Brian Burns (CEO Iframac) "The PRB Will Have a Positive Impact at the Automotive Sector"

> How are the activities Iframac?

At the end of April, we have registered 413 vehicles, representing an increase of 11% compared to 2012. Mauritians continue to trust us and our performance in the coming months should strengthen our market share.

2012 was a record year for the automotive sector, despite a difficult economic situation. However, Iframac has positioned above and prepare for the future by improving its products and services more suitable. We selected new brands and have privileged proximity to our customers. This closeness results in the opening of a new showroom space and service in the North and the opening of our showroom in Phoenix Les Halles.

Iframac chose Phoenix because of its geographical area, for us, is a strategic point of the island. Phoenix Les Halles offers exceptional visibility and comfort for our guests with spacious showrooms and parking facilities. Since its opening, more than 2,000 Mauritians visited us as a family.

Today we offer under the same roof over 6000 square meters of showroom space, in fact, is the largest car showroom in the region. We have just launched the first phase of this project or are exposed all brands represented by Iframac - two-wheelers to commercial vehicles, boats passing by. This new destination is distinguished by the range of products and services. The legendary Harley Davidson's legendary Silver Star Mercedes Benz, visitors will discover a wide range of vehicles 2, 4, 6, 8 wheels. The second phase of development will make our center a major destination for Mauritians.

> You market two new models of Korean brands this year ...

In fact, we have just launched two new models of the Ssangyong brand, which is the Korean specialist for pickups and SUVs. We are very excited by the enthusiasm of Mauritians for Actyon and Ssangyong Korando.

The pickup Ssangyong Actyon is equipped with a turbo diesel engine, said Common Rail, allowing for savings on fuel consumption. In addition, this model allows to conquer all types of terrain safely. Ssangyong Korando, an SUV also equipped with a turbo diesel engine, combines elegance, safety and ecology. Both vehicles combine power and performance with exceptional comfort.

> Which models with the choice of Mauritius?

The choice of Mauritius continues to focus on compact cars (1251-1600cc). This segment represents 37% of sales. Also, 58% of the market is now attached to an individual customer. This indicates that companies are turning increasingly towards 'as schemes' rather than official vehicles for their employees. This opening offers more choice and openness to buyers while dealers must redouble their efforts to adapt to this new situation.

> Luxury cars they attract Mauritians?

Sales of luxury cars are maintained and are still popular. We can expect some good deals in the second half with the arrival of new models at the prestigious brands. For example, we will launch in early June, the new Mercedes A-Class is already regarded as the benchmark in its class in Europe.

> Iframac is it expected greater activity with the payment of the PRB?

Indeed, the PRB will certainly have a positive impact on the automotive sector. We anticipate that the majority of staff will use their 'duty free'.

> The auto industry does not seem to know the crisis. 9423 vehicles were sold in 2012 against 7,958 in 2011 (+18.4%). To what do you attribute the good performance of the sector?

It is not true that this sector does not know the crisis. The market has seen a decline of 4% from January to April compared to the same period in 2012 and 13% for commercial vehicles. This reflects the economic downturn and therefore, companies seem, pushing their investments in anticipation of a recovery.

> Competition is fierce in the sector. How Iframac is different from its competitors?

Iframac knows now two types of competition. The first is a fair competition from other importers of new Mauritius, but also an increase in imported used vehicles. These tax benefits in relation to the carbon tax that importers of nine (MVDA) challenge to the authorities concerned.