Latest update November 21st, 2024 1:00 AM
Yokohama introduces certification for imported vehicles
– to foil mileage tampering and other scams
Over the years, there have been growing complaints about the conditions of vehicles being imported by dealers.
At one time, if you were interested, you would visit a stock yard, with a mechanic in tow and he would more than likely say yes, it is okay to go ahead.
There are very little checks, other than that. Such a clever job is done that it is hard to determine a crash vehicle unless really close scrutiny is paid.
The fraud is widespread.
Some local importers were buying crashed vehicles, sometimes replacing an entire front or doors or windscreens and no one would be the wiser.
An airbag that was inflated would even be repaired.
Yokohama’s Country Manager, Deepak Balradj with a condition certification report
After going through the process, if you are buying hire purchase or cash, the vehicle is handed over. With a new paint job and clean interior, everything would seem well under after a few mornings.
After that, issues like alignment, a not-so-smooth ride and paint flaking would become all too apparent.
One car importer has now introduced steps to ensure that customers are aware of what they are buying.
One of the biggest problems in the industry is the tampering with the mileage gauge.
“We know that it has been happening and we are a serious company with our customers’ service. We have a certification system where persons can know the condition of the vehicle,” explained Zamier Ally, General Manager of Yokohama Trading.
The Suriname-headquartered company has been here almost three years, selling over 1,000 vehicles and taking a chunk of the market.
Annually, it is estimated that around 10,000 vehicles are being registered.
“We want to reassure our customers. So at the point of purchase, in Japan, we have people checking the vehicles and preparing a report. This report is available to our customers. They would be able to know every dent and problem.”
Yokohama is taking the level of “transparency” even further…they are posting the Certified Condition Report, along with photos of the car.
“These are especially for customers before the vehicle is shipped.”
In addition to the physical condition, the inspection would cover areas of the state of the engine, including noise levels, oil condition, coolant level and even if the engine light is coming on.
The inspection also covers the electrical condition, including lights, power mirrors and locks and keys.
The report would also indicate problems, if any, with the power steering, interior and air condition and transmission.
“In other words, customers know first-hand what they are buying and quality and our customer care are all assured. We are, as far as we know, the first to introduce this certification in Guyana,” says Deepak Balradj, Country Manager.
It was disclosed that current local regulations do not force car importers to tell customers if a vehicle was involved in an accident.
Yokohama has been in the business for over a decade and half with a presence in Guyana for almost three years.
It has offices in Barrack Street, Kingston, and at Bel Air, East Coast Demerara.
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