Mannai Trading Company participates in Qatar's first Consumer Protection Forum

"The use of genuine spares and accessories is highly recommended by automotive companies as well as the Consumer Protection Department," says Khalid Yousef, Parts Manager for Mannai's Automotive Division. "This is not just for their higher quality, but because the use of non-standard parts can be a serious safety hazard in many instances." He adds: "Consumers need to be actively educated on the issue because often they're not even aware that they are being sold unapproved cheap knock-offs that might compromise the safety of their vehicles and the passengers riding inside."

One of the highlights of the event was an exhibition of photographs and specimen of counterfeit products that are widespread in the local market. "This just goes to show that consumers are often not aware of exactly what they're purchasing, and we have made it our mission to change that," says Yousef. "That's why Mannai Trading Company is in full support of this initiative by the Consumer Protection Department to educate auto owners in Qatar."

In addition to possible safety hazards, imitation spares often don't perform as expected and can even cause damage to the vehicle in some cases. Through initiatives such as the Consumer Protection Forum, automobile dealers as well as the Consumer Protection Department are actively educating car owners of the benefits of installing genuine spares for safe operation of their automobiles and long-term reliability.