Errant car dealers facing the heat

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued four preliminary verdicts against three car dealers in the Kingdom for not fulfilling their commitment to consumers, violating the country’s trade agency law.
“At the expiration of the statutory period, the verdicts would be considered final and the dealers would be punished accordingly,” said the ministry in a statement.
Commerce and Industry Minister Tawfiq Al-Rabiah had set up a committee to investigate the car dealers’ violations and issue verdicts in accordance with the law that aims at establishing justice and protecting consumers.
The law insists that car dealers have to supply spare parts, ensure quality of vehicles, and provide maintenance services.
The ministry had previously fined eight dealers for not placing price cards on vehicles and writing agreements with consumers in non- Arabic languages.
The ministry had earlier conducted a survey that showed 61 percent of customers were unhappy with car dealers’ after-sales services.
The ministry said the dealers would have the right to appeal the verdict issued by the committee within 15 days after its issuance. If they fail to appeal, the verdict would be considered final. According to the law, dealers have to supply spare parts within 30 days at reasonable prices.