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Bosch Middle East, the regional office of the German automotive giant Bosch, has stepped up its drive against counterfeit automobile spare parts in the region. The company has so far coordinated with concerned Saudi Authorities to conduct over 40 raids in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The raids resulted in confiscation of a range of counterfeit automotive spare parts thus curbing this menace to a large extent.
In another awareness-spreading initiative, Bosch Middle East recently made a presentation to select officials at Dubai Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) to help them differentiate between genuine and counterfeit spare parts.
The spare parts market in the region is worth over US$ 11 billion. Counterfeit products are said to command a market share of 30 per cent in the Middle East, worth more than US$ 3.3 billion. The loss to the global industry is estimated at more than US$ 12 billion last year.
“Combating the counterfeiting industry in the region requires long and sustained efforts from companies, governments and law enforcement officials. There is also a need for consumers and the general public to be fully aware of the consequences of using counterfeit automobile spare parts, and Bosch Middle East is making every possible effort in this regard,” said Oleg Riabtsev, General Manager, Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Middle East Office.
“As a leading manufacturer and distributor of quality automotive spare parts in the region, we believe it is our responsibility to take necessary steps to bring down the trade and use of counterfeit products. In addition to cooperating with the concerned bodies and departments from the public sector, we have been conducting awareness campaigns targeting motorists and workshop owners about the detrimental effects of counterfeit spare parts. The consumers’ and concerned authorities’ ability to differentiate between genuine and fake products is crucial to tackling the counterfeiting industry,” he added.
The use of fake spare parts can severely damage a vehicle and lead to serious accidents. A fake oil filter for instance, can lead to decline in engine performance or even engine failure. Drivers and passengers of vehicles fitted with counterfeit parts are also at a much greater risk of fatal accidents, especially when vehicles breakdown at high speeds.
“The spare parts manufactured or supplied by Bosch are products of intensive research and stringent quality control and are guaranteed to deliver value and assure safety. As a company specialising in high quality spare parts for over 100 years, Bosch offers products that do not compromise on safety, as this is one of the prime concerns for any driver. We would like to reiterate the fact that using original spare parts is in the interest of all car users, and that the consequences of using fake products could prove extremely costly” added Riabtsev.
Bosch is currently developing a public awareness plan that will educate the public on how the use of genuine spare parts can increase the longevity of a vehicle and lead to trouble-free performance.
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