Toyota and UAE distributor Al-Futtaim in conjunction with authorities in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah conducted raids on retailers suspected of selling fake auto parts last week.
The ‘triple sweep raid mission’ hit a number of retailers in the three emirates over ten days, explained Hatem Abdel Ghani, head of IP enforcement at Al Shaali ‘&’ Co, advocates and legal consultants.
He revealed that most of the parts originated from China, Taiwan, Turkey, Korea and Malaysia.
“The sweep raid actions are aimed at demonstrating Toyota Motor Corporation’s eagerness to work with the authorities in the UAE and its local distributors, Al Futtaim Motors to take actions against counterfeiters,” said Abdel Ghani.
According to a study by the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Trade, the automotive market in the UAE grew by 19.7 % in 2010. The counterfeiting activities concerning the auto spare parts industry enjoyed simultaneous growth with the automotive and auto spare parts industry and trade in the UAE.
Al-Futtaim Motors last year spearheaded the formation of a Dealer Council to safeguard the interest of the company’s 125-strong authorised dealer network. The Dealer Council has helped combat parallel imports of genuine Toyota parts in the UAE, and is working with government institutions to identify traders of counterfeit goods.
At a press conference to reveal Toyota’s and Al-Futtaim’s findings, Sajjad Pasha, national Sales and marketing manager, parts and distribution for Al-Futtaim Motors gave an anti-counterfeiting presentation. Pasha stressed the negative impact the counterfeiting trade has on the brand image.
“These illegal activities put both our brand and the consumers in danger. Auto part purchasers are being cheated and misled and end up with a hazardous part in their vehicles, which compromises their safety and the wellbeing of their families.”
