The National logo, global utilities Primary navigation main content Charlie Hamilton Some of the Abu Dhabi’s most sought-after licence plates were sold at auction
yesterday, raising Dh44million (US$12million) for charity. “It is a lot of money, particularly in this economic climate,” said Abdullah al Manai, the executive manager of Emirates Auction, which organised the event. A total of 100 plates were on offer at the Emirates Palace hotel to 250 prospective purchasers. The most expensive number plate to go under the hammer yesterday was 8, which sold for Dh8m. Nine of the world’s 10 most expensive number plates have been bought in Abu Dhabi, according to Emirates Auction, and interest from buyers shows no signs of fading. Total revenue was up by 25 per cent this time on the previous event, which raised Dh35m. Other high-value plates included number 77, which fetched Dh4m, and number 34, which sold for Dh2.6m. Numbers 43 and 58 were bought for Dh2.05m each. Mr al Manai said:“People buy the plates for one of three reasons for charity, for investment or just to personalise their cars. “There is a huge demand for some number plates. “The economic slowdown has not affected us. People are still buying luxury cars and they still want luxury plates. “While a luxury car will depreciate in value, these plates increase.”
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