News in brief

GM crosses 100,000 unit sales milestone in Mideast
Manama: General Motors (GM) Middle East recorded the best three-month period ever during July, August and September this year. The sales totalled 37,467 units, up 22 per cent over the corresponding period in 2005.

Year-to-date sales have passed the milestone 100,000 unit barrier to reach 100,098 units, an increase of 21 per cent over the same period in 2005, said a spokesman.
Reckless Dubai drivers face stringent fines
Dubai: Reckless drivers in Dubai face stringent fines as per a new directive issued by the chairman of Dubai Executive Council Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
This move is part of a plan to encourage safe driving on Dubai’s busy roads.
Shaikh Hamdan has also instructed the Dubai Traffic Police Department to double efforts to reduce traffic jams and ensure smoother traffic flows at peak hours around Dubai.
BMW M6 convertible set for world debut
Dubai: With the new BMW M6 convertible all set for a world debut, BMW enthusiasts can now look forward to the sleek design and unlimited power with a driving experience nothing short of exhilarating, the company said.
The open-air version of the BMW M6 high-performance sports car makes open-air motoring an absolutely unique experience and is unprecedented in style, it said.
Ford wins major fleet deal from Qatar transport firm
Doha: Ford Middle East has signed a major fleet deal with Qatar’s leading private transport provider, Mowasalat. Under the agreement, Mowasalat will take delivery of 1,000 Ford Mondeos, and 675 units of Ford Explorer SUVs, Crown Victoria full-size sedans and Freestar minivans.
Volvo drives into two-door market with C30
Dubai: Volvo has made its debut in the segment for two-door premium cars with its new C30.
The sporty design, with two doors, four individual seats, and a glass tailgate, aims to give a young and dynamic group of customers “a Volvo of their own”, said a spokesman.
“The new C30 aims for a group of young singles, or couples, with an intense urban lifestyle. These people prioritise excitement in design and driving characteristics, and this car is designed to suit their taste and lifestyle,” said senior vice-president, brand, business and product strategy at Volvo Cars Lex Kerssemakers.
Shaaban launches bid to become first Arab F1 driver
Dubai: Basil Shaaban has launched his bid to become the Arab world’s first Formula One racing driver.
Shaaban is aiming to complete his climb onto the Grand Prix circuit through a two to three year assault on the traditional Formula One ladder championships, the British Formula Three International and GP2 Series.
He announced his intentions at a Press briefing in Dubai with the support of president of the Automobile and Touring Club for the UAE and former Middle East rally champions Mohammed Ben Sulayem.