Luxury car sales set to power ahead

High-end car brands are once again taking over the roads as the Middle East luxury car segment is set to see a 20 per cent growth by the end of 2011 — the highest increase seen in the region. IHS Automotive, a consultancy, predicts that if the pattern continues, the Middle East luxury car segment will double between 2010 and 2015. Sales of luxury car brands reflect this trend. However, demand for general sedans has also been growing. General Motors sales are up 21 per cent over last year led by Chevrolet, which is up 25 per cent and GMC up 17 per cent. According to John Stadwick, president and managing director of General Motors Middle East Operations, sales of Cadillac in the last three months have been the highest in their history in the Middle East. In September, the brand saw a 45 per cent increase.