Over 2.5 million fake auto replacement parts, worth almost Dh7.46 million were discovered in 20 targeted searches carried out by Al Futtaim Automotive in 2024 These activities in Al Ain, Sharjah, the Northern Emirates, and Al Ain underlined the company's will to fight the rising menace of fake products in the United Arab Emirates.

Along with air and cabin A/C filters worth Dh0.85 million, the seized goods included oil filters valued Dh2.81 million. With the overall worth of Dh3.45 million, the raids exposed a notable 116% rise in the value of seized counterfeit parts over 2021, This clear increase emphasizes the ongoing and growing difficulty caused by fake vehicle components in the area.

Vehicles and their people are seriously at risk from counterfeit auto spare parts, These false components could look like real ones, but they fall short of the exacting criteria for quality needed for effective and safe vehicle running. Counterfeit air filters, for instance, might let unfiltered air into the engine, therefore lowering performance and longevity, Fake cabin A/C filters similarly expose passengers to dangerous contaminants, therefore jeopardizing their health and safety within automobiles, These hazards highlight the great need of making sure the automobile sector uses original parts.

Al Futtaim Automotive has stepped up its activities in response to this mounting issue via awareness campaigns, strategic raids, and comprehensive training courses, The company equipped 414 government officials from all seven emirates with the tools and expertise required to properly spot and fight counterfeit operations in 2024 alone, Public safety and consumer confidence depend on these projects, which are absolutely vital.

Al Futtaim Automotive conducted five high-impact operations in the third quarter of 2024, intercepting fake vehicle goods valued Dh2.06 million, Reflecting its continuous dedication to eradicate counterfeiting activities in the UAE's automobile business, the company had already taught 201 government officials by Q3.

The problem of counterfeiting cuts outside the automobile sector, The UAE Ministry of Economy carried 4,444 inspections in the first half of 2023, finding 620 infractions pertaining to commercial fraud, imitation, and counterfeiting. Further supporting defenses against counterfeit goods, Federal Law No. (42) of 2023 has created safer markets and raised customer confidence.

Fighting counterfeiting has also been much aided by the Economic Crimes Department of Dubai Police, Handling 1,297 cases since 2019, the department has seized fake items worth Dh8.7 billion. These initiatives draw attention to the importance of ongoing cooperation among public agencies, law enforcement, and businesses to safeguard intellectual property rights and support consumer safety.

Vice-President of Al Futtaim Automotive, Antoine Barthes, underlined the serious risk fake components have for consumer safety as well as automotive brand reputation, "Counterfeit spare parts not only compromise the dependability of all automotive brands but also seriously jeopardize customer safety and well-being," he stated. "Our customer-first values inspire our obligation to safeguard car owners by means of investments, resources, and efforts to reduce the risks of counterfeiting."

"We share this mission with our partners, like Toyota, and work together throughout the year to promote road safety," Barthes also said, stressing the need of cooperation in addressing the issue, We want to create a safer market while keeping the confidence of our clients by means of strict enforcement, education, and government entity collaborations.

The extent of the problem and the need of tackling counterfeiting in the UAE are shown in the over 2.5 million fake vehicle parts seized in 2024, Al Futtaim Automotive and associates are making major progress toward eradicating counterfeit activities by means of strategic raids, comprehensive training programs, and close relationships with government agencies, These initiatives not only safeguard customers but also help to maintain the integrity of the automobile sector, therefore guaranteeing safer roads and more market trust.