Japanese car makers propose solution to used car imports problem

Tokyo – Local Japanese automotive manufacturers led by Toyota Motors Corp. have come up with a possible solution to the used car imports problem that is adversely affecting Philippine automotive sales and manufacturing.

According to TMC general manager for Asia, Oceania and the Middle East Yasuhiro Yomoda, they have suggested to the Japanese government that Japanese used motor vehicle exporters, in the future, must first secure a certificate allowing them to export the used vehicles out of Japan.

The Japanese exporters must be able to prove that the vehicles they are planning to export must meet all the safety and environment requirements.

Currently, Yomoda said, there are no restrictions on used Japanese automotive exports.

However, Yomoda said, the Philippine government must also support such a policy and require such a certification before Japanese used automotives are allowed into the country.

Yomoda clarified that negotiations for such a policy would also have to be negotiated bilaterally.

The used car problem, Yomoda disclosed, is not exactly unique to the Philippines.

In fact, Indonesia and Thailand also have the same problem but with a slight variation.

In Indonesia and Thailand, the automotive imports are "new used" cars.

These are cars that have not actually been used and are almost brand-new.

However, the extent of the used car imports is Indonesia and Thailand is much lower than that entering the Philippines.