AutoMiddleEast.com, the ultimate car portal in the Middle East announced plans to launch an all-new version. Pankaj Dev CEO and Managing Editor said, “An all-new version of AutoMiddleEast.com will be launched soon. The new version will be more interactive, easy to use and offer improved functionality to our visitors. Our objective is to build a vibrant community of car buyers and sellers in the Middle East.” Negotiations for allotting the project are in the final stages. A Dubai-based company and an Indian software-developing house are said to be closely contending for the project. “We have some very qualified and experienced companies bidding for this project and a final decision will be taken shortly,” said Pankaj Dev. Internet usage in the region has shown tremendous growth. According to a recent report published by Madar Research, the number of Internet user in the GCC total up to 8.32 million, which is nearly 24% of the total population in the region. Internet World Stats, which bases its research on data provided by leading research agencies such as Nielsen/NetRatings, ITU, and Computer Industry Almanac reports that internet usage in the Middle East recorded a growth rate of 452% for the period 2000-2005 as compared to worldwide usage growth rate of 179.5%. During the same period, Internet advertising spend in the GCC grew from US$1.28 million in the year 2000 to US$10.3 million at the end of 2005. Despite the rapid growth, Internet penetration in the Middle East remains far below international standards. “Lack of good quality web sites with original contents is one of the factors slowing down the growth in usage. Our new version will offer browsing experience at par with any international auto portal. Even today, we are one of the most content-rich auto portals in the Middle East, and studies are underway to further enhance our content presentation to the visitors. We are in talks with a number of new car dealers to facilitate some very exciting options to online visitors, and soon it will be possible to initiate buying a car at the click of a button,” said Pankaj Dev. The new version is expected to be launched by the middle of this year.
About AutoMiddleEast AutoMiddleEast (formerly Auto Emirates) is the Middle East’s largest and most dynamic print and internet-based automotive resource. It is an independent and privately held corporation, with no ties to any automotive manufacturer or similar organization. Since it began operations back in the year 2000, it has developed into the region’s leading publisher and distributor of new car reviews and motoring news. Launched in 2002, its website www.automiddleeast.com is recognized as the region’s most comprehensive and objective auto portal. About Madar Research Group Madar Research Group is a Dubai Media City-based company established in June 2002 to conduct primary and secondary B2B research on the Knowledge Economy in the Middle East. It aims to fill the void in the Middle East for primary and secondary research by creating a unique source of authoritative information through its research center, publications, events, and online presence. The company seeks to provide businesses in the region with vital e-market data and analyses to improve their eBusiness planning, decision-making, and business performance. Additionally, Madar Research Group intends to attract new international clients who are hampered from venturing into the region by the lack of accurate information. Website: www.madarresearch.com
