Tata Motors has revealed that it has plans to significantly expand its aftersales networks in the UAE and Saudi Arabia before the end of the year.
In conjunction with its regional channel partners, the Indian commercial vehicles manufacturer intends to open one workshop in the UAE and two in the Kingdom during 2014.
Tata and its affiliates are also considering the feasibility of opening other aftersales facilities in the future.
“By the end of 2014, we should have opened another workshop in Al Ain,” revealed Ashish Sharma, Tata Motors’ area manager for aftersales in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
“This facility is ready; Dalma Motors has obtained the licences necessary to open this showroom and aftersales facility, and we plan to begin operations there at the earliest possible opportunity,” he added.
Tata has two distributors in the UAE: Dalma Motors, which covers the Abu Dhabi, while United Diesel is responsible for Dubai, Sharjah, and the Northern Emirates.
The manufacturer is represented by Manahil International in the KSA. The partners already have three workshops in the Kingdom: one in Jeddah, one in Riyadh, and one in Dammam. However, as Sharma explained, this is only the beginning.
“The final numbers are yet to be decided, but we are working to increase our aftersales footprint in Saudi Arabia,” he explained.
“At present, we have three workshops in the Kingdom. By the end of 2014, we expect to be running five,” concluded Sharma.
For further coverage of Sharma’s interview, plus perspectives from other aftersales experts operating in the GCC, check out the September 2014 issue of PMV Middle East.
