JEDDAH, 10 May 2005 — Juffali Auto Parts Company (JAPCO) celebrated the 40th anniversary of its partnership with the German-based Robert Bosch GmbH at a ceremony held at Le Jeddah Meridien yesterday.
JAPCO Chairman Khaled Juffali, Robert Bosch’s General Manager for Middle East & Africa Volker Bischoff and Dubai office General Manager Oleg Riabtsev, and leading automotive spare parts dealers, fleet and workshop owners were among those present. Bischoff in his presentation said Robert Bosch had an annual turnover of 40 billion euros. “It stands as one of Germany’s largest industrial enterprises,” he said, adding that Bosch holds the ability to offer comprehensive automotive solutions from a single source.
He appreciated Juffali’s efforts to establish, distribute and promote Bosch products and brand awareness during the last 40 years. “It’s an extraordinary landmark event by any standard to accomplish 40 years of successful cooperation between the two companies,” he said and hoped that the partnership would get even stronger and that he would be able to visit the Kingdom for the golden jubilee celebration, after 10 years. According to him, Bosch has been updating itself with the requirements of the market, which is getting more sophisticated with the modern car becoming a computer on wheels.
Juffali said he saw lot of potential for the two companies in the Kingdom’s growing automotive market. “Juffali’s name has always been associated with premium quality brands and Bosch is one of them,” he said.
In his welcome remarks, JAPCO General Manager Mohammad Khalid attributed the organization’s success to its trade partners and team members.
It was in 1961 that Bosch and Juffali first joined hands in the Eastern Province. In 1965, as an expression of trust and confidence, Bosch offered the Kingdomwide distribution rights to Juffali. In 2002, Juffali established JAPCO as a separate business entity for Bosch, which represents the brand throughout the Kingdom. Bosch offers most innovative solutions for nearly all of European and Asian passenger and commercial vehicle brands. The range includes spark plugs, batteries, fuel injection systems, braking systems, diesel spare parts, filters and highly sophisticated workshop diagnostic systems along with other workshop solutions.
“JAPCO is committed to ensuring the supply of genuine parts at competitive prices,” Juffali said. Asked about the availability of fake parts, he told Arab News: “Fake parts are becoming a big problem and the Ministry of Commerce is addressing the issue.” He also hinted at the future expansion plans of JAPCO in the years to come. “JAPCO, with its spare parts, service and workshop equipment divisions, is the largest automotive aftermarket player of the region associated with the top quality passenger and commercial vehicle brands.
