Independent repair shops play a vital role in Abu Dhabi’s automotive ecosystem, particularly in servicing out-of-warranty vehicles. IRFs are critical to the UAE’s automotive aftermarket, which was valued at approximately USD 7.3 billion in 2024 and is growing steadily. The aging vehicle fleet—with cars aged 3–5 years representing over 42% of the market—drives higher demand for maintenance services. Many IRFs face challenges such as inconsistent service quality and limited access to authentic parts. The IRF Elite Programme addresses these issues head-on, providing IRFs with streamlined access to genuine Nissan components while reinforcing efforts to combat counterfeit and grey-market products.

The programme’s success is evident. In Q1 2025, it achieved 119% of its sales target, representing 64.8% growth compared to the same period last year, and welcomed 27 new IRF partners across the silver and bronze tiers, expanding market coverage and strengthening the network of customer-centric service providers.

Harmeet Singh, Aftersales Director at Al Masaood Automobiles, said: "The IRF Elite Programme is designed with our customers in mind. By ensuring independent repair facilities have reliable access to genuine Nissan parts, we help safeguard repair quality, enabling safe and dependable service for Nissan owners and supporting safer roads across Abu Dhabi. The programme also reinforces our commitment to combating counterfeit parts and raising service standards, reflecting our dedication to excellence and a stronger, more sustainable automotive ecosystem."

The IRF Elite Programme also supports Nissan’s broader commitment to consumer protection and intellectual property rights. This aligns with the three-year cooperation agreement between Nissan Middle East and the UAE Ministry of Economy, which aims to enhance community awareness, safeguard intellectual property, and promote innovation. Through this partnership, initiatives such as educational workshops, awareness campaigns, and innovation-driven programmes help ensure that all Nissan components meet the highest standards of authenticity and safety. Building on this success, Al Masaood Automobiles is launching IRF Elite 2.0, a new phase designed to expand coverage, strengthen partner loyalty, and improve long-term retention. This initiative introduces enhanced support for IRFs, helping to further elevate Abu Dhabi’s independent automotive sector and ensuring Nissan customers continue to receive high-quality service across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and the Al Dhafra Region.