The automotive industry is feeling the full force of the global financial crisis. General Motors, Ford and Chrysler are on the brink of collapse after their failed bid to get $25 billion in aid from Congress and many of the major automakers are temporarily shutting down production plants as sales drop around the world. In the Middle East, however, car sales have not been so gloomy. Positive growth has been achieved by all the major brands in the region and massive amounts of investment are being put into improving car sales and after-sales facilities. Still, there is nervousness about the financial crisis’ impact on the Middle East, given the significant amounts of investment that have been made and are being made in the region. Thus, 2009 will be a precarious year for automakers and their local partners in the Middle East. But 2008 was a good year overall for manufacturers
