In a nation that appreciates cars as much as Kuwait does, it’s no wonder that this upcoming event is anticipated among us all! That’s right, auto-enthusiasts! Rev your engines and set your gears for the 2017 Kuwait Motor Show (AKA: Auto Moto). This January, 360 Mall is the venue that is set to wow us with some classics and newcomers for consideration, admiration and purchase! Founder of the show Osama Bastaki sits down with us, spilling the juicy details to further intrigue our curiosity and zeal towards this family-friendly event.
Where did the idea for The Kuwait Motor Show in 360 Mall come from?
Motor shows are held worldwide in major cities around the world to showcase what’s new in the automotive industry. All these automotive brands you see in the world invest in motor shows to emphasize on the design, features and new technologies they offer to the world to attract the general public to their brand. So, the idea isn’t new, and Kuwait’s market is not any different. Kuwait was the first in the GCC to develop an international motor show about 35 years ago.
After Dubai became a regional hub for pretty much everything, it developed an international motor show supported and financed by the automotive manufacturers. Doha then introduced a second international motor show in the region, but manufacturers saw there was no need for three motor shows in the GCC; an area the size of Germany. Then, the support from manufacturers to the dealers participating in the Kuwait International Show was reduced as Dubai had taken the regional title as the place to go, for not only the Gulf, but from the Far East and West. That’s where the idea was born; to create a local, small but effective show that is developed by Kuwait, for Kuwait, in a beautiful setting with activities, food and a great shopping experience, all under one roof.
How did the motor dealers react to the idea?
Motor dealers loved the idea, and thought it was amazing. Because it was a new idea in the beginning, only a limited number of dealers joined. We faced some hardships in the start, but offered a great concept that was positioned in a reputable venue, had ample parking, an established footfall and welcomed all genders and ages. Year after year, we gained the trust of the dealers in Kuwait. Today, we are the only Motor show in Kuwait that the dealers wait for every year.
What does the Kuwait Motor Show, Auto Moto, offer to visitors?
We attract all segments of visitors, male and female, 18 years old and above. Basically, anyone driving a car! The show offers 32 of the most well recognized automotive brands in the world displayed straight from the local dealerships. In the show, there are more than 100 cars displayed which vary from economy to luxury and family to sporty. Visitors can shop to find what they need in one platform instead of going to Shuwaikh and Rai to visit each dealership. Dealers also make great offers at the show, which visitors can benefit from.
For you, what is the most satisfying part of the event?
The numbers and the success: I can’t begin to explain the satisfaction I felt when we saw the mall numbers, combined with the dealer figures. Over 266,000 people walked into the mall in a period of 7 days last year. And, more than 2,000 leads were collected by dealers, and over 100 cars were sold as a result of the show.
What do you think is the key to its success?
The very concept of cars is appealing to all ages, and the show being inside a mall multiplies that appeal, making it a true family event. Another credible reason is that we offer everything from economic passenger cars to the latest luxury and super cars, all under one roof! Say goodbye to show-room-hopping; with Auto Moto you can see it all.
The Auto Moto will take place from January 12th and will continue until the 21st. You can keep up to date via their Instagram account @automoto_q8.
