Abu Dhabi-UAE: 22 March, 2015 - A series of measures designed to promote safer and more roadworthy vehicles on the UAE's roads, enhance security features of vehicles and improve the overall standards of products and services offered to consumers by the country's automotive industry were discussed during the Dealers' Council Meeting chaired by Dr Hashem Al Nuaimy, Head of Consumer Protection at the UAE Ministry of Economy.
The meeting reviewed several topics that focused on the importance of organizing automotive safety conferences, and implementing measures to increase the safety levels of vehicles such as the manufacture of date plates, third party inspection, cruise control related issues and the need to establish a committee for creating a garage standards roadmap. The meeting also reviewed the Spare Parts Committees' report, and discussed the contribution of automotive agencies to the 10th GCC Consumer Week.
Drawing the participation of senior representatives of automotive dealerships, the meeting announced various initiatives and recommendations to tackle issues affecting the overall experience of motorists in the UAE including consumer safety, the Ministry's number one priority.
During the meeting, Dr Hashem Al Nuaimy said: "The Ministry of Economy attaches great importance to consumers and the safeguarding of their rights. The consumer protection department in the ministry coordinates with all concerned stakeholders to raise awareness of consumers' rights and tackle illegal practices. We approach consumers' safety from a number of perspectives to develop results-driven strategies that ultimately aim to protect drivers and pedestrians from every preventable risk.
"Working in conjunction with our partners, we have this year launched an awareness initative featuring important safety tips that every driver needs to follow to stay safe on the roads. Our initiative includes distribution of leaflets to service centers across the nation and through various touch points of the Ministry."
Dr Al Nuaimy added: "Improving road safety goes well beyond educating motorists or imposing harsher fines on irresponsible drivers. Raising standards in garages and service centers is as critical as is our fight against counterfeit spare parts."
The Dealers' Council meeting recommended improving the efficiency of addressing customer complaints through expert technical reports without the intervention of the concerned dealer. Discussions also focused on providing technical support to the ministry related to the automotive sector and keeping the ministry updated with the latest developments in the international automotive sector. Offering safety suggestions and technical advice and increasing the level of consumer awareness on rights and responsibilities also formed a key part of the meeting agenda.
Participants additionally recommended that the newly developed Garage Standards Committee draft a roadmap to tackle the issue of the estimated 18,000 private unregulated garages in the UAE. The ministry will then review and rate the draft based on a specific checklist and set standards.
-Ends-
© Press Release 2015
