SCCI Calls On Members To Adopt Best Practices, Be More Vigilant In Campaign Against Fake Auto Parts In The UAE

Local chamber holds seminar in line with Auto Parts Week featuring 2,000 SCCI members from auto parts and accessories trade and distribution sector

The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has urged members of the emirate’s auto parts and accessories trade and distribution industry to adopt best practices and implement strict quality standards as a means to help in the campaign against the proliferation of fake auto parts in the UAE. The local chamber emphasised the importance of using original spare parts by highlighting the safety risks posed by fake products as well as their direct impact on the national economy.

The call was made during a special workshop held at the Barajeel Hall of the SCCI Headquarters in Sharjah, which was part of the ‘Auto Parts Week’, the second instalment of the local chamber’s ‘Shopping Weeks’ initiative that seeks to enhance and improve Sharjah’s auto spare parts industry. Sponsored by Al Futtaim Motors and Al Tayer Motors, ‘Auto Parts Week’ ran from June 1 to 21, 2010 and showcased products and services of more than 2,000 SCCI associate members, who account for a combined capital value of over AED2 billion in the auto parts and accessories trade and distribution sector.

Present during the event were Ibrahim Rashid Al Jarwan, Manager of Economic Affairs, SCCI; Hamad Al Mahmoud, Manager of Small and Medium Enterprises, SCCI; Mohammed Ahmed Ameen, Assistant General Manager for Economic and International Affairs, SCCI and Abdullah Bin Sultan Al Owais, Board Member, SCCI. Also present were officials from the Department of Economic Development, Sharjah Municipality, Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA), Emirates Transport, Sharjah Transport and representatives from Sharjah’s private sector.

In a speech given during the seminar’s opening ceremonies, Mohammed Ahmed Ameen, Assistant General Manager for Economic and International Affairs, SCCI, focused on the importance of using authentic spare parts, particularly in guaranteeing road safety and reducing the chance of car engine malfunction. Ameen urged auto parts manufacturers, traders and distributors to increase efforts in raising consumer awareness on the risks of using counterfeit parts. He further said that events like the ‘Auto Parts Week’ reflect the SCCI’s continued commitment to promote the adoption of trade benchmarks and international standards that can help in Sharjah’s development as an ideal investment site and bring it one step closer towards its goal of achieving total sustainable development.

During the seminar, representatives from Sharjah Municipality gave a presentation showing the various efforts made by concerned government agencies in curbing the distribution and sale of counterfeit auto parts. The presentation also highlighted that using authentic parts contributes to an engine’s longevity and also helps in the campaign to preserve the environment.

Sajad Basha Al Rai, Sales and Marketing Manager, Al Futtaim Motors, gave a presentation on the company’s efforts to adopt best practices as a means to combat the distribution of fake auto parts and accessories. During his presentation, Al Rai shared different tips on how to distinguish and differentiate an authentic auto part from a counterfeit auto part. He also pointed out that fake auto part sales and distribution has become rampant in Asia and Africa because of relatively low prices of face products and the lack of regulatory legislation. A recent study further showed that 50 per cent of traffic and road-related accidents can be attributed to malfunctioned vehicles using fake auto parts. Al Futtaim Motors has launched a series of initiatives aimed at raising more awareness and educating the consumers of the dangers of using fake auto parts and accessories. Al Rai also pointed out that similar efforts made by government agencies and companies from the private sector have led to a 61 per cent increase in consumer awareness on being able to tell the difference between a fake auto part and a genuine auto part.

Alexander Lexi, Trade Mark Protection Manager, Ford Middle East, also discussed Ford’s continuing efforts against the widespread distribution of fake auto parts and accessories. He stated that counterfeit commodities circulated in international markets amount to USD12 billion with the Gulf region share reaching between USD150 million to USD200 million.

Hani Masjedi, Customer Relations Group Manager, Arabian Automobiles Company, and Yen R. Konan, Spare Parts Division Manager, Arabian Automobiles Company, also made a presentation on their company’s efforts to help raise more awareness against fake auto parts and accessories. They also shared important points of distinction in an auto spare part’s product packaging to identify if the product is genuine or fake.

During the seminar’s closing ceremonies, special tokens of appreciation were handed out to Al Futtaim Motors and Al Tayer Motors for their strong support and participation in the ‘Auto Parts Week’ initiative. The SCCI also honoured Sharjah Municipality and Arabian Automobiles for their participation in the seminar.
 

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