Sponsored: Why it’s a good time to buy a new car in the UAE

The GCC region has traditionally been a great market for car dealers, with several households in the region typically possessing at least one or more vehicles.

The UAE specifically is the second largest automotive market (including cars, parts and accessories, trucks and public transport vehicles) in the GCC after Saudi Arabia.

In fact, the UAE’s proposed automotive investment strategy is likely to see the creation of new production plants for cars and light vehicles in the country, Emirates NBD said in an earlier report.

Despite strong prospects for the future, the local automotive industry did slow down a bit in 2016 due to the dull economic conditions.

New vehicle sales across the GCC fell to 1.35-1.4 million units last year, according to market data, but the market is expected to stabilise and show a moderate growth in 2017 (up to 1.48-1.5 million units) due to several key factors, a Frost & Sullivan report suggested.

One of the main reasons is that the region’s macroeconomic situation is improving – non-oil GDP in the GCC is set to rise to 3 per cent in 2017 from 1.8 per cent in 2016.

New vehicle sales in 2017 are also likely to be uplifted by a planned VAT introduction by most GCC states in 2018, the report said.

Although for majority of businesses it means additional complexity, VAT is ultimately paid for by the customer.

Hence people previously planning a vehicle purchase in the next two years from now are likely to purchase vehicles before a 5 per cent tax (most likely rate to be adopted) is levied in 2018, the report added.

With growing competition in the market, car dealers are also offering better deals with value-added packages such as extended warranty periods, free insurance, additional technology features etc.

In such an environment, this is the best time to invest in a car in the UAE.

Looking at the types of cars, while customers are spoilt for choice, opting for an SUV (sports utility vehicle) is highly beneficial, considering the varied terrain in the country.

The great thing about SUVs is their versatility, and with petrol prices relatively low in the country, the rugged vehicles offer good value to motorists.

When it comes to the UAE SUV market, there are again several options.

US carmaker General Motors has a long line-up of crossovers and SUVs from Chevrolet with flexible seating options, plush interiors, generous cargo space, exterior styling and good fuel efficiency.

Models include Trax, Captiva, Traverse, Tahoe, Suburban.

One of the brand’s latest offerings is the 2017 Chevrolet Trailblazer, which caters to city driving and off-roading.

With its high ground clearance, and powerful 3.6L VVT engine that produces 275 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque, the Trailblazer can easily cross rocky mountainsides as well as desert dunes.

Complementing the improved engine is a tougher, more rigid chassis and fully boxed frame, which are designed to improve stability and comfort.

For the novice SUV driver, the vehicle also offers integrated technology features.

Click here to learn more about the 2017 Chevrolet Trailblazer.