Saudi International Motor Show 2013 (SIMS) Jeddah - Arab Today Leading global brands are showcasing their latest models of motor vehicles, SUVs & motorcycles and motoring innovations at the 35th edition of the Saudi International Motor Show 2013 (SIMS) which opened yesterday in Jeddah. The show was officially inaugurated on Tuesday by Dr Hani Abu Ras, Mayor of Jeddah, said the event organisers,  Al Harithy Company for Exhibition (ACE). Top brands from the US, Europe, Japan, Korea and China will be unveiling hundreds of the most advanced and modified cars from across the globe at the show which runs till Saturday, they added. Saudi Arabia’s 35th international event for motor vehicles, SUVs & motorcycles runs until Saturday at Jeddah Center for Forums & Events is putting on display around 100s of the most advanced cars, modified cars and commercial vehicles. Innovative car accessories, spare parts, the latest gadgetry from lights, music systems and upgrades from around 100 Saudi and international companies will also be on display at the Auto care exhibition, said a statement from ACE. After the inauguration, the Mayor of Jeddah and his VIP entourage toured the exhibition and got a glimpse of the latest designs and models unveiled by the biggest names in the automotive industry. Commenting on the show, Abu Ras said “The motor show is an important event being held here in Jeddah because it creates an opportunity for car enthusiasts here to see the latest models of cars. We are always very keen to see more of such exhibitions being staged in Jeddah.” Zahoor Siddique, the vice president of ACE, expects this year’s visitor numbers to cross 100,000, as a number of new exhibitors are taking part this year. "Besides the revealing of various new models, SIMS’s unique themed zones offer professionals, businessmen, enthusiasts and consumers a relaxed and enjoyable experience as well as enabling them to find exactly what they are looking for. The outdoor areas are customarily transformed into a huge mart for commercial vehicles providing a singular platform for the Kingdom’s transport and logistics industry," he added. Siddiqui said Saudi’s vehicle sales totaled 759,000 in 2011 and are expected to pass the 1 million per year mark by 2018. “Worth a whopping $3 billion, Saudi Arabia is the single largest aftermarket in the Gulf region and fifth in the world. Escalating new automobile sales and the flourishing used cars market are driving sales of all kinds of parts, accessories, components and service & garage equipment,” he said. Beside the launch of a number of new models, an action-packed schedule of entertaining and interactive features at the show includes 4 x 4 test drive circuit, bike stunt show and a display of modified cars, said the organisers. Source: TradeArabia