UAE News Agency (WAM), Wednesday 2 Jun 2010

Sharjah Chamber Urges Consumers To Join Campaign Against Fake Auto Parts Trade In UAE

Sharjah, WAM:

The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has asked motorists and consumers to join in the continuing campaign against the trade of fake auto parts in the UAE as a means to help promote road safety and reduce road related accidents caused by using counterfeit car parts.

The call, which was made during a press conference held yesterday was marked by the launch of "Auto Parts Week" part of the larger "Shopping Weeks" initiative of the SCCI that seeks to enhance and improve Sharjah's auto spare parts industry. "Auto Parts Week," which will run from June 1, 2010 to June 21, 2010, is being sponsored by Al-Futtaim Motors.

A total of 2,000 SCCI members involved in the trade and distribution of auto spare parts and accessories with a collective value of AED two billion in capital are expected to participate in the promotion that will feature exciting promotional offers combined with a series of workshops and presentations aimed at promoting road safety and the use of genuine auto parts.

Present during the launch were Hussein Mohammed Al Mahmoudi, Director General, SCCI; Mohammed Ahmed Amin, Assistant Director General for Economic and International Affairs, SCCI; Kevin Jones, Senior General Manager-After Sales, Al-Futtaim Motors; Murtada Al-Fateh Al-Zailaei, Quality and Excellence Manager; Hamad Al Mahmoud, SMB Support Project Manager, SCCI and Jamal Saeed Buzinjal, Deputy Chairman of Information Department, SCCI. Also present were members from Sharjah's auto trade parts industry and representatives from various media organizations.

Speaking at the press conference, Hussein Mohammed Al Mahmoudi said "Sharjah's auto spare parts retail sector is one of the country's largest retail segments; made even healthier with key activities like import, re-export, sale and purchase transactions of high quality spare parts. ‘Auto Parts Week' is the next installment of our ‘Shopping Weeks' program. This event is not only aimed at encouraging car spare parts traders and shop owners to create effective marketing strategies and develop strong consumer ties that can help stir more economic activity but also seeks to help increase more awareness in the campaign against the sale and distribution of counterfeit car spare parts."

"Through initiatives like this, the SCCI is able to provide members with essential marketing and promotional support, advanced infrastructure services and other key benefits that can further develop their businesses and increase their profits. With our eagerness to develop the auto parts sector, the SCCI will also launch an awareness campaign that seeks to teach today's consumers about the importance of purchasing high-quality spare parts and avoiding fake parts that can ultimately compromise the safety of both the driver and the car," he added.

Kevin Jones said, "We commend the SCCI for its efforts to organize an event that aims to support the spare parts trade sector. Al-Futtaim Motors, through our auto parts sales department, affirms our full support for the Auto Parts Week. The program complements Al Futtaim's commitment to raise awareness on the importance of using only genuine auto parts. The use of high quality auto spare parts not only means better vehicle performance but also helps reduce the risk of getting into a road accident due to faulty parts and compromised engine performance."

Hamad Al Mahmoud said, "Auto Parts Week complements the SCCI's continued commitment to provide support and assistance to Sharjah's growing number of small and medium enterprises while simultaneously promoting the adoption of more benchmark trade practices and international standards that can help in the emirate's development as an ideal investment destination. During the event, the SCCI will showcase products and services of the participating 2,000 members providing key benefits like advertising, media coverage and effective marketing strategies that can help these retail units reach out to different social segments." Auto Parts Week will be held in all automotive based service centers in the industrial areas of Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Khorfakkan, Kalba, Diba, and Al Hosn.

WAM/AM