Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Economy has not keep a pledge made two years ago to scrap a compulsory condition for maintaining motor vehicles at automobile dealers’ workshops, a member from the Federal National Council said on Tuesday.

Hamad Ahmad Al Rahoumi, a member from Dubai, asked Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, why the long overdue move has not yet been implemented.

Al Rahoumi said the move, announced by the ministry in February 2016, meant that motorists could get their cars serviced at other car repair and maintenance workshops with car warranty remaining intact.

The ministry had then said the pre-requisite condition, which is essential for the continued car warranty between the owner of the car and the car dealer, had been revoked.

Al Rahoumi said the move was designed to provide alternatives for the consumers and reduce the cost of maintenance and repair.

Al Mansouri said a rating system was submitted to the Cabinet for approval.

Under the system, the Ministry of Economy in collaboration with the Emirates Authority for Standardisations and Metrology (Esma) will rate 40,000 car maintenance and repair workshops on the basis of star-rating system, which ascends from one star to four stars.

The higher committee for consumer protection has to approve the amendment of the cars warranty conditions with the car dealers and car manufacturers not to cancel the warranty by the car agent or the manufacturing company for just maintaining the consumer’s vehicle outside the agency.

Complaints pertaining to motor vehicles alone constitute 20 per cent every month of the total consumer complaints in the country.

Al Mansouri said once the Cabinet sanctions the new system, the ministry will fix a time for enforcement.

He said the project will include a general frame streamlining and classifying the quality services, and to what extent the technical workshops are prepared for offering the services to the consumers efficiently and qualitatively

The rating system is meant for the various workshops, which undertake car electricity work, mechanic, paintings, and discs and metal wheels turning. He said the study contains a number of key factors for improving the workshops including the space, tools, used techniques, experienced workers, among others.

Salem Al Shehi, a member from Ras Al Khaimah, had his motion to reduce fees involved in setting up businesses across the country approved.

Al Mansouri said he will lead efforts with the Cabinet to coordinate between local and federal authorities to maintain UAE competitiveness.