In talks with Mahesh Rohra – General Manager at Arabian Automobiles
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Exclusive Interview with Mahesh Rohra on Infiniti's Certified Pre-Owned Program in the UAE
With over 20 years of automotive experience under his belt, Mahesh Rohra has earned himself a veteran badge in the global automotive space. In an exclusive interview, Mahesh shares his thoughts on the brand’s performance in the UAE and its first-ever Certified Pre-Owned Center in the region.
Insights on Infiniti's Market Share
Q. Could you shed some light on Infiniti’s current market share and anticipated growth with Certified Pre-Owned in the UAE?
Infiniti’s current market share on new cars in the UAE is 6.5% of the Total Industry Volume (TIV). The Used Car Program is designed to target two angles: increase trade-ins and to increase buy-back from fleet customers.
While new car sales average 250 to 275 cars a month, used cars have seen a 100% growth in 2016 compared to 2015. So, while it’s too early to comment on a figure per se, we are extremely confident that the Certified Pre-Owned vehicles will increase brand presence in the country.
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Certified Pre-Owned Program Criteria
Q. What is the criteria a vehicle must meet to qualify for the Infiniti Certified Pre-Owned program?
Vehicles that wish to qualify for the Certified Pre-Owned program should:
- Be less than five years old
- Have less than 80,000 kilometers on the clock
- Not bear any damage to the chassis
A vehicle that passes these prequalification checks undergoes a stringent 145-point inspection that covers the exterior, interior, and performance, with qualified technicians ensuring the vehicle is worthy of the Certified Pre-Owned badge.
Benefits of Purchasing Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles
Q. What are the benefits a potential buyer receives when purchasing a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle from Infiniti?
The list is long and the benefits are longer, but in addition to peace of mind, a top-quality product, and a one-year warranty that can be extended for a further two years, buyers receive:
- 20% discount on all after-sale services
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Paint protection
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Inclusion of Models in the Certified Pre-Owned Program
Q. Will all models in the Infiniti line-up be a part of the Certified Pre-Owned program?
All models that meet the aforementioned criteria will be a part of the Certified Pre-Owned program.
Future Plans for ICPO Centers
Q. Where and when can we expect the next ICPO center to be opened?
While Dubai is the first market, we are busy working towards completing Infiniti’s new facility on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road in Sharjah. With the inauguration taking place in March, you can expect the next ICPO center to be open in 2017 in Sharjah.
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