I Want It Now... 2007 Middle East International Motorshow
By Mounir Baalbaki, Marketing Communications Manager, GM Middle East Operations
"A week to remember in November", "Judgment Day", and "Zero Hour" are not typically words we would use in reference to a motorshow, but the 2007 version of the Middle East International Motor Show in Dubai, UAE was in no way an ordinary event, in many respects.
On the 13th of November 2007, 11 Middle East premieres, two world premieres, and a host of concept and show cars were set to dazzle crowds at our stand, the largest at the show, as usual… And dazzle they did…
One can appreciate what a profound effect striking automotive design has on people, as the automobile evolved from simply a means of transport to a statement, a lifestyle, and an extension of oneself. I was lucky enough to experience that first hand.
The Camaro’s modern retro styling in particular was a big hit with audiences. We had people showing up and writing blank checks saying they want the Camaro and they want it now. Not the first one of the production line, not Bumblebee, the star of Transformers™, but the one that was displayed in front of them. In vain we’d try to explain that this is a concept car not meant for sale, but the bidders were only attracting others, and it was like that for the duration of the show.
We also had a gentleman lecture us on why he hates show-cars, citing the Holden EFIJY. He said: "Why do manufacturers like GM work on show-cars like this, and never produce them? This is mean! I see the car here, but I can never have it! You should stop this, or send that dream car to the production line right away!"
Rest assured that we did not sell the Camaro, nor did we promise to manufacture the EFIJY, but we did in fact experience first hand how passionate people are about automotive design. The interest that such phenomenally designed cars generate is testament to the fact that the automobile is among the most emotionally charged inventions in the world, and with GM concept cars as sexy as the HUMMER HX concept, the CTS Coupe, and Saab 9-4X to name just a few, we can be reassured that this is not going to change in the foreseeable future.
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