MTSC Opening

September 1, 2016

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 2 Sept 2015: From strength to strength, Central Motors & Equipment (CME) – automotive member of Al Fahim Group – and Michelin Tyres have announced the opening of the first Michelin Truck Service Centre (MTSC); as well as TYREPLUS center, both in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi located in the Industrial District of Mussafah.

The ceremony was inaugurated by Chairman of Al Fahim Group, Mr. Ahmed Abdul Jalil Al Fahim, and Mr. Franck Barge, Michelin Distribution Development Manager Zone Africa-Middle East-India (AIM), along with Mr. Srinivas Chitturi, MTSC Partnership Program Manager for Michelin AIM, Mr. Frank Bernthaler, CEO Al Fahim Automotive, Mr. Sumit Chordia, General Manager of CME, and Mr. Oussama Jlailati, Michelin Brand Manager in CME. Also celebrating the success of CME and Michelin – the worldwide leader in tyres and mobility – were various officials and dignitaries from government organizations and large enterprises.

After the cutting of the ribbon, Mr. Ahmed Al Fahim commemorated this significant partnership, saying, “Firstly, we are honoured to be part of Michelin’s and TYREPLUS’ success in the region. Secondly, I am proud that our CME, Michelin’s sole distributor in the emirate, is cementing its footprint in the market and highlighting our roles as pioneers in the automotive field. Various developments in real estate, tourism and in infrastructure have driven us to invest over two million Dirhams to open this new aftermarket truck center and install the most advanced tools.

From his end, Mr. Chitturi stated, “This strategic investment will help Michelin and CME to grow faster in a very dynamic transportation sector. It will not only deepen the availability of Michelin products and services, but will also help to meet the growing expectations of transporters on quality products and services. Michelin AIM opened its first MTSC in 2009 and now operates 20 centres in KSA, UAE and Oman. In addition, by the end of 2015, we will have a total of 25.”

In his statement to the press, Mr. Chordia commented, “Due to the increased number of heavy-duty vehicles on the road, now is the ideal time to cater to this new demand in the market by launching the emirate’s first Michelin Truck Service Center. To date, 2015 has been solid for Michelin brand and TYREPLUS Michelin’s franchise network. We’re looking forward to closing the year on a high note with these new landmarks in Abu Dhabi.”

Spearheading the Michelin brand in CME is Mr. Oussama Jlailati who has been supervising the construction of the new center alongside Michelin’s regional office. He added, “Spreading an area of over 10,000 sq. feet, the MTSC is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including a computerized truck-tyre alignment machine, truck-tyre balancing machine, truck-tyre repair machine, tyre fitment and removal, as well as other tyre-related services for trucks and buses alike. The center will also be selling aftermarket products, such as batteries, valves and extensions.”

Further enhancing Michelin’s presence in the region, two TYREPLUS branches were also opened on the same day by Mr. Fouad Al Chami, owner of National Tyre Fitment Center (NTE). Now celebrating the 23rd outlet in the UAE and the 10th in Abu Dhabi, both are located in Mussafah. TYREPLUS is a one-stop-shop offering a wide variety of all major tyre brands, lubricants, batteries, suspension and braking systems. All under one roof for customer convenience, TYREPLUS also offers professional services such as alignment, air conditioning refilling and nitrogen inflation.