Bosch announces plans to double its car service network in the Gulf by 2008

At present Bosch has 24 service outlets in the Gulf, with 10 in Saudi Arabia, eight in the UAE, two in Qatar, two in Kuwait and one each in Oman and Bahrain.

By 2007 Bosch aims to have close to 35 service outlets in the region, and by 2008 the company intends to set up over 40 outlets across the GCC with a major concentration of the service centers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the UAE. A significant growth in the region's automobile industry has been a driving force for Bosch to expand its presence in the Gulf States.

"The continued success of the Bosch Car Service across the GCC and the growing demand for more high quality service outlets has prompted us to expand our network in a big way," said Oleg Riabstev, General Manager, Middle East operations, Bosch Automotive Aftermarket (Bosch AA). "The GCC region, especially the UAE and Saudi Arabia have demonstrated immense potential for the growth and expansion of the Bosch Car Service network, owing to the major addition to the number of cars each year. For instance, recent statistics show that the volume of Dubai's trade in cars is expected to be over 368,000 by the end of 2005."

The Bosch Service organisation consists of around 10,000 automotive workshops worldwide, offering real value to customers and backed by Bosch, the world's largest supplier of automotive parts and systems. The Bosch mechanics have undergone advanced technical training, use the latest equipment and fit quality replacement parts. In addition, all service centers have been audited by Bosch to ensure that a high quality of service is constantly maintained.

"Bosch Car Service stands for technical expertise, first-class customer care and good value for all vehicle brands. Customers can come to us for emission checks, minor repairs or a regular service, and can be guaranteed of professional workmanship and reasonable prices," added Riabstev.

The Bosch Car Service Centers use the highly advanced KTS diagnostic tester, an innovative, multipurpose range of diagnostic hardware, which when combined with Bosch ESI(tronic) software, helps in diagnoses of electronic vehicle faults, particularly in motor management, safety and comfort electronic systems. Its features enable automotive workshops to quickly and accurately diagnose vehicle faults and rectify them.
Bosch's partners in the Gulf include, Central Motors in the UAE, Juffali Auto Parts Company (JAPCO) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Malatan Trading and Contracting Company in Oman, S.A. Al Haddad and Bros in Bahrain, Al Qurain Automotive Trading Company in Kuwait and Nasser Bin Khaled in Qatar.

Bosch develops and sells 'ESItronic' software containing the equipment and service information for more than 50,000 vehicles, making Bosch's software the most comprehensive system in the market place. Bosch also offers technical training, literature and hotline support for partners.