With the onset of summer and record high temperatures in several regions of the Kingdom, the car cover (awning) markets have witnessed notable activity in buying and selling, alongside a rise in prices for many products, due to increasing demand from vehicle owners to protect their cars from sunlight and weather conditions. While sellers attribute this increase to higher demand and rising production and import costs, consumers believe some prices have exceeded acceptable limits, calling for more transparency and options suitable for different segments. Summer demand: Vehicle accessories seller Salem Al-Baqmi explained that demand for car covers doubles during the summer months compared to the rest of the year, noting that some types sell out quickly due to high demand. He pointed out that the price increase is not only linked to higher demand, but also includes rising shipping, import, and raw material costs, especially for high-quality products. He noted that the prices of some covers have exceeded 800 riyals after previously being sold for about 300 riyals, with prices varying according to the quality of materials and specifications. Al-Baqmi added that if the appropriate size for the vehicle is not available, the cover is custom-made according to the customer's needs, but this option raises the cost to up to 900 riyals in some cases, due to customization depending on the specific dimensions and specifications of each vehicle. Product value: For his part, seller Abdullah Sharaf confirmed that car cover prices vary depending on the type of fabric and manufacturing quality, explaining that covers resistant to ultraviolet rays and made of multi-layer fabrics are the most expensive compared to traditional types, with prices reaching 500 riyals, and they have seen an increase since the start of summer. He added that competition among stores still contributes to providing a variety of options to suit different budgets, despite the price increases in the market. Significant disparity: In contrast, a number of consumers expressed surprise at the price differences from one store to another, despite similar product specifications. Citizen Muhammad Al-Qahtani said that the price of the cover he bought this summer has risen significantly compared to last year, despite similar specifications, stressing that owning a car cover has become a necessity due to the ongoing heat waves, not just an additional option. He mentioned that he bought a cover for his vehicle for 700 riyals due to its high quality and heavy fabric. Calls for comparison: Meanwhile, commercial affairs specialist Abdulmutallab Faisal stressed the importance of comparing prices before purchasing, not relying solely on price, but also checking product quality and warranty availability. He emphasized that increased consumer awareness contributes to reducing non-competitive business practices, noting that applicable regulations guarantee consumer rights and allow them to file a report if they suspect any violation of trade or consumer protection laws. He also predicted continued high demand for car covers throughout the summer months, as high temperatures persist, stressing the importance of providing diverse products that achieve a balance between product quality and fair prices to serve both seller and buyer alike. Benefits of covers: For his part, car cover tailoring specialist Zafer Al-Ahmadi explained that car covers are an effective means of protecting vehicles from various climatic conditions, as they reduce the impact of direct sunlight, help lower the internal cabin temperature, and preserve the paint and plastic parts from damage caused by ultraviolet rays. He added that covers also provide protection from rain, dust, and tree leaves, help keep the vehicle clean and reduce the need for frequent washing, making them a practical and economical option that contributes to extending the car's lifespan and maintaining its appearance and value over time. Global market: Global indicators support the continued growth of this sector. The latest estimates from the American market research company Fortune Business Insights indicate that the global car cover market is currently worth about 1.0 to 1.2 billion US dollars annually, with expectations of achieving an annual growth rate between 4% and 6% in the coming years. The website clarified that although there is no unified official statistic on the number of units sold globally, inferential estimates based on market value and average selling prices indicate that annual sales volume ranges from 20 to 35 million car covers worldwide, if the average cover price ranges between 30 and 70 US dollars, reflecting the size of the market and increasing global demand for these products, especially in hot climate regions.

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