Al-Futtaim Motors, the exclusive distributor of Toyota, Lexus, Hino and Toyota Material Handling in the UAE, has helped in the seizure of counterfeit parts estimated to be worth over Dh100 million ($27.2 million), working closely with government entities across the country, the company said.

The seizure was made inn the past three years through more than 150 raids conducted across the UAE.

The announcement was made recently as the company conducted a behind-the-scenes tour of its Parts Distribution Centre (PDC), one of the largest in the region and the largest in the UAE.

The purpose-built Parts Distribution Centre was opened in 2007 and consists of a state-of the-art warehousing and distribution facility spread over 130,000 sq m, including a parts storage space of 55,000 sq m. The PDC offers more than 100,000 different genuine part stock lines for distribution at any given time, totalling 5 million pieces, to cater to up to 1,500 Toyota and Lexus service customers daily.

Built on the guiding principles of the Toyota Production System (TPS), the PDC’s ethos is “Fix it right the first time,” which means having the right part, at the right time, in the right place, the company said.

During the first three months of 2016, more than Dh210,000 in fines was issued to violators, as well as more than Dh7.62 million worth of counterfeit products were seized before being destroyed by the government authorities.

During the first quarter of 2016, Al-Futtaim Motors conducted seven training sessions in each of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Ajman and Fujairah, covering a total of 279 representatives from economic departments, customs, municipalities, offices of the public prosecution, police, and government experts from forensic criminal laboratories in the UAE.

“Al-Futtaim Motors’ partnership with government entities in the fight against counterfeit products extends to close to a decade, having worked together closely through training, raids and prosecution of offenders. During the last three years alone, we have taken more than 700,000 fake spare parts off the streets, ranging from motor oil and lubricants, air and fuel filters, to brake pads and brake discs, at a value estimated to be over Dh100 million,” said Ralf Zimmermann, director of after sales at Al-Futtaim Motors.

“Our work doesn’t stop at training sessions. Our goal is to educate the public through dedicated public exhibitions in partnership with Economic Departments across the UAE about the use of fake parts, how customers can identify counterfeit  parts and what their rights as consumers are. These are the results of a three-pronged effort between Toyota Motor Corporation, Al-Futtaim Motors and Government entities. The safety of our customer is our paramount priority, and we are working closely with the right authorities to ensure everyone is aware of the dangers of using counterfeit products.”

Genuine spare parts sold by Al-Futtaim Motors from Toyota, Lexus, Hino and Toyota Material Handling Equipment are built to meet the highest quality standards, in order to guarantee the utmost in safety, longevity and added value to Al-Futtaim Motors customers, the company said. - TradeArabia News Service