About 13% of cars on Mexican roads are used cars imported from the United States. New-car manufacturers and distributors have protested the more than 3 million cars entering Mexico over the past two and a half years, leading Mexico's government to curtail the number of imported cars brought into that market.
These restrictions to allow only 10-year-old vehicles (currently 10- to 15-year-old cars are allowed) will be in place only until January 1, 2009, when the Mexican government is required, under the terms of NAFTA, to begin phasing in the removal of barriers on used cars sold in Mexico. At the beginning of January 2009, used cars 10- to 15-years-old will again be allowed.
By 2019, all used cars will be allowed. New-car imports have been allowed without restriction since 2004.
For more information on the Mexican market, including top-selling vehicles, vehicles most often accessorized, a list of top distributors and details on the Salon de SEMA being held this summer in Mexico City, visit www.sema.org/international or contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.