Peru to stop used cars imports in 2010
Poor countries usually don't have enough resources, and people who earn the median income often can't afford new cars. Instead, they rely on getting used imports. This is the case in Peru, where the government has just authorized importing used cars until 2010. However, this authorization has a serious drawback: while Peruvian citizens will continue to have cheap cars available, they'll miss out on many of the latest anti-pollution technologies. Therefore, the Minister of Ecologic Affairs, Antonio Brack, has stated that the practice of importing other country's hand-me downs should be phased out after 2010, because it floods the market with dirty vehicles (see also: the Emirates). Of course, he's missing an answer to the question of what cars would be affordable then, but bear in mind that most of the cars currently imported are totaled vehicles (from floods, accidents), purchased at knock off prices elsewhere and fixed.
[Source: EP via Econoticias]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
noz 2:58PM (12/25/2008)
Good move for Peru.
It's embarrassing for us to see nations like this that have so much less than we do take hard stances to curb their environmental issues.
They have alot of problems there too...but at least they have the balls to do something problems...IN THEIR OWN COUNTRY.
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kurt.eger 11:35PM (8/09/2009)
incorrect, they do it for the tax = to 70% of the vehicle cost... They want more taxes and hide behind cleaner vehicles as an excuse...
Chris M 5:16PM (12/25/2008)
Really stupid argument, as pollution controls have been standard on a lot of used cars for decades. A better legal case could be made to require that all imports, new or used, meet certain minimum pollution requirements.
I suspect the real reason is a "Rich vs Poor" argument, making it even more difficult for the poor to get their own cars, and making car ownership a privilege reserved for the well-to-do.
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Brn 10:58AM (12/26/2008)
"phased out after 2010, because it floods the market with dirty vehicles"
What a bunch of bull. I don't know what the reason is, but it's not because they don't want dirty cars. Maybe they want to keep the market internal. Maybe they don't want the poor to drive. Whatever it is, it's not for their stated bs reasons.
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