DOHA: Two famous car showrooms here have been closed down by the government for a month for trying to cheat buyers by passing off some repaired vehicles as brand new.
These cars were actually damaged in road accidents and were allegedly decked up after extensive repairs and painting to look new. They were then passed off to buyers as brand new, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce which has a consumer rights watchdog, said yesterday.
The two showrooms belong to the local dealers of famous world auto brands: Saleh Al Hamad Al Mana and United Cars-Al Mana.
One locked showroom is located at Salwa Road while the other is the Airport Road branch of the car dealership. “We found out that these showrooms were selling cars damaged in accidents after extensive repairs and painting,” the Ministry said in a press statement.
The showrooms were sealed off for a month in a crackdown. They were selling several damaged cars — of an American and a Japanese brand.
Inspectors from the Ministry were keeping an eye on the outlets following public complaints.
Then, a sudden raid was conducted on the showrooms and it was found that they were indeed violating the consumer protection law (Article 7 of Law No 8 of 2008), the Ministry said.
The Ministry has urged people to use its free hotline (8005000) to report suspected malpractices by car dealers.
Meanwhile, reports of the crackdown and closure of the two showrooms became viral on local social networking sites with most people lauding the move.
A commentator who sounded a little sceptic said he hoped the closure of the outlets was not meant for mere publicity of the Consumer Protection Department (CPD) of the economy ministry.
“Has the Ministry also imposed any fine on the outlets? Is there any assurance the outlets wouldn’t repeat the crime? The minister should personally take interest in such matters,” said the commentator.
Now, people buying brand new cars must be careful and make sure they are not being cheated as they spend tens of thousands of riyals, he added.
Another commentator said the Ministry must make the identity of the showrooms known for the benefit of the people.
Yet another said that manufacturers of the car brands should intervene in the matter and take action.
Still another said he lauded the economy ministry’s move. “It is a brave decision,” he said.
The Peninsula
