MUSCAT – The rulings follow a string of consumer complaints regarding persistent mechanical failures and the supplier’s failure to honour legal warranties.
The legal action was initiated by the Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) after mediation attempts between the consumers and the establishment failed. The cases were subsequently referred to the Public Prosecution for violating the Consumer Protection Law and its Executive Regulations.
After examination, the court convicted the suppliers and imposed penalties including fines totalling RO 2,500, vehicle refunds amounting to RO 4,000, and compensation of RO 2,000 for material and moral damages. Some rulings included suspended sentences alongside the financial penalties.
The cases involved issues such as persistent transmission defects, malfunctions in electronic systems and display screens, delays in delivery, and failure to honour product warranties. Consumers also reported being forced to accept defective vehicles or denied replacement despite technical confirmation from accredited experts.
The case files further highlighted a lack of transparency in contractual agreements, significant delays in delivery, and instances where consumers were pressured to accept faulty vehicles even after technical experts confirmed the malfunctions.