RIYADH, 26 August 2003. The use of counterfeit spare parts in vehicles could render invalid free servicing and troubleshooting, especially if the vehicle develops engine problems resulting from the use of fake auto parts during the warranty period.
This advisory to motorists came from Abdulrahman Almutlak, marketing and vehicles manager of Alhamrani United Co., during a function here recently.
He said the circulation of counterfeit products has been a major problem for the Kingdom’s car dealers despite the counterfeiting law enacted almost two decades ago. Some top companies have also formed an anti-counterfeiting coalition which has been working in close cooperation with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. Yet the import of counterfeit products continues.
Counterfeit products cost the global auto industry $1 billion annually and $200 million in the Middle East, according to General Motors Global Security, which is studying the problem in the Gulf. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has also set up an independent department to monitor, inspect and confiscate such products.
Vehicle import into the Kingdom, the biggest auto market in the Gulf, stands at over six million units annually. The spare parts market, excluding tires, has been estimated at around SR2.5 billion.
Part of the problem, according to knowledgeable sources, is that these counterfeit products mainly oil and air filters, shock absorbers, fan belts, brake pads and shoes, air conditioning compressors, starters, spark plugs and oxygen sensors, carry fake trademarks.
Staff Writer
© Arab News 2003
