Jan 23 2016

Trinidad & Tobago

A Japanese used car supplier says if the T&T Government continues with its ban on the importation of five and six-year-old vehicles, the country’s foreign used industry will be finished.

In an e-mail to local dealers, managing director of Sayuri International Saman Priyankara called on dealers to come together and appeal to Government to not effect such a rushed policy. He said many dealers have already purchased and stocked vehicles in Japan in recent weeks and were waiting for Government to issue import licences. 

Trade Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon on Friday announced a new policy which bars the importation of gasoline-powered vehicles more than four years old. Previously, foreign used car dealers were allowed to import vehicles that were up to six years old.

Priyankara said some have paid their 30 per cent deposits for the vehicles and asked, “When Government says ‘law effected from today,’ what will happen for those people’s vehicles?”

Priyankara said: “All the dealers must get together and discuss with the Government to not to put this kind of law overnight. I hope you all will understand that if this new law is effected, our industry will be finished in Trinidad because the year 2012 vehicles’ prices are three to four times higher than 2010 model vehicles and there are not much vehicles in the market.”

He said he understands that there is still a chance for discussion with Government with the hope of finding a solution. He asked dealers to join T&T Automotive Dealers Association (TTADA) president Visham Babwah on the matter.