We are close to finishing the first quarter of 2020. This is a good time to check on how we are doing in terms of our resolutions for the New Year, especially in terms of road safety and how our behavior on the roads, the general condition of the vehicles we drive and our regard for other road users.The corona virus scare began with a few scattered cases in Wuhan, China and has now affected many countries in the world, including the Middle East. It is always better to err on the side of caution by taking proper precautions – getting flu shots, covering our mouths and noses while coughing or sneezing, using hand sanitizers, seeking immediate medical care if there are any symptoms and avoiding crowded areas. The automotive industry, like other sectors has definitely been affected, with China being one of the biggest makers and consumers of cars in the world. The Chinese economy grew at a pace that was faster than that of many developed countries. Many leading automotive manufacturers and parts manufacturers set up shop in China, in view of the lucrative opportunities the market offered. The COVID-19 scare means that their factories and offices have been idle for the past few weeks. Demand for cars has plunged and companies having factories in China are now scrambling to plug supply gaps. The Geneva Motor Show, one of the major auto shows in the world has been cancelled. Other events are also liable to be cancelled.It has been interesting to see how some companies have been quick to respond to the situation. Didi Chuxing provided free transport to Wuhan medical workers. For those who are reluctant to visit a showroom to checkout a vehicle, Mercedes-Benz ran a campaign on the WeChat app that allows people to get a 360-degree interior view of its GLB SUV. Geely recently launched a service that lets customers buy its cars online and get them delivered to their homes. For a while, it makes sense to avoid road trips or public events that are absolutely not essential. Let us hope that by the time you get our April issue, this virus will be one that is well under control.Hamid MoarefPublisherPAGE 14Publishers Note :All images, designs, layout and advertisements are copyrighted. Any attempt to recreate, plagiarize or copy in part or in whole is violation of international copyright laws. While compiling this issue of Tires & Parts, the utmost care and attention has been given to ensure that all information is accurate. Morjan Media is not responsible for the accuracy of content provided by third party sources.To submit news and content please email to : [email protected] note: by submitting news and content to Morjan Media for publication in Tires & Parts you automatically agree that Morjan Media is not obliged to publish this content. Furthermore, Morjan Media reserves the right to further edit and or reduce the size of any content or news stories sent for publication.PublisherHamid MoarefEditorAli Reza Sub EditorsManju MathewSonja BaikogliSherry ChenGrace StephenDesignVivin GeorgePraful PanchalSales & MarketingAhmad AjiCirculation AssistantsThahaDilfarFisalContributorsPeter BaikogliArezou MarzaraFarsh ShafikhaniKristen KoulicDistributionDar al hikma Distribution L.L.CMorjan Media L.L.CP.O.Box 7830, Dubai, U.A.E.TIA applauds Automotive Tires & Parts’ efforts to bring the latest tire and automotive news to the Middle East.For more information on TIA,visit www.tireindustry.orgFor administrative inquiries or for a copy of our media kit please contact : +971 4 2555548 [email protected] www. morjanmedia.comDownload Careem and book a hassle free ride in minutes. Enter the promo code “tiresandparts” to get 20% off your first 3 rides. *Maximum discount AED 20 per ride. For new users only. Offer valid within the UAE.
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