Used car dealers: We’re ready

But the move by ANSA McAl into the used car market still came as a surprise to some local used car dealers. The dealers, who spoke under condition of anonymity, said they never expected this. “The Ansa McAL automotive sector was always associated with new cars and had in the past opposed the used car market,” one dealer said. Another said that it will definitely shake up the market, noting that the company already had the infrastructure in place to deal with the additional imports.  

Van Maharaj, a representative of the pre-owned car dealers association, said they welcomed the competition from new car dealers. “We believe healthy competition is good for industry,” he said. By these dealers getting into the industry, he said it will assist both dealers and the customers in getting parts. He is of the view though that companies like ANSA McAL will serve to legitimise the foreign used market, said Maharaj. He added that with it customers will now have increased options for service.