UMT launched its new main branch in Nablus City on 5th of April 2016 under the auspices of the Minister of Transportation, H.E Eng. Sameeh Tubileh, with the presence of the Czech’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Lubomír Zaorálek and other delegations representing the Global Volkswagen Group.

The opening ceremony started with cutting the ribbon of Škoda’s new showroom, while then visitors had the opportunity to enjoy and experience the 300 m2 showroom with its different sections that meet the high global specifications of other showrooms worldwide. The showroom includes: the accessories section, the kids play area, the car delivery section, and the display section. The showroom was commended by the audience being the first to achieve this level of quality and to reach the global specifications among the northern cities in Palestine. 

Later on, the ceremony continued with cutting the ribbon of Volkswagen’s showroom with an area of 300 m2 and includes similar sections such as, accessories, waiting room, and a display section.  Many Volkswagen’s models were displayed among which is the new Passat which is exclusively offered in UMT’s showrooms.

The ceremony was followed by a tour to the new maintenance center’s facilities which includes: the workshop, a repairs section equipped with the latest modern tools and appliances that meet Volkswagen’s specifications. The center also has a waiting room from which visitors can see what happens in the workshop. The tour continued to the administration offices which are designed to respect employees’ personal spaces and at the same time allow them to communicate and interact easily. UMT aims to provide its employees with a convenient and comfortable working environment to perform their duties at their best which is reflected in the overall design used in all sections. 

The tour also included visiting the spacious polish and painting workshop, where the delegation were briefed on the new specifications, and the exclusive equipment and modern techniques used, specifically the ones related to water based paint technology. After that, the delegation moved to the aftersales department to get an overview of its sections and functions. The tour ended in the ceremony’s venue which included many corners covering the UMT’s current services, and future plans. 

The delegation thanked UMT for its continuous efforts and congratulated them on the opening of their new branch. On the other hand, UMT’s General Manager, Mr. Sameh Al Masri, thanked the audience for their presence saying, “I would like to thank everyone who took part in this success which I present to my city and the capital of northern Palestine, Nablus City.” Mr. Masri extended his thanks to the Minister of Transportation, H.E Eng. Tubalieh, the Czech’s Minister of Foreign Affair, Mr. Zaorálek, and the delegation representing the Global Volkswagen Group, and everyone else for their support and kind attendance. 

Furthermore, H.E Eng. Tubalieh indicated the importance of such a step to UMT saying, “This achievement is an added value to our national economy. It is one of the most important projects Nablus has witnessed in a while, and indeed we can see a promising future full of achievements in all sectors in the city.” Moreover, Mr. Zaorálek expressed his happiness to visit Palestine, and for the opportunity of attending the opening of UMT’s new branch that represents the Czech’s company – ŠKODA Auto in Palestine. “I am very pleased to be here today and celebrate this success. I am very confident that Palestinians, despite all the challenges they are facing, are capable of improving their economy,” said Mr. Zaorálek. He also showed his admiration towards the growing economy in Palestine saying “I have witnessed a growing number of Czech produced ŠKODAs in the Palestinian streets, which made me confident that you have the ability to overcome any challenge. I wish for peace in the region, and constant improving steps in the economic development.”

During the ceremony, UMT shared their new service offered for their clients such as, UMT Loyalty cards program, and the new UMT website to be launched at the end of the month.

The aftersales center in this branch is the biggest in the North of Palestine in particular and most modern in Palestine. It has the capacity of up to 60 cars per day offering a fast service and a convenient and comfortable setting for its clients.

For those who do not know United Motor Trade Company (UMT). It is an extension to Mr. Jamal Omar Masri which was established in the early sixties in the last century in Nablus City which later has witnessed a remarkable expansion all over the West Bank. Overtime, the company became an authorized dealer for the Global Volkswagen Group including; Audi, commercial Volkswagen, ŠKODA, and SEAT respectively. Moreover, UMT has scored the highest number of sales during the past couple of years. However, it is also worthy to mention that there is a similar branch to the one recently opened in Nablus located in Ramallah and functioning since 2008 with an area of 6,000 m2 and also meets the global specifications making this series of global class branches the largest network of aftersales centers in the country.