sigue ahi... they think that people are going to continue to pay the high customs taxes? By the time you pay the shipping, customs taxes, and propina for the customs employees. the vehicle cost becomes crazy

Our corrupt officials are the only ones who benefit from these outragous customs taxes. Start charging taxes like normal countries do so the people can make money importing goods. Selfish and stupid.

the conho cars need to be replaced. this is becoming like cuba except that instead of 50's american cars we hace 70 and 80's cars from japon

The fiscally predatory customs officials then should lower incredibly high vehicle taxes and stop shafting the consumer, the party is over!
According to Cafta the duty now for US made cars should be 10-20% but in reality is closer to 50% because of the "placa" or first tag taxes. As usual they signed the CAFTA agreement and then they came up with this unlawful decree to charge another 30% more in automobile import duty disguised in the form of the first "tag".
The new car manufacturers representatives of course, and the shady dealers pay a lot less than ordinary Joe the consumer. Again the public gets fleeced again in a country with inadequate public transportation, where an automobile is not a luxury but a necessity.

They should increase the taxes - the rebuilding of vehicles is providing much needed employment and conserving the World's resources. Saw a nice advert for rebuilding services in Snachez today. Enthusiasts in Europe keep 1940s and 1950s vehicles very much alive. Only in certain parts is a motor vehicle a necessity. Bicycles and motor bikes serve well - as in certain parts do mules and horses. I agree that maybe some donkies have too short legs for some fords etc. But oxen are useful in some areas. DR oxen are famous and make a fabulous transport animal for children going to school...
http://www.fao.org/docrep/W0613T/w0613T0e.htm
Some nice thoughts.......
http://journeytoforever.org/farm.html
and a nice donkey...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8942....m/photos/89425302@N00/3132117282/
There are lots of industries that can spring up to keep older vehicles serviceable ..... reline brake shoes, pads, reboring engines, diesel conversions et

Y No Era Pa'Lante Que Ibamos?

To make progress it is necessary to tack into the wind....... this way you avoid capsize. - or to use and old expression in business duck and weave. Control of imports through higher prices is good and the strong euro will help exports such as bananas and also help tourism.... Skills learnt refurbishing vehicles will prove important.
S.

This is just the beggining of what will be a difficult year.
I hope my predictions are wrong >

There will be less people coming home for the holidays which will lead to less US dollars and Euros. Let's hope that the RD Peso isn't devaluated to toilet paper.

The tough times have started and no matter how Leonel tries to sugar coat the sitution he will not fool anyone.
His long term vision sounded good before the worldwide crisis , now lets see what his short term plan is.

I am thinking "'junkers for cash"" maybe all the public cars will be replaced by new shiney çhevy's

Chevy's are trash - a chinese or indian car can be puchased for 4000 dollars. We do get some stupid posts........ Of course the existing cars need refurbishing using DR labour....
S.
S.