Government starts measures to end monopoly in automobile sector

There is cheerful news for vehicle owners who have been frustrated time and again over monopoly exerted by certain companies in the sale and repair of particulat brands of cars.

The Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC), in an effort to break the monopoly of dealers in after-sales service and promote fair competition, has launched an initiative to protect the right of customers to get their vehicle fixed at a workshop of his/her choice.

Qatar Tribune reported that customers can avail of repaid services at three types of workshops — ones that belong to the car dealer, those accredited by the manufacturer for carrying out work of repairing vehicles bearing its brand, and independent workshops and garages.

The customer has the right to carry out maintenance or repair works in a workshop of his choice on the condition that he should keep receipts of the works.

The car dealer should not cancel warranty except for the part or parts proven to be damaged due to maintenance work in an independent workshop.

Approved and independent workshops have the freedom of supplying spare parts from any source.

This is a very good move that will bring cheer to a lot of car owners in the country.