Category: News
- A recent survey by Morning Consult, commissioned by General Motors Africa & Middle East, examined the awareness and attitudes towards EV infrastructure development
- Drivers included alleviating environmental concerns as a leading factor for increased consideration of EVs in the UAE, while combatting increasing gasoline costs is a key factor of increased consideration within both countries
- Participants from both KSA and UAE found the long-term affordability of EVs attractive – 69% among adults in KSA and 73% in UAE
Middle East – As awareness towards the availability and benefits of electric vehicles (EVs) rises across the region, seven out of ten consumers surveyed in the UAE (73%) and Saudi Arabia (69%) are eager to explore the cost savings brought about by an electric vehicle. A survey commissioned by General Motors and conducted by Morning Consult explored the state of consumer interest in EVs, as well as awareness of long-term cost savings related to EV ownership, available EV vehicle options, and charging facilities.[1]
The survey found that the general awareness of the concept of electric vehicles is very high, with 95% of UAE and 93% of KSA respondents aware of all-electric vehicles. The awareness of EVs is also consistently high among all age groups and across both men and women in both countries surveyed. This heightened awareness has also translated into strong purchase consideration, with a majority in both countries (63% in Saudi Arabia and 70% in UAE) strongly considering a future EV purchase. Those reporting higher EV consideration are more likely to think this will bring them cost savings, in addition to being more likely to be aware of EV infrastructure in their nation.
This favorable outlook towards EVs aligns with global EV revenue projections, anticipated to grow from around $10 billion in 2023 to approximately $90 billion annually by 2030[2]. The regional growth in consideration also aligns with carbon neutral strategies across the region, which has prompted more awareness across Saudi Arabia and the UAE, in turn driving a deeper understanding of EV offerings and their benefits. In the UAE, the study found that top drivers of increased EV consideration were tackling the elevated cost of gasoline and alleviation of environmental concerns, with 64% of those who are more likely to consider an EV in comparison to a year ago selecting each of these drivers as a reason for increased interest. Looking more closely into EV pricing in the UAE, 73% of consumers overall see EVs as having worthwhile cost savings versus a gasoline-powered vehicle.
Within Saudi Arabia on the other hand, 65% of respondents are more likely to consider an EV in comparison to a year ago. 61% of those who are more likely to consider an EV in the Kingdom cite the cost of gasoline as a factor, while 47% find that there have been more affordable EV options available in the market over the past year.
Another key insight derived from the study tackles range anxiety, with UAE participants revealing that the ideal driving range of an EV is approximately 325 km on average, while in KSA this was found to be approximately 360 km. What’s more, 36% of respondents with increased EV purchase consideration in the Kingdom have attributed this to stem from an understanding of the longer driving range than previously available. Featuring the Ultium battery platform, GM’s EV portfolio will be capable of a driving range of more than 400 kilometers on a single charge, depending on the vehicle, surpassing the expectations of both nations.
Jack Uppal, President & Managing Director, General Motors Africa & Middle East shared, “It is promising to see the rising positive sentiment towards EVs brought to light by this Morning Consult survey. As we progress towards our vision of the future of mobility, the increase in volume and variety of EV options we are anticipating to bring to market, will respond to the shift in consumer awareness and consideration brought on by the long-term benefits of ownership – from apprehension around affordability and range, towards positive sentiment towards the ownership potential of these new technologies. We will deliver on our commitment to offer an electric vehicle for every wallet and every customer and driving this change towards a vision of future mobility across electrification, autonomy, and connectivity.”
Looking more closely at infrastructure, as both countries work towards their carbon neutral visions, in the UAE, over one-third (38%) of respondents were aware of the location of at least one convenient charging station. Four out of five (80%) of those aware of a convenient charging station said one was available where they park their car at home, with highest reported availability in public parking or shared private parking. In Saudi Arabia, two out of five respondents (40%) claimed awareness of a charging station, however, only one in five (17%) found this to be in a convenient location to their home or workplace. This indicates understanding of ongoing efforts to drive forward infrastructure, as well as room for further development. Action is firmly underway on this front, with Riyadh’s ambitious goal to have 30% of all vehicles in the city be powered by electricity by 2030, while the UAE is already home to 600 charging points with a drastic growth plan to be achieved before 2050.
Uppal further elaborated, “Each market will understandably have a different approach and timeframe to infrastructure solutions to accommodate for the mass rollout of electric vehicles. At GM, we are focused on a customer-centric approach by enabling charging capabilities at customers’ homes. We are firmly aligned with the regional leaders on a shared vision when it comes to an electrified future of mobility.”
Supported by the positive outlook towards EVs, General Motors will continue to develop and roll out a range of solutions, and explore combinations of public infrastructure, home solutions and community solutions with local governments to suit each market’s needs. This focus feeds into ongoing work to achieving the long-term strategy in place, guided by a vision of a future with Zero Crashes, Zero Emissions and Zero Congestion.
- Aimed at supporting anyone who has directly, or indirectly, been impacted by a road traffic incident, a complimentary public webinar series, ‘Healing After Trauma’ and an in-person guided drawing experience will run from 12th February to 14th March 2023 and will explore trauma reactions, physical responses and support after an incident
- Each of the webinar sessions will be led by a dedicated psychologist trained in grief and trauma support, and the guided drawing experience will take place at The LightHouse Arabia
- In 2021, 2,620 people were injured in road accidents in the UAE, whilst the WHO estimate that globally, approximately 1.3 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes
- The support has been launched after a successful awareness initiative, Through Their Eyes, which saw six regional visual artists reframe the difficult conversation around road traffic accidents through moving artworks
Dubai UAE – OnStar, the pioneering safety and connectivity technology from General Motors, has launched a three-part webinar series, in addition to a guided drawing experience, with The LightHouse Arabia to support victims of road traffic accidents in the UAE. Healing After Trauma is a complimentary health and wellness platform targeting anyone who has directly, or indirectly, been impacted by a road traffic incident. The guided drawing experience will take place on the 12th of February in-person, while the webinars will be accessible from the 14th of February to 14th March.
Shereen Harris, Head of Marketing & Subscriptions at OnStar Middle East, commented, “In 2022, our focus was on raising awareness on the topic of road safety through a visual art lens and encouraging difficult conversations around the impact of accidents on victims and their families. We wanted to continue to build on this awareness with tangible action that supports individual wellbeing post-trauma, particularly as in the UAE alone, 2,620 people were injured in road accidents in 2021. We are delighted with our partnership with The LightHouse Arabia, offering us the ability to support those impacted by road incidents, through professional support to overcome the emotional and mental weight this carries. Through the sessions, LightHouse will be sharing practical tips and tools outlining healthy ways of coping and reform mental wellbeing assumptions.”
The webinars will focus on three key subject areas; developing a deeper understanding of trauma; its physical responses; and supporting oneself and others after a road traffic accident. Leading the sessions will be Aisling Prendergast, Psychologist, Grief & Trauma Specialist and Community Support Services Lead at The LightHouse Arabia. Prendergast will be bringing to the sessions her practice in working with individuals who have suffered traumatic events, impacting their lives and productivity. Over the course of the series, attendees will be taken through a deeper exploration of how experiencing or witnessing a road traffic incident impacts an individual’s reflection of the world. The in-person guided drawing experience, led by Juan Van Wyk, Clinical Psychologist with The LightHouse Arabia, will invite participants to explore shapes in rhythmic repetition, while safely expressing emotions, in a reflective space.
Aisling shared, “The long-term impact of accidents on the victim and their loved ones is often underestimated, and includes stress, anxiety and insomnia. The work that will be done through the Healing After Trauma series will shine a light on the aftershocks of road incidents, not only on the emotional wellbeing of the victim, but also on our overall physical wellbeing and engagement with life. We are excited to be working with OnStar to widen the net of the community we can support with these vital therapy sessions”.
The alternative art-focused platform launched last year helped OnStar stride towards its vision to support in the case of the unplanned – be it emergencies, injuries or a simple need for directions, by sparking renewed conversation around safety on the road. Building on this, OnStar continues to deliver on its overarching aim to create safer roads for its communities, and support those impacted by accidents through purposeful technology.
To sign up for The LightHouse Arabia’s webinar series and the in-person guided drawing experience please visit www.lighthousearabia.com/events.
Note: Spaces for the in-person guided drawing experience are limited and require pre-registration. Participants must be over 25 years old, and not experiencing acute trauma symptoms.
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About OnStar:
Launched in 1996, OnStar is a wholly owned subsidiary of GM Holdings LLC (“GM”) and offers emergency, security and navigation services in Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac models. OnStar offers a range of services such as Automatic Crash Response, Emergency Services and Stolen Vehicle Assistance. OnStar is coming to select markets in the Middle East in 2021. For more information, visit www.onstar.com/ae/en/home/.
Dubai-UAE: 15 March 2022 – National Auto, part of Al Ghandi Auto Group, the official distributor of Fiat and Abarth in the Dubai and Northern Emirates, have announced the launch of its all new showroom located in City Walk Dubai, UAE. The strategic relocation of the new Fiat and Abarth boutique showroom is driven by heightened consumer demand for the Italian-born automobile brands along with bringing them closer to the heart of Dubai.
The 272 sqm. showroom will comprise of three Fiat automobiles (between Connect, Sport, Dolce Vita, and the fiat 500X) and three Abarth Models (Scorpioneoro, Competizione, Essesse – when available).
The core focus of this relocated showroom is to widen the reach of Fiat and Abarth across the emirates and elevate the customer’s experience with innovative technology and enhanced services. City Walk provides convenience to customers with onsite car parking within a retail environment that comprises of a design-inspired neighborhood with hundreds of exclusive shops, restaurants and leisure activities as well as EV charging stations.
Furthermore, potential customers would now have the unique opportunity to experience one of the most scenic test-drives in Dubai. Drivers will cruise through City Walk by Green Planet, then on to La Mer for an instagramable moment, pass Jumeirah Mosque and have the chance to throttle up and down Sheikh Zayed Road before their final return to the showroom.
Steve Molyneux, General Manager – Sales, National Auto, said: “We are thrilled to see the exceptional response Fiat and Abarth vehicles have received over the years. With this relocated showroom we anticipate an increase footfall traffic by up to 25% as it will attract enthusiasts and retail dwellers who frequently visit City Walk by Merex Investment. Having said that, we also anticipate sales to increase 10% in the first year of business. The passion and enthusiasm of motorists in the UAE specifically for Italian automobiles is constantly accelerating our success both in the country and across the region.”
Shahram Shamsee, CEO of Merex Investment – “The forthcoming launch with Fiat Abarth is testament to re-engineer the way businesses interact with their customers and is part of a series to expand City Walk’s offerings to residents and tourists.
“Our partnership builds on the region’s growing automotive sector where the total amount of vehicles is expected to reach 27,000,000 by 2023 in the Middle East, according to Aranca, a global research company. At Merex Investment, we manage spaces where entities are empowered to deliver innovative solutions, investment opportunities and inimitable experiences to positively impact both consumers and businesses.”
Rakesh Nair, Managing Director of European brands at Stellantis Middle East, added: “We have big plans for Fiat and Abarth in the automotive portfolio, with ambitions to double our volume over the next three years, driven by new model introduction and electrification. This highly convenient and central location for the dealership will hugely boost the visibility of the brand. City Walk is an iconic location mirroring Fiat and Abarth as iconic and trendy brands. This sets us to deliver our ambition by having the right products at the right location for our customers.”
Providing an enjoyable shopping and servicing experience is a key priority for National Auto. Every element of the customer journey has been examined and curated, keeping the customer in mind. The City Walk showroom is yet another example that demonstrates National Auto’s drive to meet the ever-evolving behaviour and demands of the valued clientele of Fiat and Abarth whilst showcasing an elevated car-buying experience.
Showroom timings are from 09:00 am to 09:00 pm all days of the week. For more information, please visit:
Fiat: https://fiat-dubai.com/en/national-auto/home/
Abarth: https://abarth-dubai.com/en/national-auto/home/
Unique culture has evolved at Al Ghandi Auto Group with a great working environment and a positive energy where employees feel that it is not just a job but part of their extended family. Employees at all levels are able to freely share their ideas, suggestions and feedback with the management team. Cultural diversity is embraced with the owners, management and employees of some thirty-five different nationalities actively participating together at the many annual festivals as well as regular team building activities, family days, marathons, sporting activities and talent contests that take place each year. A robust training programme has been implemented that helps the company to achieve the highest standards of performance, expertise and service levels whilst also supporting its employees to fulfil their career goals. With a transparent grading structure, annual salary review and an excellent reward scheme for every employee, the Group has been able to maintain the highest levels of employee engagement and low turnover.
The list of 20 best companies to work for in the uae for 2016 is out now
This ranking, released by Great Place to Work, a research, training and consultancy firm that recognises the best workplaces in the country with good workplace cultures, has listed its top picks in the private sector.
Securing the number one slot for the third consecutive year is logistics company DHL.
“Living by its core values, nurturing employee development, creating a fun work environment, being transparent, listening and acting on employee feedback and celebrating successes,” are the attributes that put it in the top order.
Next on the list is THE One, up from two spots from 2015 followed by Omnicom Media Group. In fourth place is first-time list maker Splash, while The Estee Lauder Companies came in fifth, climbing one spot from 2015.
Ranking from sixth to 10th place on the list were EMC, Weber Shandwick, Hilti Emirates, Hilton and FedEx respectively.
The Top Companies to Work For annual benchmarking study assesses the level of credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie within an organization.
Two-thirds of a company’s score is based on the confidential feedback of their employees while the remaining score is attained from an audit of management and HR practices.
The top companies were represented by a diverse number of industries including logistics, technology, finance, media, retail, hospitality, automotive, pharmaceutical and manufacturing.
Great Place to Work emphasises that the increased focus on workplace culture by UAE companies comes at critical time for the country.
“The next decade will mark the post-oil transformation of the UAE and the government has made clear the importance of developing, attracting and retaining the best talent to achieve sustainable growth,” says Maha Zaatari, Managing Director of Great Place to Work in the UAE.
“We need more companies contributing to this mission through cultures that nurture and develop their employees in terms of their capabilities and wellbeing,” Maha says.
“This focus on human capital has been proven to improve the happiness quotient of people and also make a significant contribution to helping the UAE realize its ambition to be the best country in which to live and work.”
TOP 20 COMPANIES TO WORK FOR IN THE UAE
- DHL
- THE One
- Omnicom Media Group
- Splash
- The Estee Lauder Companies
- EMC
- Weber Shandwick
- Hilti Emirates
- Hilton Worldwide
- FedEx
- WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff
- Hyatt
- AstraZenea Gulf
- Al Ghandi Auto Group
- Leminar
- Dulsco
- Eros Group
- Apparel Group
- 3M
- UAE Exchange
Source Details: Emirates 24/7 News
Dubai, UAE – In a landmark deal, Al Ghandi Auto, one of the largest and long-standing automotive industry organizations in the Middle East region, signed an agreement with the Dubai Camel Racing Club, for the sale of 112 Chevrolet vehicles – 109 Trailblazers and three Tahoes.
Following its re-launch in the UAE market in January 2017, the new Chevrolet Trailblazer continues the legacy of a rugged and capable SUV that is built with a bold style, equipped with many innovative technologies and advanced active safety features, making it an ideal vehicle for off-road and city driving.
“Despite the challenging market conditions in the automotive industry, I am delighted to handover the keys of 112 brand new Chevrolet vehicles to the Dubai Camel Racing Club,” said Mark Jenkins, CEO, Al Ghandi Auto. “This deal proves once again the strong positioning of Al Ghandi Auto in the local market and the commitment of its fleet unit to finalize remarkable deals, despite the global market conditions.”
Commenting on the agreement, Mr. Ali Saeed Bin Saroud, Executive Manager, Dubai Camel Racing Club, said, “We have chosen Al Ghandi Auto from a line of other auto dealers in Dubai because of the great commitment and flexibility shown in their sales proposition. We were looking for the ideal vehicles that mixed luxury and practicality, and we’re happy with the decision to choose Al Ghandi Auto as a valued partner in this deal.”
The new Chevrolet vehicles will be used for the annual Dubai Camel Racing Festival, organized by the Dubai Camel Racing Club. The Festival, which marks the end of the Al Marmoum racing season, is a high-profile event, which attracts more than 12,000 camels from the GCC countries including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and the UAE, offers a staggering Dh90 million in prizes that is inclusive of 300 luxury cars and cash prizes totaling more than Dh30 million.
Al Ghandi Auto’s business fleet provides corporate customers with a wide-array of vehicle options to choose from, topped with Al Ghandi Business Choice for preferred customers that provides businesses with a free replacement vehicle whilst undertaking a free service maintenance package. Other benefits of becoming a Preferred Customer are the 3-day test drive, 3 years regional warranty, 0%interest for 12 months and free vehicle registration.
Company top-scores for outstanding after-sales service
Dubai: The ‘Consumer Friendliness Index 2016’ of the Commercial Compliance & Consumer Protection (CCCP) sector in Dubai Economy has named Al Ghandi Auto, one of the largest and long-standing automotive industry organisations in the Middle East, as the ‘Best Auto Dealer in Dubai’ on account of its dedication to providing customers with outstanding after-sales services,
The annual Consumer Friendliness Index aims to gauge consumer feedback and to measure their satisfaction with the services rendered at major retail outlets in Dubai.
Out of 54 retail outlets, covering seven sectors, competing in the 2016 Index, Al Ghandi Auto received the highest score – 83 points – in the Automobiles category thus re-confirming its leadership among auto dealers and consumer confidence as well as satisfaction in its services and exemplary policies.
“Dubai Economy is delighted to see the Consumer Friendliness Index fostering competition and service innovations among retailers, which we consider an integral part of our strategy to contribute towards achieving the goals of the Dubai Plan 2021,” Abdullah Al Shehhi, Deputy CEO of CCCP said during an official visit to Al Ghandi Auto to honour its management for its first-place in the Index.
“The Consumer Confidence Index represents an indicator of service quality and commitment to customer happiness in Dubai’s retail sector. Al Ghandi Auto has demonstrated the success of service excellence in reinforcing trust between traders and consumers, thus contributing to sustainability and competitiveness in the sector, and across business in Dubai,” Al Shehhi added.
Commenting on the accolade, Mark Jenkins, CEO, Al Ghandi Group, said: “It is a great honour to be recognised by the Consumer Friendliness Index as the top auto dealership in Dubai. The strategy of our mentor and company founder, Mr. Saeed Al Ghandi, has always been to build a customer-focused company, whose ultimate objective is to work relentlessly to ensure we provide our consumers with the best memorable experience when purchasing their dream vehicle.”
Jenkins added, “I want to assure our customers that our excellent services will not only continue, but will be improved further. Our team has done a great job of living by our motto of being the best at what we to do, not for our benefit, but for our customers’ benefit in the first place. I also want to extend our gratitude to the Dubai Economy for working relentlessly to promote the sustainability of businesses, consumer happiness and service excellence across Dubai.”
In 2013, Al Ghandi Auto was the first automotive dealership to successfully achieve ISO certification in five standards: ISO 9001 for its Quality Management; ISO 14001 for its Environmental Management System; OHSAS 18001 for its Occupational Health & Safety; ISO 27001 for its Information Security and ISO 10002 for Customer Satisfaction.
The certificates have been awarded in recognition of Al Ghandi Auto’s commitment to business excellence in providing world-class automotive products and services to help increase the customer experience and provide a fantastic working environment for employees.
Al Ghandi Auto was also awarded in 2014 with the ‘Dubai Quality Appreciation Award’ for excellence demonstrated and implemented throughout the business. Al Ghandi Auto’s strategy is to regularly monitor the work, refine the targets, and raise the standards of its services, with the ultimate objective of ensuring the company’s customers receive the best service and great experience, said Jenkins.
650 staff members participate in the challenge
Al Ghandi GROUP’s challenge ranks 3rd across the uae
Dubai, UAE: As part of its ongoing mission to align its strategic social responsibility efforts with the recent Dubai Fitness Challenge initiative, launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai Government and Dubai Sports Council, Al Ghandi Group organized a sports day for its 650-strong staff.
“Al Ghandi Group’s Walk-a-Thon fitness activity, which took place at Jumeirah beach, successfully showed the team spirit of one of the longest standing enterprises in the Middle East region, and emphasized a stronger group commitment for health and wellbeing,” said Mark Jenkins, CEO, Al Ghandi Auto Group.
He added, “By taking on the fitness challenge, our 650 team not only rose to the call by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, but also reconfirmed their commitment to their social responsibility of making Dubai the most active and health-conscious city in the world.”
The Al Ghandi Group’s Walk-a-Thon catapulted the company into winning the third place across the UAE, for the most inclusive activity that translated the vision of the Dubai Fitness Challenge.
The Walk-a-Thon included an optional 3km, 5km, and 10km stretch along the Dubai beach, coupled with an overwhelming team spirit that echoed the company’s commitment to delivering the best service to its customers across Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
Al Ghandi Auto’s “Seat belt convincer” to tour the uae, in collaboration with road safety uae
Survey: 22% of drivers do not wear seatbelts & 29% of co-drivers do not buckle up
Dubai, UAE: Realizing the need to create a positive shock among residents, and especially drivers in the UAE, in order to encourage the use of seatbelts at all times, Al Ghandi Auto, the leading General Motors automotive dealership that sells Chevrolet and GMC vehicles in Dubai and the North Emirates, launched the “I’ am Convinced” campaign, to demonstrate the real impact of a live collision.
Al Ghandi Auto’s campaign, which is launched in collaboration with the RoadSafetyUAE, brings to the UAE the “Seat Belt Convincer”, an easy-to-use educational tool that allows riders to experience force, up to five times their body weight, similar to that of a 5-7 mph crash.
“The rate of fatalities from car accidents due to negligence in using seatbelts among all passengers remains alarming and above the level outlined by the UAE government and road safety organizations,” said Mark Jenkins, CEO, Al Ghandi Auto Group. “Our role as an enterprise with pioneering social responsibility objectives led us to invest and introduce in the UAE the ‘Seat Belt Convincer’ as part of a nation-wide campaign that was designed to simulate to riders the impact of collisions when using a seatbelt.”
Al Ghandi Auto’s “I am Convinced” campaign had recently partnered with Dubizzle and Careem, to reaffirm to its employees and drivers the importance to buckle up among all passengers in their cars. Similar partnerships will be replicated with other businesses, universities, schools, shopping centers and other high traffic venues, in order to generate nation-wide awareness about the fatal effects of refraining from using the seatbelt by all passengers when riding a vehicle.
According to a survey conducted by RoadSafetyUAE in February 2017, it was found that 78% of drivers stated they ‘always buckle up’; 71% of co-drivers said they ‘always buckle up’; while only 11% of backseat passengers actually responded that they ‘always buckle up’.
Thomas Edelmann, Managing Director, RoadSafetyUAE, said, “We need to continue to instill in people’s minds that seatbelts save lives. Al Ghandi Auto’s initiative is a perfect example of a social responsibility awareness campaign by one of the leading dealerships in the region, and I am confident that our collaboration will add positive value to our on-going road safety projects.”
He added, “Reaching out to the public to test firsthand the Seat Belt Convincer will ultimately lead to wider acceptance of the importance of buckling up and a stronger enforcement of the new seatbelt law, introduced in July 2017, which mandates that everyone in the vehicle must wear a seatbelt at all times.”
For further information visit www.iamconvinced.com to learn more about the campaign and how you can become involved.
Al Ghandi Auto are expanding their territory with the addition of the Cadillac and Chevrolet franchises. Effective April 23, 2019, the leading General Motors dealer partner will provide Chevrolet and GMC customers in Dubai and the Northern Emirates with sales and aftersales services, and Cadillac customers in the UAE with sales and aftersales services.
“For more than 30 years, Al Ghandi Auto has become a leading supplier of automotive and related services in the UAE,” said Buti Saeed Mohammed Al Ghandi, Managing Director of Al Ghandi Auto. “This was possible by following the vision and strategy of my father Saeed Mohammed Saeed Al Ghandi; we are committed to continuously upgrading our brands and strengthening our services by providing innovative, comprehensive showrooms and aftersales centers, as well as professional expertise, for customers across the UAE. Through this realignment, we are increasing our ability to deliver high quality products and exceptional services to our customers today and in the years to come.”
“We are thrilled to welcome the brands of Cadillac across the UAE and Chevrolet in the Northern Emirates and their loyal customers,” said Mark Jenkins, CEO at Al Ghandi Auto. “Growing our representation of brands that understand customer needs and automotive ingenuity is a milestone in our journey, and we are confident it will continue to grow our and GM’s successful legacy in the region. We are excited about this new opportunity and look forward to providing the highest standard in customer experience across the UAE.”
The strategic approach by AGA will ensure customers receive unparalleled service for buying and ownership at locations convenient for them across the Emirates.
John Roth, President & Managing Director of GM Africa & Middle East, added: “With our longstanding history and relationship, we know our dealer partners, Al Ghandi Auto and Liberty Automobiles Company, have taken a vital step to provide the best in customer service and continue our success and automotive leadership in the United Arab Emirates.”
“For over 43 years, Liberty Automobiles Company has helped grow the Cadillac and Chevrolet brands within the UAE and been exceptional partners, for which we give them the utmost appreciation,” he continued. “With a relationship spanning more than three decades, we know AGA will honor the Cadillac and Chevrolet brands, and provide its discerning customers with the highest standards of service.”
Bin Hamoodah Trading & General Services will continue to provide Chevrolet and GMC customers in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain with sales and aftersales services.AGA and Liberty will work closely with GM to manage the transition and ensure customer service continues as seamless as possible. Customers are being contacted to outline the changes and can also get in touch with GM’s Customer Engagement Center on 80002000257, or Al Ghandi Auto on +97145190000 with any enquiries. For more details visit www.alghandi.com, www.ChevroletArabia.com , www.GMCArabia.com or www.CadillacArabia.com .
We all know the frustration of picking up a cheap smartphone charger only for a message to flash on the screen saying the accessory is not compatible with our device. While this is frustrating in the moment, we should count ourselves lucky, as there is also a clear danger that a cheaper or counterfeit product might malfunction and even catch fire. This danger is even more of a reality when looking at the automotive industry: the result of using a counterfeit part could be the worst-case scenario.
For ACDelco, counterfeiting is unacceptable and so the brand works hard in the Middle East and around the world to put a stop to fake parts. Regionally, the automotive spare parts market is worth USD 8 billion and, of that, 12% is estimated to be counterfeit, equating to roughly USD 1 billion. Unfortunately, the reality is that criminal counterfeiters are targeting customers on either the hunt for a cheaper alternative or those who are simply unaware that these parts are not authentic.
As one of the global leaders in automotive spare parts, ACDelco has highlighted the top things to look out for when you’re buying spare parts, to make sure you’re buying a reliable, safe product.
1. Always buy from a reputable seller.
When looking for a spare part, visit a known retailer who is licensed to sell official ACDelco products. If in doubt, reach out to your dealer who can direct you to the nearest ACDelco store.
2. If you’re not installing the part yourself, ask the person who is if you can see the part and package.
Inspect the packaging. If it appears flimsy, lacks the name brand or logo, or has graphics or a name that is similar to, but not quite the same as, those you’re used to seeing (i.e., AZDelco instead of ACDelco), it could be counterfeit. Counterfeiters often use colors, artwork and type fonts on their packaging that are similar to the original.
3. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
A competitive market drives variation in price among reputable manufacturers; however, extremely large differences in price should cause you to be suspicious.
4. What you see might not be what you get.
Counterfeiters have become very sophisticated as technology has improved so a visual inspection of the product may not be enough to distinguish genuine parts from the fake. Insist on ACDelco parts from authorized dealers and retailers.
5. Look for the distinguishing ACDelco mark
In an effort to make counterfeiting even more difficult for imitation parts producers, ACDelco is now affixing a distinct mark on certain parts. This mark will assist officials in distinguishing genuine products from their fake counterparts.
It isn’t always easy to spot a fake, but if you suspect that you’ve purchased a counterfeit product, it’s better to be safe than sorry. You can reach out to ACDelco’s support team or visit the ACDelco Arabia website to submit your concern. Together, we can put a stop to dangerous counterfeiting and keep you and your loved ones safe on the road.