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…Seeks local partnerships in major markets
Olaolu Olusina (olaolu.olusina@autoreportafrica.com)
Al Amani Spare Parts L.L.C, Dubai, United Arab Emirates – based specialist in spare parts for all passenger cars, commercial vehicles and heavy equipment, is renewing its drive for a good market share of Africa’s growing and lucrative automotive parts market.
With operations already in Africa, Middle East and Eastern Europe, as well as customers in countries as far as Australia, Bolivia and Vietnam, Al Amani said it was set to fully re-launch into the African market.
Director of the company, Nihad Ahmed, told AUTO REPORT AFRICA in an exclusive chat that Al Amani was also ready to enter into partnerships with local dealers and agents in major markets across Africa.
He listed products and other aftermarket spare parts from Al Amani to include Engine and Fuel parts such as Engine, water pump, alternator, starter, ignition, injector etc; Powertrain and Chassis parts such as Transmission, Drive shaft, Brakes, Steering Suspension etc. Others, according to him, are Body parts such as Doors, windows, glasses, handles etc as well as Electrical parts including battery, air condition, lights, mirrors etc.
Commenting on the new drive towards the African markets and the countries Al Amani is really targeting, Ahmed said, “ The African market is growing, whereas the other parts of the world is more or less saturated and have started registering a negative growth.”
According to Ahmed, “African market still has lot of scope for improvement and we would like to tap that. The countries we are targeting include Egypt, Libya, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea, Ghana, Nigeria, Zambia, Angola and Liberia.”
On the experience in the areas Al-Amani has covered in the past, Ahmed said, “Africans, generally, want good quality parts, but the traders sell cheap low quality parts and damaged used parts.”
He however explained that “the (weak) currency situation in many African countries makes it really expensive for the customers” to go for good quality parts.
Maintaining that his company would like to establish partnerships with local agents in Africa in the renewed drive, Ahmed assured that Al Amani would stick to quality auto parts despite the flooding of the African auto parts market with fake and substandard products of late.
His words, “We sell genuine parts, high quality parts manufactured by OE suppliers (like Denso, Kayaba, NSK etc) and aftermarket parts from manufactures in the far East, but will never get into the business of counterfeit parts.”
On the experience of his company with trade shows in Africa, Ahmed said Al Amani had participated in AUTOEXPO KENYA through one of its sister concerns, explaining that “most of the visitors who come for the show are not serious buyers.”
According to Ahmed, “ Local traders and SMEs whom such shows are really targeting are not taking time out to come and seriously discuss with the exhibitors, whereas the Government officials and representatives of big corporates are attending the show.”
He maintained that “for the moment, we have no plans to participate in (trade shows for ) 2019 due to time constraints.”
Ahmed however urged prospective customers/dealers/agents of Al Amani in Africa to stick to quality parts.
“ Stick to quality spare parts even if you are buying / selling aftermarket parts. There are many manufacturers around the globe that sell quality aftermarket parts. Never risk your lives and that of your loved ones by using / selling fake and inferior parts for short term gains,” he advised.
