15 days overdue? Dh100k fine if UAE dealer does not give you car

Car dealers who do not provide replacement vehicles to clients during a maintenance period that exceeds 15 days will face a fine of Dh100,000 beginning today (September 9, 2014), according to Ministry of Economy.

Similarly, car dealers who do not provide an original spare tyre with the new car and those who do not install original parts will also face a fine of Dh100,000, reported 'Emarat Al Youm'.

Dr Hachim Al Nuaimi, Director, Department of Consumer Protection, said this rule follows several complaints the MoE received in the recent past from motorists against car dealers.

He said the Ministry will fine car dealers Dh100,000 if they do not provide original spare tyres when motorists purchase new cars. Similarly, agencies will be fined the same amount if they fail to install original parts.

Al Nuaimi said the rule is in accordance with the Consumer Protection Act. It has been formulated following several complaints the ministry received.

He said customers are entitled to an original spare tyre when buying a new car. Also, they are entitled to a replacement car when they give their vehicles for servicing, if the period exceeds 15 days.

He said that the ministry received complaints that some agencies asked customers to pay thousands of dirhams for providing alternative vehicles during the service period.

He said the ministry has addressed the issue with dealers. Last year, 600 cars were given to consumers whose vehicles were taken for maintenance for over 15 days.

There were also complaints alleging that some car manufacturers do not provide their new models with appropriate spare tyres. Also, there were complaints that agencies replaced original spare tyres and sold them at service centers.

Al Nuaimi called on consumers to communicate with the Ministry to claim their rights and advised them to review the contracts when buying cars and to check if it conforms to the terms specified by the ministry.

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