Introduces 'WESTERN' branded automotive spare parts

Dubai, May 29, 2007: Western Auto (a division of ETA Ascon and Star Group of companies) today announced the expansion of its existing business line to include the sale and distribution of its own auto spare parts under the brand name, 'WESTERN'. With an investment of USD 10 million, the new 'WESTERN' range of spare parts includes engine components, gears, lamps, body parts and more.

Announcing the launch, Mr. A.J. Kamal, General Manager, Western Auto said: "The demand for spare parts, components and accessories is fuelled by the frenzied increase in the ownership of vehicles in this region and emerging markets in the Middle East and Africa. The overall growth of the auto population is a huge opportunity for us to support every effort to ensure that the industry is exposed to the genuine spare parts market."

The UAE Automotive spare parts market is already worth AED 18 billion (USD 5 billion) annually and is growing at a phenomenal 20 per cent per annum as per the latest statistics from the Dubai Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC). The trade activity of spare parts and accessories includes the trade of chassis, bodies, and parts and accessories of motor vehicles.

Western Auto is exhibiting its new products such as filters, batteries and telma electro-magnetic retarders manufactured by French owned Valeo group at Automechanika Middle East 2007 concluding today at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Western Auto is also the authorised distributor for French made Telma electro magnetic retarders, sammitr trailer axles, parts and accessories.

"We are delighted to be a part of Automechanika for the second consecutive year and is a good platform to showcase after-market auto spare parts," added Mr. Kamal.

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About ETA ASCON:
Emirates Trading Agency-Associated Constructions and Investments (ETA ASCON) Co. L.L.C. are a multinational and diversified Group established in 1973 as a joint venture under UAE's Abdulla Al Ghurair Group. ETA-ASCON has built an enviable reputation for quality, service and cost-effective technological capability. Headquartered in Dubai, the Group network undertakes construction, contracting and infrastructure project work in several countries, having several branches and associate offices worldwide. Areas of expertise include Engineering, Contracting, Construction, Manufacturing, Trading, Shipping, Transportation, Jewellery, Travel, Consumer Electronics, Recycling, Automobiles, Building Maintenance, Information Technology, Human Resources Management and Real Estate. With 45,000 employees worldwide, the Group's consolidated sales for the year ending 2006 were in excess of USD 4 billion. For more information, please visit www.eta-ascon.com.

For further information, please contact:
Sudha Hemmad / Ayesha Karumbaya
ASDA'A Public Relations,
Tel: +971-4-3344550,
Fax: +971-4-3344556,
E-mail: s.hemmad@asdaa.com, a.karumbaya@asdaa.com 

© Press Release 2007