It may seem like a large grey cloud hangs over the future of many of the car manufacturers today, but at least there’s some sunshine on the horizon for a few top-brand Middle East dealers.
The premium marques of Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Rolls-Royce have recorded positive sales figures in the region, defying the doom and gloom of the world’s markets – at least for the time being.

The fall in economic markets hit Chrysler, Ford and General Motors hardest, and even though President Barack Obama promised a $ 25 billion aid kit to “the big three”, no-one should hold their breath just yet. A green car show – something that should’ve seen a rise in popularity from the global downturn – was cancelled in England, and fears are now growing over October’s Tokyo motor show. For the time being, here is the list of those who have kept their heads above water.

AUDI
The four-ringed brand has reported a 21 per cent increase over 2007, selling 7,732 cars in 2008. The Q7, with 2,278 sold, was by far the biggest seller, with the A6 and A8 also proving strong. “According to our forecasts, the main impact will result from the decrease in available car loans,” said managing director Jeff Mannering. “But we hope the Middle East region will pull through the crisis quickly.”

MERCEDES BENZ
Worldwide, MB lost two per cent in sales compared to the previous year, but has gained 13 per cent in the last year in this region. It sold a total of 19,000 cars in 2007, of which the popular C-Class accounted for 5,239 sales. MB’s director of sales and marketing, Frank Bernthaler, thinks this year will be difficult. “I challenge any manufacturer to predict what will happen in terms of deliveries in the ME,” he says. “However… we expect to maintain our status.” Bernthaler predicts that a new hybrid S-Class in 2009 will help keep the company in good shape.

ROLLS ROYCE
The luxury carmaker has continued to grow in the Middle East, increasing its sales by 48 per cent in 2008. Of its 81 dealers around the world, the Abu Dhabi and Dubai branches have proved to be the most successful, followed by Beijing, London and Beverly Hills. The UAE was also the third-largest RR market in 2008. “This is a particularly strong result considering the challenging economic environment in the second half of 2008,” said Peter Schoppmann, RR’s Middle East regional director.