RIYADH – Saudi Arabia continues to play a leading role in cracking down on commercial fraud globally. The 2011 Global Customs Organizations annual report ranked Saudi Arabia in the top 10 out of 177 member states for the prevention of commercial fraud. The Kingdom was ranked first in the detection of counterfeit vehicle parts. Against this backdrop, General Motors Middle East, in partnership with dealer Aljomaih Automotive Company (AAC), will sponsor the “Third Arab Forum for the Prevention of Commercial Fraud and Imitation and the Protection of Intellectual Rights” to be held at the Intercontinental Riyadh on March 3-5. The three-day exhibition and seminar event, organized by the Saudi Customs Authority, will focus on the global prevention of counterfeiting, of which $12 billion is automotive-related, according to US Federal Trade Commission estimates. In the Middle East alone, this figure is estimated to be $1 billion. Furthermore, the WTO estimates total job losses at around 750,000 globally as a result of counterfeiting with the auto industry loss estimated at some 250,000. “Counterfeiting is a global crime with negative impacts on the automotive industry and serious consequences for consumers,” said Luay Al Shurafa, Director, Customer Care and Aftersales, General Motors Middle East. “General Motors and all its dealer partners take extensive measures to tackle the issue of counterfeit vehicle parts and accessories and therefore support this important initiative by the Saudi Customs Authority.” “Aljomaih Automotive in partnership with General Motors fully acknowledges the efforts made by the Saudi Customs Authority, and will always render full support to initiatives that help create awareness about the serious issue of counterfeit products. This issue poses a serious threat to the safety our customers,” said Sheikh Waleed Aljomaih, Chief Operating Officer, Aljomaih Automotive Company. Counterfeit or other infringing parts are manufactured, packaged and represented in a way to mislead the public. Imitators often duplicate a trademark or packaging designs, or alter it just enough, so that the average customer does not notice the difference. The people who make and sell these fakes want consumers to think they are getting a part produced by a reputable brand such as ACDelco or General Motors. The manufacturers of counterfeit parts are also undertaking a criminal offense. “The biggest concern for General Motors and all its dealer partners is safety. Counterfeit parts may be cheaper to buy, but in the long run could cost a lot more and even impact the safety of you and your family when you drive a vehicle,” said Ashwin Medhekar, Program and Product Development Manager (Parts) at General Motors Middle East. “Imitation parts will result in more frequent replacement. They are also not specifically built to vehicle specifications and can lead to mechanical problems, breakdowns and accidents. This ultimately means higher risk and higher costs for the consumer,” Medhekar added. To help tackle the issue of counterfeit parts and accessories, GM set up the Global Investigations team which is part of GM Global Security. GM Global Investigations works with a global network of brand protection investigators and partners, ranging from law enforcement, administrative authorities and customs agencies, to identify and remove counterfeits from the market. In 2012 the GM Global Investigations team was very active in its brand protection efforts throughout the Middle East. In cooperation with relevant law enforcement, administrative agencies and customs departments, thousands of counterfeit automotive spare parts were removed from the market and destroyed, thereby protecting consumers across the Middle East from poor quality parts. The Investigations team will continue their efforts in 2013 by working with relevant authorities throughout the region. — SG
