SOARING PRICES, ASIAN COMPETITION AND THE SABS

The motoring economy seems terminally ill. The asking price for your average old used piece of iron, glass, rubber and plastic exceeds the R200 000 mark. Simultaneously, new car prices have gone through the roof. I understand the South African motor industry has a limited market in terms of car sales; however, free enterprise should surely prevail and the importation of used cars should be permitted. I have noted a flood of new car brands (Haval, Chery, Proton, BAIC) recently imported from Asia and this saga is surely impacting the more traditional brands sold and assembled in South Africa. Why then this absolute prohibition on the importation of used vehicles?

Several years ago, SABS representatives argued that used cars from Europe would not be suitable for SA road conditions, which they regard as challenging. This is absolute nonsense because some roads in Europe are as bad as ours. The SABS also promoted the ban on the importation of left-handdrive cars and presented another ridiculous argument that they pose a danger to the general motoring public. Forget about owning that Chevrolet Camaro or Dodge Challenger guys; the government says it’s dangerous to place the steering wheel on the other side of the car. I have travelled extensively by road in the UK and Europe and motorists have no problem adapting to driving on either side of the roadway. The steering placement is irrelevant.

Search used car prices in England if you wish to spoil your day: the German Big Four, British exotics, Italian brands, Ford, GM, Jeep, myriad Japanese brands and even EVS. Asking prices are comparatively as cheap as chips even after converting to rands. TERRY BERRINGTON

Via email

[Thank you, Terry. Who would have thought a “cheapie” would cost R200 000? As the cost of living continues to increase, those with the means continue to buy cars and other goods at over-inflated prices … we are indeed in a bubble. It may be some time far in the future but the day will arrive when demand subsides and we all know what will follow – editor.]