A Mercedes Benz dealership. Several luxury car dealerships stopped sales this week, but those of more “generalist” brands continued their business.
“We cannot stop at zero. We are selling to cancel immediately and in balance with the factory. It is a difficult and risky decision, I hope not to make mistakes. Only if there was a very abrupt change would it stop selling for a while. “
The phrase, from a dealership of Fiat, Jeep and Citroen, basically summed up what happened last week among car dealerships. Many have not paralyzed sales, as has happened in items as diverse as clothing or construction sites. But they are vigilant. The rise of the blue dollar unstable the entire market, at least compared to how it has been managed for at least a year and a half.
The most reluctant to sell last week were the independent importerswhose models are not quoted in pesos but in dollars.
“We are concerned about the inability to pay for SIMI units and approvals (non-automatic import licenses). Perhaps brands that may have inventory could bill a few more cars without price correction,” said the head of the Chamber. of car importers (CIDOA), Hugo Belcastro. “But brands that have no inventory they do not invoice or guarantee the price of the next arrivals. The consumer is very hurt. ”
Car companies with factories in the country, grouped together ADEFA, continue to manage their lists with the official price in dollars, which today is around 132 pesos. The July increases are between 5% and 7%depending on the make and model. But a survey of the best-selling brands (Toyota, Fiat, Peugeot, Ford, Volkswagen, Citroën, Chevrolet and Renault) showed that none of these companies planned a second price readjustment in Julydespite the shot of the blue.
“We continue to take signage for vehicles that will be delivered within four months, at the price those vehicles quote at that time“they said at a Toyota dealership.” But with those we agreed on the price with four months ago, we will deliver the vehicles this week. without any modification“.
Vehicle prices have risen in a year and a half above inflationtherefore the increase was also measured in dollars (the official dollar price increased just over 50% since January 2021, while the number of vehicles has increased Twice). It had been like that until last week. But the parallel sharp rise in the dollar is forcing some sellers, and particularly retailers, to do so check some values.
“Until last week, there were 4×4 models from Honda and Hyundai that were listed in $ 25,000 in hand. Now I don’t think we can sell them at that price“a high-end auto dealer admitted.” There are also domestic models that have come out with hefty surcharges and are now being sold. at list price“.
At another dealership they agreed: “With dollars in hand, the customer got it once again some bargaining power that I had lost “.
The truth is that even with a dollar of 273 pesos, which was the blue dollar close on Friday, vehicle prices are still some mattress.
At this time, the list prices of cars, pickups and commercial vehicles have also risen above inflation. Three examples taken at random, among the best-selling models, over a period of 17 months (February 2021 / June 2022):
- As of February 2021, the Fiat Cronos Premium had a list price of $ 1.7 million and last month it was listed at $ 3.3 million, with an increase of 91%.
- Over the same period, the cheapest Toyota Hilux (4×2 single cab) went from $ 2.3 million to $ 4.7 million (106%).
- The Chevrolet Cruze Premier, 5-door automatic, went from $ 2.3 million to $ 4.2 million, an increase of 82%.
This is just one example, among three of the best-selling models so far this year. According to the Association of Automotive Dealers (ACARA), prices have risen on average 70% in 2021against 50% inflation, and are on the rise between 30% and 40% in the first half of this yearbetween 5% and 10% above inflation.
“There are few cars, but not even the market to validate the supplements“said the head of ACARA, Riccardo Salome.
From an imported brand, those responsible have relativized that claim. “There are sellers who buy cars at the official price: they pay the deposit, wait six months, collect the unit at the official price and on the same day They publish it for a fee on Mercado Libre“.
Not counting the price premiums (this is a particular deal between dealer and customer, which doesn’t end up appearing on the card), what these price lists show is that there are enough customers willing to pay above inflation, to get rid of the weights.
Luis Ceriotto
Source: Clarin
