Members of the local auto trade are trying to do damage control following this week's seizure of vehicles which were sold to customers of Key Motors.
On Monday, the Customs Department shut down the operations of the car company after claiming that it owed more than $40 million in duties and taxes.
The subsequent seizure of sold vehicles triggered questions in the public about the status of car buyers after they make purchases.
However, the Jamaica Used Car Dealers Association says the case involving Key Motors was an isolated one.
Despite this, member of the Association, Kenneth Shaw, says would-be buyers should be extra vigilant when purchasing vehicles.
“No there shouldn't be a problem. I think this is a one off case. Based on the information that we have, it is not something that is widescale and there isn’t any need for tension between the Customs Department and the dealers on the whole,”
“For customers and their respective dealers there shouldn’t be a problem either, I guess now everybody is going to be more vigilant and more proactive in making checks and balances as we go forth,” Mr. Shaw said.
And Industry Minister Karl Samuda is scheduled to meet next week with the executive of JUCDA.
The meeting will discuss problems facing the sector.
“The new President of the Association, Mr. Linval Harrison, has requested and is meeting with the Minister of Industry and Commerce later this month,”
“There will be discussion on where the industry must go, what our problems are, what our concerns are to see how best the government can assist under the circumstances,” he said.
Members of the Association have complained about a huge drop in sales as vehicle prices soar due to the appreciation of the Japanese yen.
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