Counterfeit car care products are viewed as a threat to Saudi residents
Call made for consumer education
With the Saudi automotive aftermarket industry gearing up for the seventh edition of Automechanika Riyadh, one of the Arabian Gulf state’s leading automotive trade exhibitions, a prominent industry expert has highlighted a growing challenge within the Saudi car care sector: the rise of low-quality, counterfeit products flooding the market.
Ahmed Al-Hussaini, Managing Director and Co-Founder of O2ProFormance, has warned that this trend poses a significant risk to consumers and the broader industry. Speaking ahead of his panel appearance at the Automechanika Riyadh Academy, Al-Hussaini highlighted how imitations of established car care brands are deceiving consumers and causing long-term damage to vehicles across Saudi Arabia.
“The automotive care market is being flooded with cheap, low-quality products that not only mimic established brands but can potentially harm vehicles,” said Al-Hussaini.
“While these products may seem cost-effective, they lack the research, quality control, and technical support that genuine brands provide. Educating consumers about the risks of these products is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the car care industry.”
This call for greater consumer awareness is pivotal for the Saudi market. According to Horizon Grand View Research, Saudi Arabia’s car care sector is on track to reach a projected revenue of $94.5 million by 2030. This growth represents a compound annual increase of 3.5% from 2022 to 2030, indicating strong momentum and demand, particularly among a rising demographic of discerning, detail-focused car owners.
Many consumers are turning away from mass-market products and towards specialised, high-performance solutions. Influenced by social media platforms like YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok, many people are becoming more informed and selective about what they apply to their vehicles, especially those who own high-end or exotic cars.
“If you have a supercar or an exotic car, it takes things to a new level,” Al-Hussaini explained. “You won’t wash your Lamborghini in a regular car wash. You must take extra care of it and buy sophisticated, certified products.”
Automechanika Riyadh 2025
This evolving consumer mindset will be a central topic at Automechanika Riyadh 2025, taking place from April 28 to 30 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Organised by 1st Arabia Tradeshows & Conferences and licensed by Messe Frankfurt Exhibition, the event is sold out and expected to be the largest edition yet.
As part of the Automechanika Riyadh Academy, a packed programme of expert-led discussions, workshops, and panels will examine emerging trends and innovations in the automotive aftermarket sector. The Academy will bring together top-tier industry figures from across the region and beyond, providing insights into the future of car care and maintenance in the Kingdom.
Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO and Founder of 1st Arabia Tradeshows & Conferences, reinforced the importance of the event in light of the current market conditions. “The automotive car care market in Saudi Arabia is experiencing dynamic growth,” he said.
“However, there is still a need for consumer awareness and better understanding of the products they purchase. This is why Automechanika Riyadh is an important platform for addressing these integral trends.”
Aly Hefny, Messe Frankfurt Middle East Show Manager, echoed this sentiment. “As the Saudi car care market continues to evolve, we’re seeing significant expansion with a range of new innovative solutions and premium services on offer,” Hefny noted.
“With Vision 2030 driving economic transformation, now is the time to ensure training, brand image, customer satisfaction, and premium value are in place and exemplified throughout the country.”
Automechanika Riyadh 2025 will showcase the latest developments across various categories, including parts and components, electronics and systems, tyres and batteries, oils and lubricants, accessories and customising, diagnostics and repairs, body and paint, and car wash and care.
The exhibition continues to serve as Saudi Arabia’s leading gateway for international and regional automotive suppliers to connect with Saudi buyers, distributors, and service providers. As the automotive aftermarket industry continues to evolve in line with global trends and local consumer demands, the call for better education, transparency, and quality assurance is becoming more urgent.
With car culture deeply rooted in Saudi Arabia and a growing appetite for luxury and performance vehicles, the pressure is on to ensure car owners have the knowledge and resources needed to make informed choices.
Image: Imitations of established car care brands are reportedly deceiving Saudi consumers and causing long-term damage to vehicles across Saudi Arabia. Credit: 1st Arabia Tradeshows & Conferences
