File photo used for representation only.
After going through a bumpy ride this year, Qatar’s auto sector is set to move on top gear. The automakers and dealers have rolled out attractive offers and discounts to attract customers.
These offers will not only provide an opportunity for buyers to strike better deals but also fastens recovery in the automobile sector which was impacted adversely by the outbreak of COVID-19.
The offers being doled out by car makers and dealers include giving free insurance and free servicing for a specific period, free registration and interest free financing. Some dealers are also offering flexible payment plans in which some part of the payment can be paid as down payment and balance can be paid in equal installments. The offers started at the beginning of this month and will continue until February next year.
“When it comes to car and bike sales, we have seen two kinds of customers. The first set of customers wait for December to buy vehicles because they know that offers would be announced during the month. While there is also the second set of customers who is reluctant to buy cars during December. They think that buying a vehicle at the fag end of the year will dent its resale value,” a Marketing Manager of car dealer told The Peninsula. “Buyers tend to wait for the new year to buy new cars or bikes because customers know that by postponing their purchase by a month will get them new year’s model. Companies offer discounts and freebies to customers to nudge them to buy vehicles,” he added.
Al Attiya Motors and Trading Co, which is the official distributor of KIA Motors in Qatar, is offering free comprehensive insurance for the first year, free regular services for two years or 30,000 km (whichever comes first), registration for the first year and window tinting.
Similarly, National Car Company, sole agent for Mazda vehicles in Qatar, is offering free comprehensive insurance for one year, free service for three years or 50,000 km (whichever comes first), free registration and a flexible payment plan for select models. Some other dealers are offering similar deals on vehicles.
Like for other sectors, this year has been a difficult period for the automobile sector which applied breaks on the sale of vehicles this year. COVID-19 outbreak in the first quarter slowed down the activity until the first half of this year due to imposition of restrictions which played an important role in curbing the spread of coronavirus. In the second half industrial activities have again gained momentum in the economy. This has had a positive impact on the automobile sector which has started witnessing an increase in vehicle sales.
