Hybrid-electric vehicles (HEV) are vehicles designed to combine the benefits of gasoline engines and electric motors to move the vehicle. These are configured to obtain different objectives such as, increased power and improved fuel economy.
Hybrid cars are currently being promoted in the Middle East even though gas powered prestige performance vehicles such as Porsche, BMW, Lexus, and McLaren Automotives are very common in use. One big factor that is slowing down hybrid cars popularity is the low gas price in the Middle East, unlike in western countries where motorists have to pay more for gas.
The first luxury hybrid Fisker vehicle in the GCC and the Middle East was launched by Al-Futtaim Group who has partnered with several car companies to showcase all the full range of Fisker luxury hybrid vehicles. Fisker automotive is a United States car company that produces luxury hybrid electric vehicles and has committed to designing and developing the world first range of premium plug-in electric cars.
The awareness about hybrid cars is at the moment increasing in the Middle East with the Dubai International Motor Show playing a vital role in educating the people yearly. In the 2013 Motor Show in UAE, there were sixteen vehicles on the stand and one of them was the newly refreshed 2014 model Nissan Patrol, a Gold GT-R signed by Usain Bolt, Nissan Pathfinder hybrid, Nissan Leaf and the NV 200. Porsche also introduced the Panamera S E-Hybrid; a hybrid vehicle that can be used on a daily basis.
The Toyota Company has promised to showcase Prius in the Middle East, which is the number one hybrid vehicle in the world and also Camry hybrid. These hybrid vehicles are now being used in the Dubai Taxi Corporation fleet.
People in the Middle East are beginning to appreciate the many benefits of the hybrid vehicle technology. Several individuals are also coming forward to voice out their interest in acquiring such vehicles for personal and commercial use.
The government of the United Arab Emirate spoke about the financial and environmental benefits of the latest hybrid cars which it claimed will help in decreasing environmental pollution and the general health of the citizens. Not only are hybrid-electric vehicles are efficient and low in emissions than gas powered vehicles but their performance has also improved in recent times due to the rapidly advancing technology.
United Arab Emirate car dealer, Al-Futtaim Motors, the major distributor for Toyota and Lexus has predicted a bright future for hybrid vehicles in the middle. The car dealer managing director, Jon Williams claimed the company has seen greater interest from several individuals who can’t wait for the Toyota brand hybrids to hit the UAE market. He also said many people have come to see the need for hybrid vehicles because of its high technology power and efficiency.
The United States car giant Ford is also set to restructure its global operations to drive up the growth of hybrid electric cars in the Middle East. This will be the fifth global business unit for the Middle East and Africa with headquarters in Dubai and effective from January 2014 to take advantage of the growth opportunities in the Middle East.
