Tag Archives: Japanese Vehicles

Vehicle population rises by 24,000

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*Toyota leads new registrations
The number of privately-owned and government vehicles rose by more than 24,000 in 2009 to 280,600, with Japanese giant, Toyota emerging the vehicle brand of choice among first-time registrations, it has been learnt.

According to a Transport Communications Unit’s estimates released this week, the number of passenger cars rose by 14,551, contributing the most to the overall increase in the vehicle population. Passenger cars continued their dominance in vehicle categories, accounting for nearly half of all vehicles on Botswana’s roads, followed in popularity by light duty vehicles.

The Report also indicates that 33,325 privately owned first registrations were recorded at various licensing centres countrywide in 2009, suggesting robust purchases of vehicles by Botswana . Together with the 33,413 first registrations recorded the previous year, the number of new vehicles in 2009 ranks among the highest of the decade. But Transport Unit officials were quick to explain the apparent anomaly between high first registrations of private vehicles in 2009 and the comparatively lower rise in the national vehicle population.

“The national vehicle population is calculated looking at both renewals and first registrations, while first registrations are for only the period under review. Therefore, while there were 33,000 or so first registrations of private vehicles, other vehicles in the national population were not renewed during the period for various reasons, including accidents,” explained an official. “As a result, some vehicles drop out of the national population and others join in as shown by the first registrations.”

The report also shows that Toyota was most popular with the new vehicle owners, accounting in 2009 for 40.1 percent of the 33,325 first registrations, followed by Nissan, Volkswagen and Mazda in that order. Mitsubishi and Ford anchor the top six most popular vehicle types.

“Toyota’s popularity is historical, from boasting the first dealerships and service centres, to the aggressive yesteryear marketing of their various brands. Today, besides the locally manufactured Toyotas, this brand’s popularity is anchored by the Asian imports which are overwhelmingly skewed in its favour,” said Tawanda Nyika, a sales agent with a local car dealership.

Other statistics indicate that while the number of private vehicles on the roads increased by 10.2 percent to 270,000 between 2008 and 2009, the government fleet declined by 981 vehicles to 9,779 over the same period. In the government fleet, data suggests the sharpest declines were witnessed in the number of light duty vehicles, which dropped by 1,195 to 4,595 between 2008 and 2009. The number of government trucks fell by 221, while buses also realised reductions.

The Transport Unit advised that reductions in the size of the government fleet could be related to increases in private-owned vehicles, as the former are sold off to members of the public at regular auctions.

“These include below carrying value, accident-damaged and other similarly affected vehicles, where it is in the public interest to auction off the vehicle,” the official said.

Reposted from Mmegi Online
MBONGENI MGUNI
Friday July 29, 2011

Used Japanese Cars With No Scratches or Dents???

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Used Cars With No Scratches or Dents???

Recently I have been receiving several requests for used vehicles without scratches and dents. I was quite surprised at the first request, then totally dumbfounded when the requests were coming frequently. At first I thought those clients were being fastidious about the type of used car they wanted to purchase, then I realized it was total misconception about what was available on the websites.

You may notice on some websites, all the photos of the vehicles are shown, including scratches, dents, and even highlights of the cars, so that you have a complete picture of what you are buying. However some websites don’t show the scratches, dents, or any bad points that may harm their sale. Instead, they say nothing unless the client specifically asks if there are any problems with the vehicle. In many cases, the exporter usually tells the clients that it was up to the client to ask if there was any scratches or dents on the vehicle before they purchased it when making claims. Or some say that they have a condition report available upon request and if the client didn’t ask for it before buying the vehicle then that is the client’s problem.

Even if a condition report is produced, most clients don’t understand the codes on the report to describe how bad the dents and scratches indicated are. The depth and length of the dents and scratches can’t be gauged properly by the condition report. It is only in the photos that one can see how bad or minimal the blemishes can be.

You can imagine the disappointment when the client receives a vehicle that they assumed had no scratches or dents since nothing was shown on the exporter’s website. The fact of the matter is 99% of used vehicles in Japan will have some scratches and dents, some may have rust and corrosion, some may have been in a serious accident but repaired (properly and not so well), some may have mechanical problems. It is no different to a used car in Africa. Most vehicles in Japan are bound to have some minor scratches or minor dents at least since our streets here are very narrow.

Most reliable exporters will only choose vehicles with minor scratches and dents wherever possible. It is not in our interest to choose very badly damaged vehicles as it hurts our image and reputation. Of course most exporters do their best to purchase any vehicle that doesn’t have any scratches or dents, but there are so few of them that the prices of these vehicles are much more expensive than the average price of the same model sold at the local car auctions in Japan. We know how much a client will be delighted to have a vehicle without the blemishes, but it is not going to happen often. Good exporters will focus on sourcing vehicles with good engines and reasonable body work.

The importer must accept the fact that buying a vehicle with no scratches or dents is going to be a minute probability and if they are lucky enough to find such a vehicle, then they must be prepared to pay way above the average price.

Don’t be shy to ask the exporters for any photos of the blemishes a vehicle may have before you buy their vehicle. It’s best to keep the exporters honest by making them reveal everything about their vehicles. Like one exporter usually advertises, “All photos are real and revealing, Nothing to hide”. You get a real idea of what you are buying and no disappointment when the vehicle arrives. Put the pressure on the exporters to up their game. Make them show everything you need to know about the vehicle you want to buy. Don’t just assume that no photos of scratches means you found a perfect used vehicle. An e-mail response is not much extra effort for the exporter if they want your business.

In my opinion, the buyers should be focusing on good condition vehicles that are going to drive on for as long as they want them to. Go with the exporters that have that reputation.

James Hanna
Nichibocars, Japan

Who to Trust???

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There are a few unscrupulous people taking advantage of unsuspecting Africans wanting to buy a good cheap used vehicle from Japan. How to determine who to trust is difficult, but follow some simple rules and you shouldn’t go wrong.
Know who you are dealing with. One-man or two-man operations can easily move around, change their mobile numbers, or set up new names for their business. A website is easy to set up and doesn’t cost so much these days. Check the company you are dealing with at your local Embassy in Tokyo. Also check for an office phone number. Most scammers run their business from their mobile phone and don’t have an office. You can also check with your local clearing agents or just ask a friend or someone who imported their own vehicle.

Everyone loves a bargain. But sometimes the price seems so unbelievably cheap that it is too hard to pass up. In Japan there is a saying, “if it is that cheap, then it is too cheap to buy”. In other words, if it is too cheap then there must be something wrong with it. Check the websites and get an idea of the average market price. If there is a huge discrepancy then you should be wary. Remember, an exporter who has no intention of exporting a vehicle to you can quote you any cheap price you want. He doesn’t care how cheap because he isn’t losing any money on the deal, rather, he makes 100% on your payment.
An unscrupulous exporter will target vehicles at the Japanese auctions that have done high kilometres, and in poor condition. They will wind the odometer back and do a few quick-fix repairs to make the vehicle seem it is better than it is. In many cases the cars breakdown to an unrepairable state within 6 months. How many people do you know who have been taken by these tactics and lost their money. Most unscrupulous dealers arrange these things once the vehicle is out of Japan (either at the port in Africa or in another country). Ask to look at the “Export Certificate” from the exporter. The export certificate is issued by the Japanese Transport Authority and shows the last registered mileage on the certificate. Some exporters will change the year of the vehicle and re-register it in another country before selling it to Africans.

Importing direct from Japan is a safe way to ensure the vehicle you receive is genuine. A good exporter knows that a good reputation ensures a lifetime of business. Poor condition cars ensure loss of business. A bad reputation can grow 2 to 3 times faster than a good one. Reputation takes time to build and must be earned the hard way. Reliable exporters advertise constantly in local newspapers and magazines. Unscrupulous people are in it for a fast buck. Don’t waste your hard earned money by not taking a little precaution and getting taken by the appeal of “a bargain of a lifetime”.

How Easy is it to Import my Own Vehicle Direct?

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Importing your own vehicle direct from Japan is as easy as learning the ABC. Check different exporters’ websites for the best car that suits your budget and needs. Many exporters have their stock for free viewing on the internet. Some exporters allow you to submit your order on-line, others request you to send them your details for invoicing purposes.

Once you receive your invoice check the details. The invoice should show your full name, address, and contat details. It should also show the make/model of the vehicle you are buying, the year, and the full chassis number. The freight and insurance costs should be shown separately on the invoice. If not, request for the costs to be indicated separately on the invoice. The exporter’s bank account details should also be indicated.

Take the invoice to your bankers and request for a telegraphic transfer to be sent to the bank account details as indicated on the invoice. The bank will convert the currency on the invoice and advise you the equivalent Kwacha to pay them, including bank charges. Some exporters will allow payment by instalments, however you should consider the extra bank charges you need to pay for each instalment. Mention the invoice number and vehicle reference in the details of payment of the telegraphic transfer. Send a copy of the bank receipt and invoice to the exporter by fax or e-mail so they can apply your payment immediately.
Once the exporter has your payment they will arrange shipment of your vehicle. They need to contact the various shipping companies to book your vehicle on the next available vessel (usually at the end of the month and/or the middle of the month). Sometimes, the new car manufaccturers have a back-log of new cars to ship and shipment may be delayed as a result. New car manufacturers receive priority booking over used cars as a policy of all shipping companies. These ships load the vehicles by driving on and off the vessel. They are referred to Ro-Ro vessels. When there is a delay for booking used vehicles on Ro-Ro vessels, some exporters ship their clients’ vehicles in containers. Container vessels are weekly, but the costs are higher in some cases. The sailing time for vessels from Japan to Durban or Dar-Es-Salaam is usually 3 to 4 weeks, however the total average delivery time after payment is effected can take from 6 to 8 weeks.

You should arrange a local clearing agent to clear your vehicle from the vessel. A good clearing agent will advise you the exact date of arrival of the vessel, the date you can collect your vehicle, and calculate the wharf charges and clearing costs to pay. They can also arrange for delivery of your vehicle to your door step.
Once you have the vehicle you need to register it locally, then enjoy the driving. A word of advice, always check the engine before driving the vehicle over a long distance. Some of the vehicles need to be topped up with oil and water, and the brakes need to be checked. Also, all vehicles are shipped with minimal fuel in the tanks. This is a safety requirement by the shipping company to avoid fire hazards on board the vessels. Therefore remember to take enough money to fill up your vehicle.