Muhammed Shafeek
Managing DirectorÂ
Auto Max Auto Spare Parts
Salalah, Sultanate of Oman
Muhammed Shafeek is a successful entrepreneur who transformed his vision into reality through sheer determination and relentless hard work. He has successfully established a commanding presence in Salalah’s automotive spare parts market. Over the past three decades, he has been the mastermind behind ‘Automax’, an enterprise built on trust, premium quality, and complete customer satisfaction. Today, Automax stands out as a leading distributor of automobile spare parts and accessories in the Sultanate of Oman as well as across international markets.
Early Life and Entrepreneurial Beginnings
Hailing from Pallikkara in Kunnathunad, Ernakulam district, Shafeek’s expatriate journey began in 1992 at the age of 20 when he arrived in Suwaiq, Oman. He started working alongside his maternal uncle in the auto spare parts business. Sparing no effort during those early years, he gained deep practical expertise and extensive knowledge regarding various vehicles, spare parts, and world-class automotive brands.
Even while enjoying the comfort of family proximity and a secure job, the dream of building his own business empire remained vibrant in his mind. Driven by this ambition, he chose to venture into the distant and unfamiliar terrain of Salalah to lay the foundation for his own business.
A Start Defined by Sacrifice and Survival
A decisive turning point came in 1995. Shafeek traveled from Muscat to Dubai to procure the initial inventory for his business and returned. He then set out on a grueling 1,200-kilometer drive to Salalah in an old vehicle loaded with stock.
That long journey presented severe challenges. In the pitch darkness of the night, the vehicle got stuck among desert sand dunes. Yet, he refused to give up. Continuing the journey for kilometers without food or water, and sleeping in his vehicle and roadside mosques, he pushed forward until he reached his destination.
Upon arriving in Salalah, Shafeek rented a small house to kickstart his operations. He dedicated his everything to the growth of the business—so much so that he was unable to attend his own sisters’ weddings back home, a sacrifice that remained a deeply touching memory in his heart.
The Expansion of ‘Automax’
Channeling his inner sacrifices into renewed energy, Shafeek opened a modest store under the brand name ‘Automax’ that very year. Through dedication, perseverance, and relentless work, his dream took concrete shape.
What started as a humble enterprise with just 2 employees in Salalah has today evolved into a major GCC business presence, employing around 100 staff members across multiple branches in Salalah, Muscat, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and China. The company’s headquarters is located in Kochi, India.
Supply Network and Future Plans
Automax is distinguished by its comprehensive inventory of top-tier auto parts, an expert team dedicated to customer assistance, and swift product delivery to store outlets.
Import and Distribution
While the inventory was initially routed through Dubai, currently 70% of the products are directly imported from China, Taiwan, Korea, and Malaysia, with the remaining 30% arriving via Dubai. Comprehensive plans are underway to source 100% of the spare parts directly from China in the near future.
Specialized Offerings: The company accepts custom orders specifically tailored for American-manufactured vehicles.
Exclusive Brands: Automax is the exclusive distributor for globally renowned brands such as ‘Pro-Tech’ and Drive’.
Staying attuned to dynamic market trends and committed to dependable service, Automax grandly celebrated its 30th anniversary at the Tulip Hotel in the presence of employees and their families. Renowned media personality Riyas Hakeem graced the occasion as the chief guest.
Family
He is married to Shiji Shafeek, and the couple is blessed with six children:
1. Farwees: Eldest son, completed his MBA from Northampton, UK.
2. Fairooz: Second daughter, graduate in English Literature (Husband: Sahad, businessman in Saudi Arabia).
3. Fayas: Third son, pursuing BCom ACCA at Rajagiri, Kochi.
4. Muaad: Fourth son, studying at Aspire, Kochi.
5. Haniya: Fifth daughter, 8th-grade student.
6. Nooha: Sixth daughter, 1st-grade student.
Contact Information
Auto Max Auto Spare Parts
New Industrial Area, Salalah
PO Box No: 1267, Postal Code: 211
Tel: +968 23214029 | Mob: +968 99676315
Email:
