Buying new is an investment in the economy and in the environment, Joseph Gasan, chairman of the Association of Car Importers Malta, says.

Recent statistics show how, for the first time, local drivers are choosing new cars, with 51 per cent of new licences being issued for new cars.

This is, of course, good news for the Association of Car Importers Malta (ACIM). However, the good news is not because these statistics translate into hard sales – rather, it’s because according to ACIM chairman Joseph Gasan, buying new offers various benefits both on an individual level as well as on a collective and national one.

“Back in 2006, various factors – including registration tax based on low values – contributed to the increase of second-hand imported cars, especially from the UK. The average back then was 60 per cent second-hand imports, versus 40 per cent new cars.

“On a national level, the rise of second-hand imports pushed up the average car age to 12 years which, for the environment, is certainly not good news.

As a result, various initiatives were introduced. These included the introduction of higher registration tax on second-hand imports, as well as a scrappage scheme.

While the latter is not offered on a continuous basis, all year round, it is now being offered more frequently.

Joseph Gasan

For the industry to remain sustainable, ACIM is recommending a number of initiatives including the setting-up of a permanent scrappage scheme, the lowering of the registration tax on new cars, improved incentives for electric and hybrid vehicles, and better regulation of foreign registered cars.

“As ACIM, we also need to better communicate to the public the advantages of buying new.

“First of all, the ACIM is made up of 13 long-standing family owned businesses, each with decades of experience and investment.

Another important characteristic of the new car industry is the respect and commitment towards the environment

“This means that buyers can trust us because, as the ACIM slogan says, we are ‘Here today, here tomorrow’.

“ACIM members also invest a lot in training and technology, to keep abreast with the technological advancements of our principals and car manufacturers.

“Also, we employ over 600 technical and administration personnel and offer them continuous training.

“This allows us to give excellent aftersales service and car maintenance.”

Mr Gasan says that buying a new car is more sustainable on various levels. “Financially, a new car is more economical than a second-hand one.

“New cars come with a warranty, which means that for the first few years, they are largely maintenance-free. Also, a new car carries a better resale value.”

Another important characteristic of the new car industry is the respect and commitment towards the environment.

“ACIM members have made a significant contribution to reducing Malta’s carbon footprint, by importing vehicles which are low on emissions and fuel-efficient,” Mr Gasan says.

“In fact, all new motor vehicles imported by ACIM members are Euro 6 certified.”

Mr Gasan adds how buying a new car is also an investment in safety, since car manufacturers invest a lot in making sure that the cars they build are of the highest safety standards.

“As ACIM, there is still a lot of work to do to show the advantages of buying new and of using authorised repair centres. However, recent statistics show that we are on the right track – and that is good news for buyers as well as for the environment.”