Auto Parts

KHALEEJ TIMES | A DV E RT I S I N G S U P P L E M E N T S U N D A Y, M A R C H 1 7, 2 0 1 3

Refurbishing with spares

Auto parts and accessories are among the largest group of imports and re-exports in the UAE

The UAE automobile sector still continues to boom as the country recently topped globally with 25 per cent sales growth in 2012

Farhana Chowdhury

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n a country where the ratio of cars per person is high and each family is known to own at least one car, vehicles are an essential part of daily life in the UAE for a variety of purposes ranging from transportation to running errands and getting places. The busy lifestyle we live in sees several kinds of automobiles on the road — from trucks to trailers and motor-

cycles to SUVs — all catering to its respective needs. Organisations employ fleets of vehicles as part of its daily routine, and has become an indispensible part of business.

The UAE automobile sector still continues to boom as the country recently topped globally with 25 per cent sales growth in 2012.

With snazzy new models churned out every season and easy instalment packages offered by banks along with attractive insurance policies, residents are more eager

to shell out on an automobile as a long-term investment.

Looking at private licensed drivers, while some opt for a shiny new car from a showroom, others may pick second-hand cars to get the job done. Regardless, car maintenance is an essential duty of every car owner. It is a given that brand new automobiles purchased from a licensed dealer have its first few years under service. Upon reaching a certain mileage, owners are requested to

turn in their vehicle for regular check-ups and cleaning. However, after the service period expires, it is up to the owner to seek and replace parts that may be worn down from regular use.

The more years pass, the higher the instances of repair an automobile requires to keep it operating smoothly. Similarly, second-hand cars are more prone to breakdowns based on the amount of care and attention given by its previous owner. It is inevitable that an automobile may experience problems where some parts may have to be changed altogether.

In such cases, auto parts come as a miracle maker replacing affected sections of a vehicle to ensure it runs as good as new. Within the automotive market, auto parts and accessories are sold at any given time of the year, and are among the largest group of imports and re-exports in the UAE. Dealers offer customers a greater freedom of choice which allows them to go as far as to customising their vehicles as per their desire while pertaining to the UAE’s vehicle laws and regulations.

From changing the body paint to installing a deep bass surround sound system, motorists are able to personalise their rides accordingly. Besides car manufacturers’ official stores, there are several warehouses and outlets that distribute branded items.

Usual parts and systems that may require replacement and regular maintenance include engines, gearbox, exhaust, airbags, headlights, tyres, rims, batteries and sensors. Dealers also offer accessories and tuning such as carpets, roof cases, oil and lubricants, paint and car modifications.

Keeping up with the UAE’s endeavours of a safe environment, many distributors also highlight the importance of proper waste

disposal and promote recycling of products to reduce toxicity.

However, a downside in the auto parts industry is the high occurrence of duplicate parts that fill the market. Due to high expenses, motorists tend to turn to unlicensed dealers who offer carbon copies of the original item but at a lower cost. These parts may be unsafe for long-term use and pose a great danger to health and safety, which is why the UAE government keeps a watchful eye out for counterfeit products.

Unfortunately, it takes a good eye to be able to tell the difference between a fake and its original.

According to a report in Khaleej Times in late 2012, over 60,000 fake auto parts including oil filters and brake systems were confiscated by the Dubai Government. This demonstrates the UAE government’s serious stand against fake items and observes strict practices to ensure consumer protection through regular crackdowns.

There are a number of trade fairs hosted in the UAE that focuses on the country’s automotive sector, and also brings in traders from across the world, an example being Automechanika Dubai, which is one of the region’s largest trade and networking platform for the automotive aftermarket.

With over 1,200 exhibitors, motorheads are exposed to portfolios of products and workshops in the related field. It also promotes environmental friendly practices such as tank systems for alternative fuels.

The auto parts industry is in constant demand in the UAE where over 50 per cent of imported auto products are reexported. Always make sure you purchase original products from credible sources for a safe driving experience.

— farhana@khaleejtimes.com

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TUESday, march 27, 2012 khaleej times / ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT

AUTO PARTS

Al-Futtaim Motors

Genuinely yours Customer safety comes first Latha Krishnan

A

Global Auto Parts

Sourcing the best Committed to genuine quality and maximum convenience Global Auto Parts, part of the renowned Al Habtoor Group aims to raise the bar in the products and services available for automotive aftermarket consumers in the GCC, MENA and wider global regions. It is a one of a kind, fully integrated automotive aftermarket parts supplier, specialising in high mortality parts for all the major Japanese, Korean, American and European brand passenger cars and LCVs. Global Auto Parts aims to be recognised as one of the largest independent suppliers of genuine quality automotive spare parts matched by the highest level of personal service through multiple sales channels. It offers its customers maximum convenience whilst and providing them with the highest quality auto parts at highly competitive pricing. “With our genuine quality auto parts we are supporting the importance of the work that the Al Habtoor Group has em-

barked on. We ensure that the consumer, who owns a vehicle of between three and eight years, that is out of warranty, and beyond has an option to buy the best quality of parts in the market regardless of the age of their vehicle. We guarantee that the quality of the part is always as it should be and there is no risk,” remarks Gary Carscadden, Director of Global Auto Parts in Dubai.

Global Auto Parts understands that the quality of the manufacturing process is very important in the case of spare parts for cars. Thus, it sources most of its parts from the factories of the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) in various parts of the world after carefully studying the manufacturing plants to ensure that the processes are up to international quality standards.

“When the part is packed in a Global Auto Parts box and brought to the market, it is an assurance that the part is of genuine quality

and independent repairers like Speedfit can confidently fit them in their customers’ cars. The vehicle owners can then be rest assured that they have purchased genuine quality at reasonable prices without compromising on his or hers safety,” elaborates Carscadden.

The automotive parts industry in the GCC was reported to be worth more than $9 billion in 2012. In this the ratio of counterfeit and low quality parts may be as high as 30 per cent. Counterfeit parts endanger the lives of people. Fake brake products will result in failure under normal driving condition and lead to accidents. Carscadden urges car owners to always check that genuine quality parts are fitted to their vehicle, especially where safety critical products like brake parts, any of the steering components, etc. are concerned.

According to Carscadden, the problem of counterfeit parts is not unique to this region and occurs all

over the world but the more stringent policies and awareness in the US and Europe makes it less prevalent in the automotive aftermarket there. He says, “The UAE is one of the largest hubs for the global demand for car components. The parts coming in are for not only this region but also for re-export markets across the world. If there is any doubt that they are getting spurious parts, the customer will find somewhere else to buy genuine quality parts and this multibilliondollar industry will cease to exist in the GCC. In an advanced automotive market, like the UAE, this should be controlled and monitored. We have the legislation in place; it just needs awareness.”

In the coming months, Global Auto Parts is planning to raise awareness of such issues in many ways through various media including advertising, radio and print.

l-Futtaim Motors (AFM) is the sole agent for Toyota Lexus and Hino Genuine Parts. AFM can supply parts for every Toyota, Lexus or Hino vehicle sold in the UAE, no matter how old it is.

“We have more than 100,000 different parts in stock at any given time at the Parts Distribution Centre (PDC) in Dubai Investment Park (DIP). Eighty per cent of the stock is from Japan and the rest come from Australia and Thailand,” informs Kosala Raman, General Manager – Parts Kosala Raman at Al Futtaim Motors.

The gigantic office cum ware- prey to using fake parts.

Being the leader in the UAE house facility of AFM is logistically close to the Jebel Ali Port automotive market, Al-Futtaim allowing quick clearance and Motors has also taken several transport from port to warehouse steps to tackle and control the and onward transport to various counterfeit parts industry gaindistributors and workshops all ing ground in the country. The over the country. The PDC and company runs awareness camall Al-Futtaim Motors retail paigns for customers to make branches follow the “Kaizen” them realise that buying fake method of maintaining stock parts such as fake brake pads for levels. Kaizen, Japanese for con- their cars can actually kill.

The company also helps edutinuous improvement, is a method of stock control and ware- cate UAE Government personnel housing followed to ensure that at the active borders of the councustomers have minimum wait- try to recognise and confiscate ing time before collecting their counterfeit parts. “With the help vehicle’s parts. “We can supply of our legal department we help the part from our PDC to the authorities arrest culprits indulgcustomer within three hours ing in counterfeit parts trade. We anywhere in the UAE,” affirms receive total support from Toyota in all these activities, as we beRaman.

A sophisticated fully comput- lieve that this is our dedication to erised system also plans the serving our customers in the best stock at the PDC. Every day the way possible,” says Raman.

The customer remains at the system checks for available and non-available parts and orders forefront and the centre of all the stock accordingly. Each time Al- activities of Al-Futtaim Motors.

Futtaim Motors launches a new “We urge customers to use our car, they ensure that all its parts network of retail workshops and are readily available, even before authorised dealers to take care of the car is on the roads of UAE. their cars. While we work hard to The PDC claims parts availabil- make sure that the customer is ity of 97 to 99 per cent. This taken care of well, it is more rehelps customers not only in get- warding when the customer reting a quick service but also dis- ciprocates whole heartedly by courages them from seeking al- coming to us,” emphasises Raternatives, and possibly falling man.

Can you put a price on your family’s safety?

If you think you save on price by using cheaper parts for your car, think again. According to the RTA, the UAE is witness to nearly 10,000 road accidents a year, that is 2.7 fatal cases a day!* A major cause being fake car parts, with 30,000 fakes seized in Dubai last year by the authorities.** Get yourself 100% peace of mind by relying only on 100% Toyota Genuine Parts from Al-Futtaim Motors. Because your family’s safety is priceless. *Source: Al-Ittihad Newspaper, January 4, 2011. ** Source: Toyota Motor Corporation, through Al Shaali & Co., Advocates & Legal Consultant and its UAE exclusive distributor Al-Futtaim Motors and Department of Economic Development of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, October 2011.

800 TOYOTA | TOYOTA.AE

AUTO PARTS

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SpeedFit

Saadia Trading Co.

High standards of quality

From modest beginnings

Speedfit is currently working with RTA to increase vehicle safety awareness on roads

Saadia Trading Co. caters with years of experience in heavy-duty parts

SpeedFit is a brand new fast fit concept by the Al Habtoor Group and it provides servicing and repairing for all brands of automobiles while the customers optimise their time for their convenience.

SpeedFit employs genuine quality auto parts of all kinds of automobile brands from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) as well as from Global Auto Parts, and maintains the highest standards of quality in all aspects of vehicle service and repair through exclusive tie ups with leading oil giant Mobil and the number one battery brand Energizer®.

“I have been in the automobile parts and repair business for many years and I know that using genuine quality auto parts ensures the safety of our customers. The parts that we use at SpeedFit are quality certified which guarantees the health and safety of you, your family, your vehicle and the other pas-

sengers on the road,” says Neil Coolledge, General Manager of Speedfit.

SpeedFit is planning to expand to 27 sites across the UAE and the GCC in the coming months.

Speedfit is also working closely with the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai to increase vehicle safety awareness on the roads. “We are very keen on promoting genuine brake, steering and suspension components, quality tyres and child safety seats. We have recently conducted a joint vehicle safety and awareness workshop with the RTA where in we emphasised on our role and responsibility as an automotive workshop to ensure free vehicle and tyre inspections are carried out on all vehicles as well as only genuine quality parts from OEMs are fitted. We also enjoy giving our customers some flexibility on price by choosing genuine quality parts

from our partner, Global Auto Parts, and this ensures that no counterfeit parts are fitted by Speedfi,” informs Coolledge.

“Once a vehicle has crossed three years and is not under warranty anymore, the consumer gets apprehensive about taking it to the distributor’s service centre and opts for the services of a garage. It is crucial that the vehicle owners ensure that the garage, which is offering a lower price on a repair job, is using OEM quality part and not just something that looks like it.

They have to be aware that unscrupulous garages enhance their margins by selling low quality fake parts to consumers. This practice has to be stopped by carrying out more stringent checks on them,” he says.

Al Habtoor

Avoid counterfeit parts Firm advises not to compromise life by using cheap products “Counterfeit Parts are cheap, Life is not!” says Derek Skehan, Group Parts Manager at Al Habtoor Motors, which is on a committed drive to address the important issue of counterfeit parts in the UAE market and the re-exportation of these parts from here to the rest of the world.

“When a customer buys a cheap counterfeit spare part with no warranty or support, he is compromising his and his family’s safety. The repercussions of using counterfeit brake pads in your car are unimaginable. However, it is important to understand the difference between counterfeit and genuine quality parts. Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Mitsubishi Fuso

Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) understand the need of the customers to minimise their maintenance cost after the warranty period is over. To protect the customers, we have made second line genuine quality parts which give them excellent quality at reduced price,” emphasises Skehan He further reassures the full support and backing of Al Habtoor to all the customers who get their vehicle serviced at any Al Habtoor service centre. “All Mitsubishi parts come from Japan, where stringent quality procedures have to be met by the supplier to become one of Mitsubishi official and approved vendor suppliers.

The parts that are shipped to Al

Habtoor Motors are certified by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in Japan and are fitted by fully trained technicians at Al Habtoor Motors,” said Skehan “The automotive parts business in the UAE is worth $9.8 billion and the government needs to reinforce the laws to retain and grow this market. The laws are already in place but we need to have more policing of them and take strong action against those indulging in selling counterfeit parts,” says Skehan, who further lists the different techniques adopted by sellers of fake parts.

“Some of them use a colour pattern logo similar to that of Mitsubishi Motors. The use of Japanese writing on the packaging and the manipulation of the writing to

Established in 1985, Saadia Trading Co. (STC) started modestly by supplying truck and crane parts and services to customers in Abu Dhabi and the UAE. The organisation has a welltrained staff of heavy-duty parts technicians who offer over 35 years of combined experience.

STC became part of the Hino and Nissan UD Family in 1990.

As its reputation and experience became better known, it slowly expanded its reach to the global market. Its clientele now covers the world from the GCC, Middle East and South Asia to Australia, Africa, Europe and the US. Saadia Trading Co. offers top quality service to its customers at competitive prices and a warranty policy written with the customer in mind. It strongly believes in its customer promise: “We do it right with a personal touch.”

“Service” is the key to success for any business and this has enabled the company to build long and fruitful relationships with its customers. make it look like a genuine Mitsubishi product is a common practice. The customer just sees that message and buys it.”

“These sellers are also infringing on the intellectual property rights (IPR) of the brand owner.

The government has to reinforce stringent IPR policies and that can be done by closely working with companies, such as Al Habtoor, to prevent the unauthorised display of brand logos. Product liability should also be a part of the policing. Federal law, IPR, product liability, greater customer awareness and the enforcement of all these by the relevant authorities will bring about a turnaround in the market and ultimately save lives,” points out Skehan.

It focuses on building and improving its company reputation by developing long-term relationship with its clients and understanding their needs, and accordingly equip themselves to ensure it fulfills their

requirements towards the mutual benefit of both the organisation.

Saadia Trading Co. looks forward to a positive growth in the coming years.

Head Office: Mussafa Industrial M-11, Abu Dhabi Tel: 02-5553869 Fax: 02-5559347 Branch Office: Industrial Area, Al-Ain Tel: 03-7210885, 03-7219155

Specialists in Hino, Nissan UD, Mitsubishi Crane & Truck Parts * Retail, Wholesale, Import & Export of Spare Parts. * Exclusive Agents for NTB (Japan) Brake Lining.

www.saadiatrading.com

TUESday, march 27, 2012 khaleej times / ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT