Rise in release of ‘substitute’ vehicles to customers

Auto dealers and distributors across Qatar provided as many as 3,794 “substitute” vehicles to their customers in 2016 since the maintenance period exceeded the stipulated 15 days in accordance the country’s Consumer Protection Law, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC) said yesterday.The law stipulates that commercial agents and distributors “provide substitute products to consumers free of charge”, if maintenance works performed under warranty take longer than 15 days. Data released by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC) showed that the number of “substitute or alternative” vehicles given to consumers last year was higher than in 2015. In place of 1,300 such vehicles given in 2015, last year saw 3,794 “substitute or alternative” vehicles. MEC said that the increase in the provision of alternative vehicles from 1,300 in 2015 to 3,794 in 2016, “reflects the ministry’s continuous efforts to protect consumers, develop the automotive sector, enhance competition in maintenance and repair services, and create a competitive environment that provides more options to consumers in terms of maintenance, spare part sales and insurance.”Accordingly, MEC stressed that it will “intensify its inspection campaigns” to ensure that auto dealers in the country comply with the instructions and fulfil their obligations. Meanwhile, the ministry said it will refer those who violate laws and ministerial decrees to the relevant authorities, who in turn will take appropriate action against the offenders. This is being done to protect consumer rights.The ministry has urged all consumers to report violations or submit complaints and suggestions through the following channels: Call Centre: 16001,- e-mail: info@mec.gov.qa,- Ministry of Economy and Commerce social media accounts:- Twitter MEC_QATAR, - Instagram MEC_QATAR, - MEC iPhone and Android apps: MEC_QATAR.