Rawas Auto LLC, a subsidiary of Abdullah Saeed Badar al Rawas Group has joined hands with Emrald Resilient Tyres Manufacturers Pvt Ltd, India, a leading industrial tyre manufacturer for distributing the tyres across Oman and other Middle East countries. Oman Daily Observer - 04Jan 06:17GMT

* Qatar: Firm to offer desert recovery for vehicles

The recently launched Raha Auto Assistance will soon provide recovery services to drivers who get stuck in the deserts, a senior official of the company has said. The Peninsula - 02Jan 08:01GMT

* Lancer Evolution X - Gets a Revision

For those motoring enthusiasts who have dreamed of owning the high performance Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X, their dream gets closer to reality, with a much lower price to be paid. Al Habtoor Motors LLC has announced new reduced prices for its entire range of Lancer Evolution X 2009 MY cars. Press Release - 31Dec 08:35GMT

* Suzuki SX4 Sedan, Grand Vitara launched at Jeddah International Motor Show

Suzuki Saudia, the sole distributor of Suzuki vehicles in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and part of Bamarouf Group, has announced that its participation in this year's Jeddah International Motor Show that is running since December 27, 08 and is continuing till 31 December. Press Release - 30Dec 12:22GMT