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

Local chamber launches ‘Shopping Weeks’ campaign targeting ‘auto parts’ sector; combined investment of 2,000 enterprises involved in auto parts and accessories trade in Sharjah amounts to AED 2 billion

The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) is calling on 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 (Sunday, May 30, 2010), 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, the exclusive distributor for Toyota in the UAE. 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.

Al Mahmoudi also thanked Al-Futtaim Motors for supporting the Auto Parts Week, which asserts the role played by the private sector in the efforts to help position the emirate as an ideal investment venue and bringing it one step closer to its goal of achieving total sustainable development.

Kevin Jones said, “We commend the SCCI for its efforts to organise 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 centres in the industrial areas of Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Khorfakkan, Kalba, Diba, and Al Hosn. Main activities of the promotion will be held on the First Industrial Street, also known as BMW road. Aside from offering special discounts and other promotional offers, a series of special seminars, lectures and workshops will also be held for shop owners and motorists. To further encourage target consumers to participate in the event, a special raffle draw featuring a Toyota luxury car and other valuable gifts will be raffled off at the end of the event. Customers will qualify for the draw upon purchasing products worth AED 100 and above.

The ’Shopping Weeks’ program is an SCCI initiative that aims to help increase sales activity in Sharjah and to support associate members by organizing promotional campaigns for each segment of the trade and retail sector. Auto Parts Week follows after the success of ‘Mobile Phone Week”, which was held in March.
 

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