Tumble Yen: The Japanese Cars Cheaper Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000

2300 Japanese cars have been sold since the beginning of the year so far. A figure that is expected to take the elevator. And because Japanese cars cost Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000 cheaper, says Zaid Ameer, president of Imported Vehicles Dealers Association. For example, a Toyota Yaris costs Rs 575,000 against Rs 600 000/Rs 625,000 at the beginning of the year. A Toyota Vitz, sold at Rs 475 000/Rs 480,000, a few months ago, is for sale at Rs 450000.

"We hope to sell by December 2013 between 5000 and 6000 used vehicles," says Zaid Ameer. In 2012, remember, 5500 second hand cars had been sold. "We hope to keep the same tempo," says Zaid Ameer. Especially the Japanese car prices are likely to fall further with the tumble of the yen. The Japanese currency, worth Rs 36 in January, now trades at Rs 32.

"The depreciation of the yen will continue, because Japan has a weak currency to boost exports especially with the emergence of countries such as India and Korea," says Zaid Ameer. Moreover, in the international market, the yen symbolically broke the threshold of 100 to the dollar for the first time in four and a half years. Thus, in six months, the yen has lost more than 20% of its value against the greenback.

Pessimism

For specialized in importing Japanese used cars dealers - there are 65 operators and 25 official agents that operate unofficial way - the decline of the yen can only promote the sale of Japanese cars in Mauritius. "Although there is widespread on the automotive market gloom, we can not complain," Zaid Ameer advance.

A gloom he attributed to the slowdown in economic activity, loss of jobs, but also to Whitedot case. "I know customers who wanted to buy cars, but did not go ahead because they have lost their money in Whitedot case. On the other hand, there is the fear that the economic situation will deteriorate further. People, even if they have money, do not want to take any chances. They display caution and clear that they do not want to spend, "says our interlocutor.

Another trend is the fuel that is more expensive, the traffic is dense in some places and the condition of some roads, Mauritians are turning more to the acquisition of small cars from 1 000 to 1300 cc. Toyota and Nissan have therefore other trading on the local market these days.

A decline that does not apply to all brands

It is important to note that some brands of Japanese cars have not seen their prices fall. Rather, their prices soared. The reason being that there is a high demand for these brands in the international market.