A Toyota in a recent Drifting exhibition in Santo Domingo.
SANTO DOMINGO.- More than 71 percent of the private vehicles in the country
are of brands made in Japan, and of the autos registered since December, 2002,
to the same month in 2007, more than 428,000 are from that country.
In a report for the last four years the Internal Taxes Agency (DGII) found
that the major brand is Toyota,
with 54 percent (234,900) of the total Japanese vehicles to December.
In the second spot is Honda, with 22.5 percent (96,390) and Nissan is third
with 8 percent. European vehicles follow the Japanese marques with 0.8 percent,
or 51.559.
Of the American brands Chevrolet leads with 22,370, followed by Ford with
10,573 and Dodge with 2,722.
The Koreans boast the renewed Hyundai as their top seller with 8,176
registered vehicles, followed by Kia.
The luxury vehicle category still belongs to Mercedes Benz, worth 9,500;
followed by BMW with 6,065; Audi with 1,614 and Lexus with 1,180, and Jaguar
with 536.
From: United States Virgin Islands, St Thomas Mahogany Run
And Japanese motor scooters are the Japanese revenge for Hiroshima....based on fatalities
Written by: DaniDr, 21 Jul 2008 9:38 AM
From: Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo
Whats really unique is the diversity. In Europe there are many american cars you won't see, and in USA there are a lot of european cars you won't see either. Here in the DR I think, there at least 1 of each and every car of every market on the world.
From: United States
The Jap cars tend to be a little tougher .. take a lickin' and keep on tickin' .. especially the Toyotas .. but eventually they all start looking the same .. full of holes .. doors that only open from the outside .. shattered windshields .. sputtering engines .. belching heavy smoke .. but they still keep on tickin' ..
From: United States
Those scooters .. motoconchos .. they are something else .. they carry entire families .. including toddlers and babies precariously balanced in their mothers' arms .. pressurized propane gas cylinders .. and at high speed on the autopistas .. might very well be Jap revenge for the twin thermo-nuke blasts .. but why take it out on innocent Dominicans? collateral damage? the two bombs were dropped because the Japs refused to surrender .. even threatened mass suicide if US troops invaded Japan .. I know I will be crucified for this .. but the Japs had it coming for all the Chinese, Indonesians, Philippinos, Burmese they killed in death marches and random acts of wanton murder that accompanied their invasion of SE Asia .. they deserve everything they got in WWII ..
From: United States
DaniDr, funny you made mention of the diversity of automobiles here. as early as the 1970´s, some caribbean governments made an attempt to standardise the national auto fleet. they decided that if only certain makes and models would be allowed an import license, inventories of spare parts could be reduced, and therefore the outflow of hard currency would be lessened. familiarity with certain models would generate expertise in repairs and maintenance, and used parts would be more readily available. a futuristic and worthy idea, which ,of course, was met by the inevitable chorus of ¨if i have the money, i should be able to buy what i want¨ so, because of self centered behavior on the part of a few spoilt, rich people, another worthwhile initiative was scuttled!
From: United States Virgin Islands, St Thomas Mahogany Run
If only everyone was like Cuba it would have worked Dread
From: United States
yes, Goulet, but what do you think of its merits as an idea to save foreign currency?
From: United States Virgin Islands, St Thomas Mahogany Run
A last resort ...I am a pure free trader....Laissez Faire
From: United States
i know
Written by: DaniDr, 21 Jul 2008 11:47 AM
From: Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo
It makes total sense to have a reduced quantity of variations. But the demand for variety here in the DR has forced the market to bring many brands. Also, for example, Avelino Abreu started with Volkswagen, and now they bring the other brands from VW, Audi, Bentley, Seat and so on.
I believe in free trade, but in the DR it's best to stick to a Toyota or one of the big ones. My brother has a car from the minorities (Subaru Impreza) and it's difficoult to find parts sometimes.
From: United States Virgin Islands, St Thomas Mahogany Run
he made a mistake he should have bought a Toyota
From: United States
but Goulet, are you not supporting standardisation, if only in a backhanded way?
From: United States
Toyota .. definitely so .. stay away from those gas guzzling hulks from Detroit .. nothing but trouble .. nobody wants those mansions-on-wheels .. a sure sign that US automobile technology is going the way of the dinosaur .. on a one way ticket to extinction ..
Written by: anthonyC, 21 Jul 2008 1:56 PM
From: United States
", Avelino Abreu started with Volkswagen, and now they bring the other brands from VW, Audi, Bentley, Seat and so on."
That is because they are all the same company.
VW owns Audi, Bentley, Seat and Lamborghini.
From: United States Virgin Islands, St Thomas Mahogany Run
yes I am Dread...Toyota made a better mousetrap...maybe someone else will do better...in fact you are going to see much better cars coming from USA
Written by: anthonyC, 21 Jul 2008 2:01 PM
From: United States
The reason why the rice-burners sell in the DR is because the Japanese makes 3rd world models for little Countries.
They don't have the same costly safety features and clean engine technologies as are required in Europe or the tougher ones in the USA.
Funnt but one of the best selling and prestigious Cars to buy in China is a Buick! VW and GM outsell the Japs in the People's Republic.
Written by: DaniDr, 21 Jul 2008 2:07 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo
anthonyC, most japaneese brands bring economic and more expensive models. Toyota for example brings the Hilux and the Fortuner, which are specifically for latin america and 3rd world countries. They lack some features but they're still pretty durable. But, If you buy a Prado, Land Cruiser or 4Runner, you have the same safety as the USA/Europe, as those models are sold on those markets.
Now, there are many chinesse brands appearing in the DR. I'll let you judge their safety:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F06LjugtIUohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx5JpY9DM_kWritten by: DaniDr, 21 Jul 2008 2:09 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo
"he made a mistake he should have bought a Toyota"
Subaru is well known for their durability and reliability. So apart from having trouble finding some parts, the car is rock solid. Even manual gearbox :P
From: United States Virgin Islands, St Thomas Mahogany Run
Subaru excellent car but obviously their spare parts network is not up to snuff....thus get a Toyota
From: United States
you buy one dog, you get one flea
Written by: Escott, 21 Jul 2008 2:47 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Sosua/Cabrera
I would guess that 90% of the motorbikes come from China and Korea today and NOT Japan.
I guess the DR should NEVER have nuked those countries either! LOL
Written by: anthonyC, 21 Jul 2008 2:52 PM
From: United States
"Subaru is well known for their durability and reliability. So apart from having trouble finding some parts, the car is rock solid. Even manual gearbox :P"
Have driven, raced and rallyed Subarus over the past few years I have to say they are great cars but if they have any weak points it is the gearbox. Particularly their 2nd gear.
From: United States
Considering the price of gas in the DR and the problems with spare parts .. high car insurance rates .. demolition derby driving habits .. unless you absolutely need a car for getting to work or doing your work .. owning a car in the DR may not be a good idea. It is much better to rent on an "as needed" basis ..
Written by: DaniDr, 21 Jul 2008 3:56 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo
anthonyC, I agree with you about the gearbox thing. Lots of reports of broken 2nd gear synchros in the Impreza WRX.
What can I say Ghoulish, I'd love to be able to take taxis and conchos all day long... but unfortunately I can't since I need a car to do my job. Maybe the metro... someday...
Written by: anthonyC, 21 Jul 2008 4:12 PM
From: United States
"Considering the price of gas in the DR and the problems with spare parts .. high car insurance rates .. demolition derby driving habits .. unless you absolutely need a car for getting to work or doing your work .. owning a car in the DR may not be a good idea. It is much better to rent on an "as needed" basis .."
The main problem with Public Transportation is that it is so "Public"!
From: United States
If you need a car .. that's exactly what I said .. and what is the problem with Public Transportation? can't stand a little body odor? don't like being packed in like sardines? averse to a little body contact with your fellow humans? it takes too long? too many stops? just not tough enough to handle it? the DR is no place for weaklings and cry babies .. we could make a movie here called "No Country for Girlie Men" .. you gotta be tough to live here ..
Written by: anthonyC, 21 Jul 2008 5:38 PM
From: United States
SissyColumbus,
My time is too important to waste with Public Transportation. My discussions are too important to have the "public" listening in.
Not to mention who wants to hang with riff-raff?
I do enough by providing jobs for the "public".
When I am in the DR I enjoy driving as I have no problem with the traffic. Cutting and Slashing. Stops signs and red lights are for the guy behind me.
From: United States Virgin Islands, St Thomas Mahogany Run
"No Country For Girlie Men " now showing in a theater near you
Written by: santanar, 21 Jul 2008 7:23 PM
From: United States
Even though the Mazda rotary engine vehicles is not mention, driver of other brands know that the "ROTARY ENGINE" rocks.
From: United States
OK .. check this guy out .. I get it .. so he does not like Public Transportation because he does not like to mix with "riff-raff" .. he is too good to mix with people who he considers to be "riff-raff" .. and who exactly are these "riff-raff" that you are talking about? where are they from? do they have a sign around their necks that says "riff-raff"? I guess these "riff-raff" are a class that is different from yours right? sort of like the "untouchables" of India? a lower class of people perhaps? as opposed to you .. somebody from the upper enchelons of the class hierarchy? so you don't like this class of people right? they bother you, don't they? because you are better than they are, right? is that what you think? that you are better than those people riding around in Public Transportation? and what exactly makes you think so? what is it about you that is so special mister?
From: United States
No need for a theater .. you can read the entire script right here and see the whole plot for yourself ..
Written by: anthonyC, 21 Jul 2008 10:55 PM
From: United States
"because you are better than they are, right? is that what you think? that you are better than those people riding around in Public Transportation? and what exactly makes you think so? what is it about you that is so special mister?"
Oh please. I told you why I don't take public transportation. If you don't like it you can kiss my superior Ass.
From: United States
Getting defensive eh .. seems like I am getting to you .. "When I am in the DR I enjoy driving" .. so you don't live here .. you just stop by whenever it's convenient right? so you can distance yourself from the "riff-raff" right? don't you have "riff-raff" in Jersey that you can distance yourself from? I mean it would be easier than coming all the way here to do that .. right?
Written by: anthonyC, 22 Jul 2008 7:46 AM
From: United States
LazyPinzon,
If you say I stay away from riff-raff what makes you think I am from Jersey?
Your rabid defense of Public transportation" can only lead to one conclusion. You can't afford a car can you? Not even a Skoda?
From: United States
anthonyc, i always thought that japanese cars (or rice burners, as you characterise them) sold well in the third world because of their durability, practicality and features. you attribute it to the fact that they do not have to meet high standards , such as found in the USA and Europe. might you then opine for us as to why it is that all the top selling cars in the USA are, as you call them, rice burners?
Written by: anthonyC, 22 Jul 2008 1:51 PM
From: United States
Dread,
I never said that Japanese cars weren't durble or practical. Far from it. I just pointed out that Companies Like Toyota and Nissan, along with other companies, sell cars that aren't made to the rules and regulations of the US or European Markets.
An example would be Diesels vehicles. A few years ago the US changed the rules on Diesel fuel for passenger cars making them extremely clean. The car companies dropped diesels in the US market because they couldn't meet the standards. Today you only have Mercedes and VW selling Diesel CARS in the US. In Europe almsot 1/2 of all cars sold are diesel.
Many Diesels SUVs are sold in the DR as well.
From: United States Virgin Islands, St Thomas Mahogany Run
how many Japanese to change a light bulb
From: United States Virgin Islands, St Thomas Mahogany Run
2 one to change the lightbulb and one to take a picture
Written by: ffritz, 23 Jul 2008 4:22 PM
From: Dominican Republic
The Japanese certainly seem to have the Dominican auto market sewn up, & the Chinese the moto market. However the Indians have seen the future.
A company called Tata has launched a "peoples' car" called the Nano
http://tatanano.inservices.tatamotors.com/tatamotors/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tata_NanoFor those of you who haven't heard of Tata, they are a large conglomerate who recently bailed-out Ford by buying Jaguar & Land Rover from them.
I sense a sea-change in the balance of power in the World ...
Written by: anthonyC, 23 Jul 2008 4:39 PM
From: United States
Driven the Tata Nano.
I wouldn't even let Belail drive one.
From: United States
the customer responses on even the most luxurious tatas is less than flattering. they seem to be quite atrocious cars. but then again, does anyone remember cars such as the hyundai pony? one must admit that the koreans have come a long way. what is to stop the indians from following suit? automobile manufacture isn´t exactly rocket science, and, even if it was, the indians are pretty good at that kind of stuff!
Written by: anthonyC, 24 Jul 2008 11:35 AM
From: United States
The Tata Nano is basically a 4 wheel scooter. It has no modern pollution controls and the build quality is that of a chinese flourescent lightbulb.
From: United States Virgin Islands, St Thomas Mahogany Run
dont forget the wheelbarrows in the DR
From: United States
again with the wheelbarrows..God help us!
Written by: ffritz, 24 Jul 2008 1:28 PM
From: Dominican Republic
The Nano was basically designed as a safer moto although I reckon Dominicans can carry more on a moto that you could squeeze into a Nano ...
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I believe in free trade, but in the DR it's best to stick to a Toyota or one of the big ones. My brother has a car from the minorities (Subaru Impreza) and it's difficoult to find parts sometimes.
That is because they are all the same company.
VW owns Audi, Bentley, Seat and Lamborghini.
They don't have the same costly safety features and clean engine technologies as are required in Europe or the tougher ones in the USA.
Funnt but one of the best selling and prestigious Cars to buy in China is a Buick! VW and GM outsell the Japs in the People's Republic.
Now, there are many chinesse brands appearing in the DR. I'll let you judge their safety:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F06LjugtIUo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx5JpY9DM_k
Subaru is well known for their durability and reliability. So apart from having trouble finding some parts, the car is rock solid. Even manual gearbox :P
I guess the DR should NEVER have nuked those countries either! LOL
Have driven, raced and rallyed Subarus over the past few years I have to say they are great cars but if they have any weak points it is the gearbox. Particularly their 2nd gear.
What can I say Ghoulish, I'd love to be able to take taxis and conchos all day long... but unfortunately I can't since I need a car to do my job. Maybe the metro... someday...
The main problem with Public Transportation is that it is so "Public"!
My time is too important to waste with Public Transportation. My discussions are too important to have the "public" listening in.
Not to mention who wants to hang with riff-raff?
I do enough by providing jobs for the "public".
When I am in the DR I enjoy driving as I have no problem with the traffic. Cutting and Slashing. Stops signs and red lights are for the guy behind me.
Oh please. I told you why I don't take public transportation. If you don't like it you can kiss my superior Ass.
If you say I stay away from riff-raff what makes you think I am from Jersey?
Your rabid defense of Public transportation" can only lead to one conclusion. You can't afford a car can you? Not even a Skoda?
I never said that Japanese cars weren't durble or practical. Far from it. I just pointed out that Companies Like Toyota and Nissan, along with other companies, sell cars that aren't made to the rules and regulations of the US or European Markets.
An example would be Diesels vehicles. A few years ago the US changed the rules on Diesel fuel for passenger cars making them extremely clean. The car companies dropped diesels in the US market because they couldn't meet the standards. Today you only have Mercedes and VW selling Diesel CARS in the US. In Europe almsot 1/2 of all cars sold are diesel.
Many Diesels SUVs are sold in the DR as well.
A company called Tata has launched a "peoples' car" called the Nano
http://tatanano.inservices.tatamotors.com/tatamotors/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tata_Nano
For those of you who haven't heard of Tata, they are a large conglomerate who recently bailed-out Ford by buying Jaguar & Land Rover from them.
I sense a sea-change in the balance of power in the World ...
I wouldn't even let Belail drive one.