Original automobile distributors contend with unauthorized exports

Original automobile manufacturers and importers are calling on the government to check the importation of unofficial vehicles unto the Ghanaian market.

According to them, so-called grey imports to the country have jumped since the country allowed unauthorized dealers to import cars without the consent of foreign car-makers and this has gone a long way to affect their profits.

Universal Motors, the sole distributor of Porsche and VW Cars said, in collaboration with other official manufacturers, it is probing unauthorized exports of luxury cars from the United States among other countries, which have recently surged and threatened profit of licensed vehicle manufacturers and importers in the country.

Speaking to JoyBusiness, the Managing Director of Universal Motors, Subhi Accad said, “The main issue is to have a proper look at the non-authorized importers who are bringing cars that are not meant for our roads and for our environments and for our type of fuel; they are not approved directly to be exported to the country from the manufacturer." 

Mr Accad spoke to JoyBusiness at the ceremonial opening of the 70 years Porsche sports car special exhibition.

The ceremony brought together officials of Universal Motors and some Porsche Enthusiasts.

The first Porsche car, thus, Porsche 356, received its general operating permit in the year 1948. Since then, the company has gone beyond producing just sports cars to becoming a synonym for sporty driving experiences across the globe.

The “70 years of the Porsche sports car” special exhibition is being held until January next year.

Porsche Mission E

“Throughout its history to the present day, Porsche has developed and tested new technologies in racing cars that go on to become legends.” The Universal Motors MD said.

He said Porsche is looking at introducing a purely electric Porsche Mission E - the series version of which would be launched on the market in 2019 as the first purely electrically powered Porsche.

Porsche Centre Accra

Universal Motors obtained the sole distributorship for the Porsche brand in 2009 and added to the international brands in markets in Ghana within the Accad Group.

In 2010, Porsche Centre Accra (PCA) was launched under the leadership of the Chairman and Founder of the Company, the late Mr A.R. Accad of blessed memory. The PCA is located at Dadeban Road, North Industrial Area, Accra.

Since 2010, PCA has launched quite s number of Porsche models in Ghana. These include the Cayenne, Panamera, 911 Carrera, the Cayman and the Macan.

Way forward

According to the Universal Motors boss, PCA is looking forward to reviewing a possible Porsche Club set up in the future.

The sports car manufacturer is celebrating the anniversary with numerous activities around the world throughout 2018.

The “70 years of the Porsche sports car” special exhibition would be held until January 6, 2019.

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