The unexpected increase in Colombian vehicle sales in 2006 has resulted in a stock shortage of some car brands.
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Market leaders have a waiting list as long as six months for some models.
Besides this, a polarised political campaign between left- and right-leaning parties has caused the US dollar to rise against the Colombian currency.
A rise of 3.22% in the last 30 days, after months of continuous fall, prompted the Colombian monetary authority to raise its interest rate, so consumers began to worry about their future and to postpone their investments in such things as new cars.
So, after a boom four months, car sales decreased 1.9% month on month in May, according to Econometría SA. But the 13,857 vehicles sold last month nonetheless takes the year-to-date total to 54,759 units, which is 30.2% more than in the first third of 2005 (42,070).
Last month’s new model launched included the Ssangyong Kyron; Citroën C4 diesel; Hyundai Vision (new Accent); Jaguar’s latest X-type; Land Rover Discovery 3 SE; Hafei micropickup truck; and Mercedes-Benz’s updated E class. Mazda, Skoda, Hyundai and Nissan began launching 2007 model year cars.
Juan Vargas
