Australian Government Plans To Relax Restrictions On New Imported Cars

The Federal Government’s plan to relax restrictions on cars from overseas dealers will not affect the local car market in Australia. In a recent discussion, the cabinet has agreed to consider removing limitations on new cars brought from other countries. The proposed plan is expected to give Australian car buyers a better choice in reasonably-priced cars, as soon as the country’s automotive industry closes in 2017.

However, the restrictions will not be revised for used-car imports. The minister concerned, Jamie Briggs, has told the ABC News, the Government wanted to bring in change in the existing act to ensure Australians have more access to best cars in the best price possible.

"The real issue here is: why regulate if you're now part of a global regime?" the Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development said. He also said, when Australians are allowed to purchase all sorts of products from overseas online, why not new cars if there's an opportunity.

However, if the plan is implemented, Australian car buyers will be able to purchase new cars from overseas dealers only when those vehicles meet global design and safety standards. The other standard to be complied with is cars should not be more than a year old and not driven over 4,000 kilometres on the odometer.

The Local Car Dealers Are Not Happy For Obvious Reasons

The car industry in Australia is worried that such a move may leave car buyers without basic consumer protections. Motor Trade Association chief executive Paul Unerkov expressed his disagreement with proposal, said it isn’t well thought. The issues related to after-sales service, including warranties, means of bringing the vehicles to the country and right cars are being ordered are not clear as yet.

Meanwhile, Mr. Briggs admitted the proposed system included a "buyer beware" element in it. "That would be a decision you'd need to make as a consumer and we believe that the market would create products which would cover that situation," he said.

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