Bosch initiates new steps to expand car service and automotive parts centres in the Gulf

The German-based global leader's expansion plans were reflected in the recent visit by the Bosch Automotive Aftermarket President, Dr. Eugen Konrad, to the key Arabian Gulf markets of the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. He was accompanied by Volker Bischoff, General Manager for Middle East and Africa.

Dr. Konrad's first stop was the Bosch Car Service, the 40-bay workshop for all brands of cars that was opened in Abu Dhabi in February 2003 by the Bosch Automotive Agent in U.A.E., Central Motors. Located in the Mussafah industrial area of Abu Dhabi, the new service centre has acquired many customers in a short period of time. Further expansion steps have been already taken by Central Motors.

Dr. Konrad then proceeded to Riyadh to inaugurate a new branch of Juffali Auto Parts Company (JAPCO), the biggest Bosch agency in the region, with a long association dating back to 1964.

"The Automotive Aftermarket Division of Bosch is the leading brand for spare parts, diagnostics and workshop concepts," said Dr. Konrad, while speaking in Riyadh. "We are expecting the car population to grow in average by 3.4 per cent in Asia until 2010, much higher than in Europe and America. Saudi Arabia, our biggest Middle East market, is forecast to grow by 2.1% per annum in the same period. My short trip to the Gulf has reinforced our belief that the Middle East offers a big growth potential for Bosch Group.

"With our 43 subsidiaries and 43 representatives, Bosch Automotive Aftermarket is well represented on every continent," said Dr. Konrad. "We prefer to be close to our customers to take into account local market requirements and to offer quick and flexible support. An example of this is our liaison office in Dubai which was opened in February last year."

Sounding a word of caution for manufacturers of counterfeit automotive parts, Dr. Konrad said: "We are not going to helplessly watch the illegal automotive parts trade flourish. We are going to take serious steps to combat the activity."

Dr. Konrad also attended the soft opening of the Bosch Car Service centre in Kuwait, the second such facility in the Arabian Peninsula after Abu Dhabi. Bosch Automotive Agent Al Qurain Automotive Trading has invested in this Bosch car service workshop and has announced plans for further expansion in association with partner workshops.

"The visit of Dr. Konrad shows the great importance of our markets in Middle East for the global strategy of Bosch", said Jacek Siwinski, General Manager, Bosch Automotive Middle East, Dubai. "There is a growing demand for original-equipment-quality spare parts and professional services in this region. Car owners are increasingly insisting on genuine spare parts. These encourage Bosch and it's Agents to do more investments and to open new service centres and workshops in the region. We are very confident about our strategy and expertise to develop the business successfully. Mr. Konrad's visit has given us additional confidence and motivation for our work."