Range Rover showroom shut down for cheating customers
In its ongoing crackdown on erring vehicle dealers, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce force closed yet another popular car showroom yesterday.
The Ministry closed down the Range Rover showroom of Al Fardan Premier Motors in Al Sadd area for allegedly trying to dupe customers by selling 'dented and painted' vehicles as new.
This is the fourth showroom to be closed down in less than two months on similar charges. The news has evoked angry reaction among people who have called for curtailing monopolies in the automobile market who they said are taking the customers for a ride.
The Ministry of Economy and Commerce announced the Al Fardan showroom will be closed for one month from yesterday, for trying to dupe customers.
"The reason for the closure is that the car dealers tried to cheat buyers for trying to sell repaired vehicles as new. The closure decision is in line with Article 18 of Law No 8, 2008", the Ministry said yesterday.
In December 2014, the ministry closed down Nissan, Dodge and Honda car showrooms for allegedly trying to sell damaged cars as new.
According to the Ministry, the cars the Nissan and Dodge tried to sell as new were actually damaged in road accidents. Both the showrooms were closed for a month.
In the last week of December, the ministry shut down Domasco Honda's showroom on a similar charge. This showroom was also ordered to close for a month for violating the consumer law.
On the decision to close down the showroom, a customer said: "The closure of Range Rover showroom means that no one is above the law".
Another customer said: "It's shocking to know that major car dealers are law-breakers. In fact, Qatar should throw open its automobile market and let the customers enjoy the benefits of a competitive market rather than allowing monopolists to take people for a ride". [Source: The Peninsula]
teeSparrow, Yes indeed it's no good PR. I'm sure CEO, Ralf Speth is not best pleased if it is of his concern?
Saju5883 I'm not sure in the logic of asking teeSparrow that question. You want the answers, I suggest you send Email each of the manufacturers you mentioned head office's for G.C.C region.
dear sparrow why dodge nissan honda doest come and audit?
... The shocking part is why Tata doesn't come down and audit the dealership for these kinds of infractions. LandRover is a high end brand and having it's retails owners start acting like this could seriously hurt the brand image.
next... check MAZDA....
Yes no one is above the law . I really appreciating the action taken by the ministry of economy and commerce.
I was close to purchasing a Range Rover Sport. Close call indeed, the salesmen I dealt with was rude a pushy too and did't care about my needs. Customers should not be treated like numbers, instead like friends for a better experience for both parties involved in the sales process.