Quality, Reliability and Durability A Key Focus For FCA Middle East

As part of an on-going commitment to offer a complete range of vehicles that consistently deliver optimum reliability and performance in the harsh weather conditions of the Middle East, FCA Middle East is carrying out an exhaustive programme of vehicle testing in Jeddah and Riyadh, managed by senior FCA technicians and engineers and supported by United Motors Company (UMC), the sole distributor of Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Jeep®, Ram and Mopar® in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“We have always recognised the vital importance of reliability and durability as key factors in the vehicle purchase process,” said Maher Abdalla, Head of Mopar in the Middle East.

“That’s why, even though FCA has a very well-established and highly sophisticated testing programme in place in Europe and the US, we designed a variety of modules that specifically test both existing and new products in line with the expectations and driving patterns of our customers across the region plus the unique demands of the Middle East environment.”

The testing cycle, covering highways, main roads and city roads, is specifically designed to develop new specifications and technical solutions, particularly all aspects of durability, from paintwork to suspension systems, air conditioning and cooling to suspension systems, shock absorbers to seals and weather strips, batteries to fuel pumps plus body mouldings and badging.

“By fully understanding the extreme demands placed on vehicles in the Middle East, out technicians and engineers can accurately identify if more robust and adequate solutions are required,” said Abdalla.

“The data gathered during the testing also allows us to enhance, refine and modify our service standards so that our Mopar technicians across the region give customers the best, expert advice and quick solutions to any vehicle related issues.”

The current test programme, being carried out using the very latest advanced technology, focuses on two of the most popular vehicles sold by FCA in the Middle East - the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Charger - and accurately replicates the typical daily demands placed on vehicles by FCA’s customers across the region.

“Key findings from the on-going regional testing programme are fed back into the teams directly responsible for vehicle development, meaning that there’s a continual enhancement of quality, durability and performance,” added Abdallah. “For us, that’s an absolutely fundamental commitment to our customers, and one that we will continue to invest heavily in.”