The Middle East is a market where passion for cars runs high. Sales figures in the previous years speak volumes about the growth seen in the market as well as highlight its huge potential.

According to a recent report, car sales in the country between 2009 and 2010 are set to rise by an average of five per cent, while car ownership is expected to climb above 55 per cent for the first time in the country’s history.

Automotive sales in the UAE grew by 29 per cent in the January-September period of 2008, with full-year growth estimated to be 22 per cent on the back of sales of 362,585 units, according to another report.

With over 70 per cent of new car purchases made on credit in the UAE, car dealers are upbeat about the outlook for the second half of 2009 and the year ahead due to the easing in lending conditions with banks.

By 2013, the UAE automotive market will have reached around 570,000 vehicle sales per annum, a 57 per cent increase over 2008.

More specifically, cars are continuing to increase on Sharjah’s roads as it registers an average of 120 new vehicles a day, according to newspaper reports.

A total of 90,787 vehicles were registered in the first half of 2009 with Sharjah Police, which is 1,320 more compared to the same period last year 2008.

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	Saloon & sedan cars		Navigation systems		Vintage cars
	4x4s & SUVs		Commercial vehicles		Car audio & video systems
	Automotive end-user accessories		Auto finance, insurance and warranties		Automotive Magazines & websites
	Water vehicles		Car care products		Motorbikes
	Quad bikes		Special vehicles		Spare parts
	Tires		Lubricants		Service equipments