DOHA: Some car owners who were sold repaired cars as new are planning to sue dealers and their parent companies even as the dealers are trying to settle the issue through suitable compensation.
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce, last month, had closed the showrooms of several popular brands of cars for trying to cheat buyers by passing off some repaired vehicles as brand new.
The Ministry said that companies have begun to find satisfactory solutions for the customers. They are working on several options like return the money, replace the old car with new ones or provide any other kind of compensation agreed upon by both parties. The Ministry, in a press release, said it has forced the violating companies to find solutions for the customers through the forced closure of the showrooms.
The Ministry is keeping a close watch on the compensation process for the customers who are affected by the closure of these showrooms. Affected customers said that they are planning to approach the court because of the financial loss caused to them. According to the customers, taking the legal route was a good option if car dealers failed to settle the issue amicably.
The customers said some of the car dealers have refused to replace their old cars with new ones and even didn’t agree to return their money. They said they have received the full support of the Consumer Protection Department, which took strict action against the car companies and supported the demands of the customers.
The Consumer Protection Department is expected to continue and widen its campaign which will force dealers to desist from indulging in illegal and unethical practices.
The Peninsula
