Interview with Oweis Zahran
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Insights on Car Prices and the Automotive Industry in the UAE
Current Car Prices in the UAE
What do you think about car prices in the UAE, are they overpriced, or do they make sense?
Car prices around the globe have gone through the roof, especially used car prices. This is due to several factors primarily related to raw material supply chain scarcity.
Improvements in the Automotive Industry
What could be improved in terms of the automotive industry in the UAE?
Quality after-sale service is the largest gap in the market. After nearly two decades of studying this market, I can say I'm not impressed with the level of service outside of the main dealerships, which are severely overpriced. This is the reason we've established OWS Automotive Solutions. We've been able to help governments and fleets save hundreds of millions while getting the quality they expect. However, that's just a small segment of the market. The general consumer with a 5-year-old vehicle suffers.
Advice for Car Buyers
Any advice for any person who wants to buy a new or used car?
My advice would be to do your research and get the car thoroughly vetted if it's used. It's also important to understand when a structural change is underway, as that could severely impact the resale value of your car, especially in the UAE.