Latest news with #CarlosMontenegro
Zawya
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
Al-Futtaim Automotive strengthens Abu Dhabi presence with new automall and auto center
United Arab Emirates, Dubai: Al-Futtaim Automotive has expanded its footprint in Abu Dhabi with the opening of two new facilities near Dalma Mall, Mussafah, the brand's third Al-Futtaim Automall and its 15th Al-Futtaim Auto Center in the UAE. The openings mark a strategic move to enhance accessibility, convenience, and customer service for car buyers and vehicle owners in the region. The new Al-Futtaim Automall offers an expanded selection of over 150 certified pre-owned vehicles onsite, covering every segment and price point to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse customer base. It is staffed by a multi-lingual team fluent in over 10 languages, reflecting the diversity of Abu Dhabi's growing population. This launch comes at a pivotal moment for the UAE's pre-owned car market, which is projected to grow from USD 20.55 billion in 2025 to USD 35.78 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 11.73% according to the latest report from Mordor Intelligence. Carlos Montenegro, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Automall said "The pre-owned car market is expanding rapidly, driven by customers seeking reliable vehicles at fair prices—without unexpected complications. Today's buyers not only demand value and transparency, but also peace of mind throughout their ownership journey. At Al-Futtaim Automall, we remain committed to delivering exactly that. Every vehicle we offer undergoes rigorous inspection and comes with a warranty of up to 3 years, giving customers confidence long after the purchase. To further enhance convenience and assurance, we provide a range of flexible financing solutions, along with tailored service and maintenance contracts. We've made it easier than ever to find the right vehicle, at the right value, in an environment that is welcoming, trustworthy, and focused on long-term satisfaction." Commitment to certified quality and transparency Al-Futtaim Automall follow a strict process where each vehicle undergoes a comprehensive multi-point inspection, necessary repairs with approved parts, and final road testing at a dedicated preparation facility. Vehicles come with a warranty of up to three years (minimum twelve months), a service plan, and roadside assistance, addressing common buyer concerns about reliability and unexpected costs. In addition, every car's history is verified through official channels to avoid hidden issues, and all ownership paperwork and fees are handled in advance. Supporting After-Sales Needs with a Modern Service Center The new 2,412 sq. ft. Al-Futtaim Auto Center in Mussafah enhances the brand's multi-brand service network, offering a comprehensive range of aftersales solutions for both private car owners and fleet operators. Certified technicians carry out oil changes, preventive maintenance, general repairs, and specialist services for EVs, using genuine, top-tier parts. All services are delivered with transparent pricing, ensuring customers know exactly what they are paying for. Additional capabilities include tyre and battery replacement, smart repairs, as well as electrical and AC maintenance for all car brands. Auto Center also features convenient digital booking, operates seven days a week, and offers pick-up and drop-off services. For added flexibility, Mobile Service vans are available to deliver car care directly to customers' locations. A modern customer lounge with complimentary Wi-Fi and refreshments ensures a comfortable waiting experience. Jean-Pascal Bourdier, Managing Director of Global Aftersales at Al-Futtaim Automotive, said: "We know that trust and convenience are key for our customers when it comes to servicing their vehicles. The new Auto Center in Abu Dhabi brings our multi-brand expertise even closer to residents and businesses, offering them high-quality maintenance and a smooth, digitally enabled experience." A Customer-Centric Experience Both new facilities in Abu Dhabi have been designed to offer a unified customer journey. From a modern, air-conditioned showroom where buyers can browse a wide choice of certified vehicles, to a service facility that offers quick maintenance and repairs, every detail reflects Al-Futtaim Automotive's commitment to trust, convenience and peace of mind. Customers benefit from digital tools, transparent processes, flexible options and welcoming spaces, whether they are purchasing a pre-owned car, trading in an old one, or having their vehicle serviced by expert technicians. This integrated approach ensures that every interaction is simple, clear and reassuring. With three Automall showrooms and 15 Auto Centers operating across the UAE, and plans to expand into the Northern Emirates in the coming months, Al-Futtaim Automotive remains committed to expanding access to certified vehicles and reliable car care, supporting individuals and businesses alike with a trusted, integrated experience. - Ends - About Al-Futtaim Automotive Al-Futtaim Automotive, one of the main five operating divisions within the UAE-based Al-Futtaim, is a conglomerate of motoring-related businesses, franchising some of the world's most-recognised automotive brands and services. Operating in 10 countries across the Middle East, Asia and Africa and empowered by around 9,000 associates, the UAE-headquartered Group's services span across distribution of new and used vehicles, manufacturing, leasing, and aftersales. Ranging from passenger cars to SUVs, commercial vehicles, industrial and construction equipment as well as motorbikes and quads, Al-Futtaim Automotive offers an integrative customer-centric experience for motorists, fleet operators and contractors alike, and strives to become the leader in tailor-made mobility solutions. About Al-Futtaim Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Operating across 18 countries in the Middle East, North Africa and Asia, the Group spans key sectors including automotive, financial services, real estate, retail, and health. Al-Futtaim's work is driven by a clear purpose: to enrich lives and elevate communities through practical, forward-looking solutions. Employing a workforce of nearly 33,000 people, Al-Futtaim represents a portfolio of over 200 of the world's most recognised and trusted brands, including Toyota, Lexus, IKEA, ACE, Marks & Spencer, and many more. With a strong focus on digital innovation and artificial intelligence, sustainable growth, strategic partnerships, and empowering its people, Al-Futtaim's approach is anchored in long-term value creation. Its integrated business model positions the Group as a reliable partner to stakeholders—supporting customers, communities, and collaborators alike in navigating the needs of today while planning for tomorrow. Underpinned by the values of respect, excellence, collaboration, and integrity, Al-Futtaim continues to build a legacy that reflects its responsibility to people, progress, and the planet. For more information, visit: Follow us on social media: LinkedIn (@Al-Futtaim) Instagram (@alfuttaim) X (@alfuttaim) Facebook (@Al-Futtaim)
The National
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- The National
The basic rules for buying a second-hand car in the UAE
The difference in price point between showroom-fresh and second-hand cars is significant. Yet, everyone has heard stories from friends and family about used-vehicle purchases that have ended in, at best, severe inconvenience and, at worst, complete disaster. Don't let that put you off, however, as simply knowing the basic rules for buying a second-hand car can leave you confident in your purchase. 'Buyers are advised to closely examine the vehicle's service history, mileage and overall condition – both mechanical and cosmetic,' says Karim Maksoud, managing director of Al Habtoor Motors, which deals in both new and used vehicles. 'It is equally important to verify that the car is free from any accident damage and has undergone a thorough, professional inspection,' Maksoud adds. There are two options when looking for a used car – going through dealerships or sourcing a model directly from the previous owner. In the main, you're likely to pay a little more to a dealership, but they invariably offer perks of one sort or another, and these can be highly attractive when it comes to having peace of mind when making your purchase. Al Habtoor, for example, offers a 14-day exchange guarantee and a five-year top-up warranty, while Al Futtaim has roadside assistance and comprehensive inspections included with its Toyota and Lexus packages. Carlos Montenegro, managing director of fleet strategy at Al Futtaim Automotive, another key player in the UAE used-car market, says transparency and trust are key, especially when buying from an individual owner. 'The most obvious red flags include inconsistent service history, signs of accident damage, unusually low pricing and unclear vehicle ownership or importation history,' he says. Once you find a car you fancy, one of the first things to do is track down its vehicle identification number. VIN is a unique, 17-character alphanumeric code assigned to every car that will help ascertain its legitimacy. The digits show the motor's country of origin, manufacturer, vehicle type and attributes, the year it was built and the plant in which it was assembled. This code allows interested parties to assess the vehicle's registration, insurance status and, crucially, any history of accidents or theft. There are multiple online options for checking the VIN, the easiest being the websites for Emirates Vehicle Gate, Ministry of Interior, Dubai's Roads and Traffic Authority, Abu Dhabi Police or Tamm. When checking the code's validity, Maksoud says: 'It is essential to verify that the VIN matches all official paperwork.' Both Maksoud and Montenegro stress the relation between a car's mileage and its overall condition. Distance-wise, figures suggest drivers average about 19,000-24,000km a year, so you can tell if a vehicle is above or below what you might expect by multiplying how old the car is by those digits. Looking for dents, scratches or rust is a given, but it's also worth thoroughly examining the panels up close to look for inconsistencies in paintwork. These could be an indicator that the car has had a DIY patch-up after being scraped. If the car is low to the floor, getting down on your back is not strictly necessary. Instead, run your fingers along the underside to see if there is any scratching not visible from an upright position. It is, however, worth getting down on your hands and knees to check for any pools on the tarmac under the car while it is stationary, though – leaks of any kind are never a good sign. Tyres are another area to check for wear and tear, with tread length being the key issue. You can test by inserting a Dh1 coin into the grooves at various points. In general, if you can twist the coin, the tyre is worn and needs replacing. Montenegro also recommends asking for certifications such as a 99-point or 145-point inspection, as these are often provided by dealers. Inside the car, make sure you press every button there is to check each is doing what it's supposed to. It's also worth tapping the dashboard in a few places to ascertain that it's still solid – things can become loose with age. Also check the seating – it isn't just about whether it's comfortable or not, but also how worn the material is and whether it might need replacing. Air conditioning is a key area of concern in this region, so start the engine and sit there for a few minutes to check all is in working order. If the chilling isn't thrilling, it could just be a case of topping up the refrigerant, but you should also look out for odd noises, such as squealing or rattling, and be cautious of mouldy smells. Any aircon servicing outlet should be able to cure this, but you should consider how much you might have to spend when it comes to what you're finally paying for the vehicle. You can get a refrigerant top-up for as little as Dh100, for example, but an overhaul will be significantly more. Both experts agree that a test drive is essential. It's difficult to assess problems from the engine's sound alone, but you should be able to tell if it sounds clunky or lacking in power. All cars lose grunt as they age, but it's worth checking out the specs of a particular vehicle to give you an idea of what it was capable of when it was fresh off the production line. All this aside, if you want to be really thorough, it's worth seeking the services of a qualified mechanic to give the car a once-over. A good technician will not only be able to assess any potential problems, but also tell you how much it might cost to put them right and what impact that will have on price negotiation. Maksoud says: 'After-sales support and credibility of the seller play a key role in a safe and satisfactory purchase.' Montenegro concludes: 'A well-maintained used car should come with a verified service history, low to moderate mileage relative to its age, and a clean body and interior.'
The National
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- The National
Tips for buying a second-hand car in the UAE
The difference in price point between showroom-fresh and second-hand cars is significant. Yet, everyone has heard stories from friends and family about used-vehicle purchases that have ended in, at best, severe inconvenience and, at worst, complete disaster. Don't let that put you off, however, as simply knowing the basic rules for buying a second-hand car can leave you confident in your purchase. 'Buyers are advised to closely examine the vehicle's service history, mileage and overall condition – both mechanical and cosmetic,' says Karim Maksoud, managing director of Al Habtoor Motors, which deals in both new and used vehicles. 'It is equally important to verify that the car is free from any accident damage and has undergone a thorough, professional inspection,' Maksoud adds. There are two options when looking for a used car – going through dealerships or sourcing a model directly from the previous owner. In the main, you're likely to pay a little more to a dealership, but they invariably offer perks of one sort or another, and these can be highly attractive when it comes to having peace of mind when making your purchase. Al Habtoor, for example, offers a 14-day exchange guarantee and a five-year top-up warranty, while Al Futtaim has roadside assistance and comprehensive inspections included with its Toyota and Lexus packages. Carlos Montenegro, managing director of fleet strategy at Al Futtaim Automotive, another key player in the UAE used-car market, says transparency and trust are key, especially when buying from an individual owner. 'The most obvious red flags include inconsistent service history, signs of accident damage, unusually low pricing and unclear vehicle ownership or importation history,' he says. Once you find a car you fancy, one of the first things to do is track down its vehicle identification number. VIN is a unique, 17-character alphanumeric code assigned to every car that will help ascertain its legitimacy. The digits show the motor's country of origin, manufacturer, vehicle type and attributes, the year it was built and the plant in which it was assembled. This code allows interested parties to assess the vehicle's registration, insurance status and, crucially, any history of accidents or theft. There are multiple online options for checking the VIN, the easiest being the websites for Emirates Vehicle Gate, Ministry of Interior, Dubai's Roads and Traffic Authority, Abu Dhabi Police or Tamm. When checking the code's validity, Maksoud says: 'It is essential to verify that the VIN matches all official paperwork.' Both Maksoud and Montenegro stress the relation between a car's mileage and its overall condition. Distance-wise, figures suggest drivers average about 19,000-24,000km a year, so you can tell if a vehicle is above or below what you might expect by multiplying how old the car is by those digits. Looking for dents, scratches or rust is a given, but it's also worth thoroughly examining the panels up close to look for inconsistencies in paintwork. These could be an indicator that the car has had a DIY patch-up after being scraped. If the car is low to the floor, getting down on your back is not strictly necessary. Instead, run your fingers along the underside to see if there is any scratching not visible from an upright position. It is, however, worth getting down on your hands and knees to check for any pools on the tarmac under the car while it is stationary, though – leaks of any kind are never a good sign. Tyres are another area to check for wear and tear, with tread length being the key issue. You can test by inserting a Dh1 coin into the grooves at various points. In general, if you can twist the coin, the tyre is worn and needs replacing. Montenegro also recommends asking for certifications such as a 99-point or 145-point inspection, as these are often provided by dealers. Inside the car, make sure you press every button there is to check each is doing what it's supposed to. It's also worth tapping the dashboard in a few places to ascertain that it's still solid – things can become loose with age. Also check the seating – it isn't just about whether it's comfortable or not, but also how worn the material is and whether it might need replacing. Air conditioning is a key area of concern in this region, so start the engine and sit there for a few minutes to check all is in working order. If the chilling isn't thrilling, it could just be a case of topping up the refrigerant, but you should also look out for odd noises, such as squealing or rattling, and be cautious of mouldy smells. Any aircon servicing outlet should be able to cure this, but you should consider how much you might have to spend when it comes to what you're finally paying for the vehicle. You can get a refrigerant top-up for as little as Dh100, for example, but an overhaul will be significantly more. Both experts agree that a test drive is essential. It's difficult to assess problems from the engine's sound alone, but you should be able to tell if it sounds clunky or lacking in power. All cars lose grunt as they age, but it's worth checking out the specs of a particular vehicle to give you an idea of what it was capable of when it was fresh off the production line. All this aside, if you want to be really thorough, it's worth seeking the services of a qualified mechanic to give the car a once-over. A good technician will not only be able to assess any potential problems, but also tell you how much it might cost to put them right and what impact that will have on price negotiation. Maksoud says: 'After-sales support and credibility of the seller play a key role in a safe and satisfactory purchase.' Montenegro concludes: 'A well-maintained used car should come with a verified service history, low to moderate mileage relative to its age, and a clean body and interior.'
