Audi Qatar has changed owner - no showrooms opened for months!

[Tumbo]

Audi may be really shooting up in the sales around the world. But in a market where they have done pretty much advertisements last year, Qatar, they are facing trouble at the moment.

On their website you can read this:

"In light of Audi Middle East’s (AME) ambitious growth plans in Qatar, AME has re-evaluated its strategic position in the market. As of July 1st 2012, Saad Buzwair Automotive (SBA) is no longer a contractual partner of AME. AME remains fully committed to the important Qatari market. Together with our new partner, Q-Auto, AME is looking forward to growing Audi into the leading automotive premium brand in Qatar with the target to provide excellent customer service from new, state of the art facilities."​

So, basicly, since July 1st this year there have been:
- no showrooms for new Audi cars
- no showrooms for used/2nd hand Audi cars
- the service station is put WAY OUT in a dusty and dirty industrial area, and when you drive there, you feel like you have really come to the wrong place.
THAT SUCKS BIG TIME. What is funny to me, is that this has been going on for FOUR MONTHS now. If they would really be working their asses off, they would never allowed this to happen. This must effect the Middle East sales in a huge negative way.

You know how you can buy a new Audi now? Here is where it gets more funny:
"I am interested in purchasing a new Audi. Who can I contact for more information?

Until our new vehicle showroom is fully operational kindly contact Mr. Hanen Ben fradj at +974 33364748 or hfradj@q-auto.com for purchase related inquiries."​

​

This is pathetic and a disaster for the Audi image here in Qatar! If you want to spend all the money to buy a premium vehicle, you cant even see it in a showroom, and you have to call a person to ask about it??
I, as an Audi owner in Doha, feel a huge shame about this. I'm really mad.

 

[Sayyaaf]

Qatar is like a 600K populated country. I wouldn't worry much about it

They can wait.

 

[Tumbo]

Qatar is like a 600K populated country. I wouldn't worry much about it
They can wait.

I'm talking from an experience of an Audi-owner in Doha. It really isnt easy. The service station/parts store is put WAY OUT in a dusty and dirty industrial area, and when you drive there, you feel like you have really come to the wrong place and it absolutely can not be here.. But then suddenly, among dirty old industrial tyre/bodyshops with just sand and dust around.. there it is... It's really shameful for a premium brand like Audi to allow this to even happen.

 

[Sayyaaf]

I'm talking from an experience of an Audi-owner in Doha. It really isnt easy. The service station/parts store is put WAY OUT in a dusty and dirty industrial area, and when you drive there, you feel like you have really come to the wrong place and it absolutely can not be here.. But then suddenly, among dirty old industrial tyre/bodyshops with just sand and dust around.. there it is... It's really shameful for a premium brand like Audi to allow this to even happen.

I understand Tumbo and this is not an excuse for Audi. I know for instance Jaguar revamped themselves in UAE and changed the dealer in no time with full service centers that are worth the price tag they stick to their cars. My guess ? is that there is a conflict of power between different parties in Qatar. Check who is the new owner you might get an answer. it happens.

 

[Tumbo]

I know for instance Jaguar revamped themselves in UAE and changed the dealer in no time with full service centers that are worth the price tag they stick to their cars.

Exactly why I'm so disapointed! This is what you expect from Audi aswell. If they knew they would change ownership, the new showrooms and service centers should be opened the next day after the switch of the owner. It's really a total disaster.