In brief

Audi sales on the rise
AUDI Middle East has reported a 53 per cent increase in annual sales in the region with a total volume of 4,616 vehicles delivered to customers. 

With 1,906 cars, the UAE remains the  strongest market in terms of sales but an all-time sales record was achieved in Bahrain.
The title of best-selling car in 2006 is shared between the Audi A6 and the first SUV by Audi, the Q7. Despite only having been launched in the second half of 2006, the Q7 overtook Audi’s flagship the Audi A8 with a total sales volume of 1,146 units.
Audi is set to continue its growth path in the Middle East with new showroom openings, a new regional Parts Centre, the upcoming launches of the new Audi TT and R8 and several other projects on its cards, including the Audi Middle East Training Academy in Dubai.
“We are the fastest growing premium brand in the world. This puts us well on our way to becoming the most successful premium car manufacturer in the world by 2015,” remarked Rupert Stadler, chairman, Audi AG.
 
New credit facility
BAHRAIN Islamic Bank (BIsB) is offering credit facilities to  customers wishing to buy new 2007 Nissan, Renault and Ford cars sold through Majestic Cars Centre, an authorised Nissan dealership in Bahrain.
The announcement was made at BIsB’s head office at Al Salam Tower, Diplomatic Area, where a memorandum of understanding was signed between the bank and Majestic Cars. The two partners will finance customers’ purchases of new 2007 Nissan, Renaults and Ford vehicles offered against competitively low rate, and soft-term monthly instalments to be repaid over periods of up to seven years without down payment. 
For further inquiries, call BIsB Call Centre on Tel: 17515151 or Majestic Cars Centre on Tel: 17466663 or 17673667.

Porche launch
THE Porsche Centre Dubai unveiled their latest state-of-the-art sporty SUVs at an impressive event held at the Al Sahra Desert Resort.
The technologically advanced second generation Cayenne is designed to take the market by storm by offering an even more intense and breathtaking experience than ever before.
The event was a huge success with a star-studded guest list, a variety of entertainment and a stunning show matched in style only by the true stars of the event – the New Generation Cayenne, Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo models.
For additional information on Porsche, visit the website www.porschedubai.com or contact Khalil Majdalawi, Tel: 04-2951177 e-mail: khalil@tamra-c2.com.