Italian performance brand Abarth becomes official vehicle partner of Dubai Autodrome

• High-performance Italian Brand Abarth to be official vehicle partner of Dubai’s first fully integrated motorsports complex
• First time globally that Abarth partners with a race track

Dubai, UAE: National Auto, the exclusive distributor for Fiat and Abarth vehicles in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, has signed an agreement with Dubai Autodrome, Dubai’s first fully integrated multipurpose motorsports and entertainment complex, for the high-performance Italian brand Abarth to be the circuit’s ‘Official Vehicle Partner’ for 2020.

The new partnership will see five of the acclaimed Abarth 595 Competizione models join Dubai Autodrome’s track fleet, providing visitors to the Motor City venue exhilarating laps around the course. The turbocharged hot hatchbacks will be offered as a stand-alone track experience for individuals, as well as featuring in an array of circuit activities as part of popular Dubai Autodrome motorsport packages for groups. The agreement also marks a world-first for the Italian brand, making the Dubai Autrodrome the first race track it has signed such a contract with.

The agreement was finalised trackside at the Autodrome during a signing ceremony between Mark Jenkins, CEO of National Auto, and Faisal Al Sahlawi, General Manager of Dubai Autodrome.

Commenting on the agreement, Mark Jenkins said: “Dubai is city that loves to set records and we are pleased that National Auto is playing its part in creating this global-first for the Abarth brand.”

Jenkins continued: “This partnership comes at a pivotal time for Dubai, when at least 25 million visitors are expected to descend upon the emirate for Expo 2020, many of whom will visit the Dubai Autodrome to experience the thrills and excitement of the circuit’s many adrenaline-fueled activities. As a high-performance brand with a motorsport heritage stretching back 70 years, Abarth is the perfect vehicle partner for Dubai Autodrome, and the circuit represents the ideal platform to increase Abarth’s exposure to automotive enthusiasts from across the UAE and, indeed, the wider world.” 

National Auto, part of the Al Ghandi Auto Group, has been the dealership for Abarth in Dubai and the Northern Emirates since 2018, and is fully equipped to supply their customers in the UAE with the limited editions, bespoke packages, spare parts and accessories to provide the ultimate Abarth experience.

The Abarth 595 Competizione pushes performance to the limit with aggressive styling and race-inspired touches, plus a turbocharged 1.4-litre engine that is eager to roar into life. The 180hp it generates propels this hottest of hot hatchbacks from zero to 100km/h in just 6.9 seconds. The iconic sound of its Record Monza Exhaust has evolved to be even more unique and unmistakable.

On the interior, design and quality are at the forefront, with high-end luxury materials such as carbon fibre and Alcantara, and standard features including a stylish flat-bottomed steering wheel, Skydome sunroof, race-inspired digital instrument cluster and Uconnect® seven-inch infotainment system.

Bookings for the new Abarth Experience can be made online at https://www.dubaiautodrome.com/experience/abarth595/. 

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For further information, please contact:
David Devine
Group Operations Manager, Al Ghandi Auto
David.devine@alghandi.com

Aymen Al Faraj
Account Manager, Performance Communications
Aymen@performancecomms.com
+971 4 551 5472

National Auto

National Auto, part of the Al Ghandi Auto Group, one of the oldest automotive retailer groups in the region with over 50 years of existence are specialists in the industry. National Auto offers a selected range of new and used automotive innovations, as well as comprehensive world-class after-sales and parts support. National Auto provides a wealth of knowledge and expertise in vehicle sales, service and genuine parts for world-renowned brands Fiat, Abarth, Lancia, SsangYong and Proton in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

Abarth

It was in 1949 that Carlo Abarth, after a career racing motorcycles and cars, founded Abarth & C with Guido Scagliarini. The first vehicle produced was the 204 A, based on the Fiat 1100. It immediately won the 1100 Sport Championship as well as Formula 2. Alongside racing, the company started to produce tuning kits that improved the performance, power and speed of standard vehicles.

Over the course of the next two decades, Carlo Abarth’s performance modified cars achieved success in every competition and set many records, and the Abarth brand became synonymous with sport, tuning and performance.

Abarth’s union with Fiat came in 1971, with Fiat’s acquisition of Abarth & C S.p.A. Under Fiat ownership, Abarth became the Fiat Group's racing department, and went on to produce some of history’s most legendary racing machines, including the Fiat 124 Abarth Rally and 131 Abarth, and the Lancia Beta Montecarlo Turbo Group 5 racing car and the Lancia Rally 037 Group B rally car.

Dubai Autodrome

Completed in 2004, the Dubai Autodrome was the UAE’s first fully-integrated multipurpose motorsport and entertainment facility, featuring an FIA sanctioned 5.39km circuit with six different configurations, a race school, indoor and outdoor karting tracks, the Grandstand Retail Plaza, the Motorsport Business Park, a VIP Paddock Hospitality area and entertainment facilities ideal for events and corporate entertainment.

Located 25 minutes from central Dubai, the Dubai Autodrome is a safe and controlled motoring environment that can accommodate large crowds, whether as a local social destination or as a tourist attraction for overseas visitors.

© Press Release 2019