Used car importers lash out at government plans

By George Psyllides

USED JAPANESE car dealers yesterday launched a bitter attack against the government, accusing it of trying to put them out of business and protecting the financial interests of new car importers.

The outburst came after a government decision to amend used car regulations, making it compulsory for every imported used Japanese car to carry a road worthiness certificate before it can be registered.

Speaking at a news conference yesterday, the Chairman of the Used Car Dealers Association, Michalis Constantinou, claimed the government was trying to stop the importation of used cars from Japan with the excuse that they did not meet European Union specifications.

The government’s intention to amend the regulations was clearly aimed at protecting the financial interests of new car importers, Constantinou accused.

“Used cars had a market share of 67 per cent last year and 73 per cent in 1998. Did you think the new car dealers who had 100 per cent control of the market, but began to lose that share after 1995 would sit on the sidelines?”

He maintained the EU did not have any regulations concerning used cars and that every country drew up its policy according to the national interest.

EU members which also import used cars from Japan do not ask for a certificate, because, as he said, no car manufacturer gives certificates for used cars.

“There is no way of getting this certificate because the cars have already been manufactured,” Constantinou said.

“Who will give us this certificate?”

“It is the state’s responsibility to create the necessary facilities to check the cars and if they comply, to register them. This is our demand,” he said.

“If the regulations are approved by the House, then the country’s economy, consumers, and dealers will be affected,” he added.

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