Since the early part of this year, many businesses have been like a deep wound on the shoulders of their owners, bleeding uncontrollably, and with every effort to stop the hemorrhaging, or even controlling it, failing. Obviously many business owners or operators saw the change in government as an event that would breathe new life in the economy and get things moving again. At least a return to a climate of moderate if not healthy profits. Apparently not so as the actions of the Minnis administration have been more of shock and awe and have left consumers less confident that before. In fact mostly food orientated businesses and some shipping companies are managing to turn a profit. Even most banks are operating in the red. And the "For Rent" signs are being put out 'en masse', meaning that some businesses are only holding out through the holidays before they go out of business, for good. In the case of car dealerships some may argue that they may never see days of healthy profits, at least not in a long while, and at least not while current economic conditions persist. And like with other on-line shopping, the Bahamian consumer has ordered vehicles from all the way on the other side of the world. And their confidence continue to grow, because, for the most part, they receive a product that is above expectations or satisfactory at the least. Unlike the experience has been with other on-line shopping where products have been overpriced or their quality inferior. Some even counterfeit brands. So Albury and his partners must eventually accept the fact that the change in the auto industry is a permanent one and like many other businesses. And sitting and waiting for the tide to turn may take more time and resources than he has.

The Bahamian economy does not depend on new car dealers.

In the early 2000's the offshore bankers cried about the collapse of the industry when Papa did what was necessary to avoid us being blacklisted.

We thrived and the economy survived it.

This will be no different Fred. You must adjust to the changing times - not call on government to support your hackneyed - obsolete business model.

Mr. Albury give me a break and put on your big boy pants and stop crying and start acting like a darn competent businessman. Your business model is simply obsolete. All cars imported into this country pay the same taxes that you pay. I obviously do not get it, that people just cannot afford your overpriced and very expensive cars that only last two years before a major repair is necessary even before you finish paying the interest on your loan.

The local New Car dealers are not competitive in their pricing. That aside, if they provided an excellent service then perhaps a buyer could justify the expense.

BUT their service is poor. Half the time they can't fix the problem. It seems that their technicians don't understand the new computerized cars. They don't appear to be able to diagnose the problem that the computer tells them that they have.

And, unlike dealers in the US, they don't provide you with a car even though it takes days or weeks to fix yours.

There is talk of WTO, I would like to see these local dealers have some real competition and then they might start running their businesses a bit better.

I agree 100% that there are far to many “unfit to be on the road” vehicles on the road. While importing used cars is part of the issue, which can be remedied by stricter importation laws for the quality/condition of said vehicles. We MUST start in our own house! There are far to many “Bribes” and under the table deals being done at the inspection stations.......the criteria is very basic (which we should add some additional points) and yet it is clear so many cars shouldn’t pass and/or couldn’t. Further, far to many drivers with no insurance or expired license driving these cars in terrible condition. Police should be setting up more random road checks for license and registration,........goes that cars need to be properly inspected with current documentation prior to any new registrations or renewals are offered.

The government profits from car imports ...... new or old ....... don't expect any moratorium on private vehicles from this government - even though our streets are unable to accommodate the 300,000 vehicles in Nassau alone.

"*nd he made a call, likely to be controversial in some quarters, for the Government to further tighten regulations on used car imports, *"

My advice to them is don't get caught in the ice like the dinosaurs. People can't afford 30,000 dollar cars. Even if you stopped every single car import. They'll just catch the bus. Times have changed. If they were smart they'd shift their business model and start marketing the idea of used cars in excellent condition with available parts.

"*#"The hurtful part is that the Government gets very little revenue out of it," he told Tribune Business, "and these cheap used cars not only impact new car sales but also the banks, the body repair shops and the insurance companies, who sell less comprehensive insurance.*"

I cannot believe this is the argument he's using , he sounds like Janitor Travis

This is a very telling article if these are the best arguments we can put forth for complaining about why they refuse to change their business model.
Perhaps we should ask the government to stop allowing electricity because our candle makers are suffering.
People have the choice and they are making the choice.
Bring in some reliable, cheap cars that the average Bahamian can afford.
There is no indicator that Bahamians, by way of the Bahamian economy, the bank failures, falling wages and unemployment are going to be able to afford your cars anytime in the near future.
Maybe you should push for a big raise for the MPs.
You should be able to get a few extra sales out of that.

Who in their right mind would want to buy a new vehicle from a Bahamian auto dealership? Our roads and parking lots are much too congested everywhere on New Providence resulting in frequent fender benders or dings and dents that quickly reduce the value of a new vehicle to a pittance of the exorbitant price paid to the auto dealer. Of course the auto dealers are quick to remind us that shipping, duty and VAT costs are responsible for their exorbitant new vehicle pricing, but that does absolutely nothing to help ease the financial pain for a buyer. And then the insurance companies also charge exorbitant annual premiums because they know the value of a new vehicle is significantly diminished the moment it hits our streets. This is also pretty much the same reason why the banks charge outrageous interest rates on new vehicle loans. The banks know the value of their collateral (i.e. the new vehicle) significantly decreases the moment the new vehicle is driven off of the dealer's lot. And most Bahamians do not have covered parking for their vehicles either at home or at work during the scorching heat of summer, which adds greatly to the wear and tear of both the exterior and interior of a vehicle. In summary, you would absolutely need to have your head examined if you bought a new vehicle today......unless of course you have plenty of money to foolishly throw away. But even then, new vehicle buyers are no longer looked at with any kind envy....instead they are now viewed by most in our society as fools....and our society knows how easy it is for a fool and their money to be easily parted! Many of also know that Mr. Albury has already taken steps to become much more of a used car dealer than a new car dealer because of these very same considerations. Rick Lowe at NMC had better quickly start doing likewise.

I agree with "this is ours" and "porcupine" trying to make an argument that its better for this person and that person that we all buy brand new vehicles is pretty poor. The reality, as stated, is a new car is a luxury item most of us cannot afford. Globalization is real in the 242 and not going anywhere, those that had an advantage based on limited shipping options, logistics etc have no choice but to adapt somehow.

Actually a significant amount of new car sales happens to be by the govt in buying 30k plus cars for executives and other essential part of the job usage.

The private sector also buys 30k cars for executives and many look at the executive salary package to include a new car plus servicing, gas every so often or change of executive.

Looking at the difference in price for a decent second hand vs brand new the govt should look at second hand also.

This may be true but clearly thats not enough for their business to survive. They need to have some serious strategy sessions and determine the way forward. Don't listen to DAguilar, its time for big plans. I sure he in Superwash trying to figure out how to open 20 more stores by 2020

“Grave concern”? I have grave concern about paying $70K for a car that would cost $30K in Florida.

I was so moved upon reading this article i setup a Gofundme page to buy condensed milk for Mr. albury.

The reality is that these junk old cars arrive in excellent condition and at a price most of us can afford. When I bought a new Ford Ranger the cost was 0ver $18000 (14 years ago)yet the same vehicle was available in the USA for just over $8000. Added to which if you live on a family island and need guarantee work done then you face high shipping charges. I feel sorry for the Dealers ,they have an uphill battle but successive governments have stuck to these beyond stupid import taxes added to which we now have VAT which is self defeating as the average Bahamian cannot afford or wants to pay these exorbitant prices.

" successive governments have stuck to these beyond stupid import taxes added to which we now have VAT" is too right. Such a shame that new governments by nature seem to have no problem leaving ridiculously high taxes in place, no matter the pain to the people who elect them.

As long as the used cars are in good enough condition (body work, and environmentally), plus the used car sellers pay the fees due to Government (duty, VAT, Business License) then there is nothing wrong with it, and the dealers will have to adapt to survive. If his worry is the clean up of the cars after they are finished being used, then all Government has to do is pass a law saying the car owner is responsible no matter what happens to it. They know who owns a car so if its found charge them.