Car market in Algeria: Maruti and old cars most requested

The car market in Algeria has experienced a decline during the first quarter of this year according to latest figures published by the Office for National Statistics ...Cnes... depending of customs services which recorded a decline of about 6.23% in spite of the different promotions on the market.

• According to data from national statistics ‘Cnes’ of Algerian Customs, 72,802 vehicles of different brands, entered Algeria, estimated at 71,228 billion dinars for the first three months of this year, against 77,639 units, valued at 68,824 billion dinars for the same period of 2008.
  
  This decline means that dealers have registered losses because of declining sales. Many Algerian link this to the low purchasing power. This comes hard to earn his crust and relegates the purchase of a vehicle last. Mustapha told us that “despite that I'm young I do not purchase a car. The prices are very expensive, this in addition to the newly imposed tax. As long as public transport exists, I prefer to use my money instead to furnish the house. The car is a luxury”.
  
  Abdelmalek meanwhile explained his refusal to buy a car for the prices that are too high, including old cars. The vehicle purchase on credit is more expensive. “I wanted to buy a car when I heard of foreign banks which provide credit, but I was shocked by the reality. These suck our blood. We, pay in the end, double the actual price of the vehicle
  
  stagnant markets
  
  At El Harrach popular market, where the Japanese Clio, the Debza, the Picanto and the Maruti took the lion's share in terms of sales. According to the people we met, this is due to their good mechanical properties. They’re small cars that are suitable for the capital because of the systemic circulation.
  
  Tidjellabine market has stagnated, too in recent days because of the price surge with the approach of summer. In the summer, people tend to buy cars. According to our informants, the Atos and the Maruti cars are the most requested, followed by vehicles such as the ‘Kangoo’, the ‘Partner’ and the ‘Clio year between 2004 and 2006, which prices are acceptable for many people.
  
  The same situation is seen in the popular market of Sétif which has also known a decline in selling. The vehicles year 2002 are not recognized in this market. The average age of vehicles allowed in this market is restricted to vehicles made in 2004.
  
  Sétif market is a bit different from other markets. It is the market of Businessmen who have money. The most popular car in this market is the ‘fifth generation Golf’ sold between 1600.000 and 2600.000 dinars depending on the year. These are followed by the fourth generation for 145.000 dinars, the ‘Mégane Berry’, sold between 1000.000 and 1080.000 dinars. Finally comes the ‘Audi b5’ for 2500.000 dinars.
  
  Concerning Lorries, ‘Hyundai’ trucks are among the most requested on the market.
  
    Ennahar / Radia Hedjab / Correspondents