Cyprus is experiencing a significant downturn in vehicle sales due to widespread car recalls, according to Andreas Siikkis, president of the Paphos Car Trade Association.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, Siikkis said the situation has worsened due to delays in spare parts deliveries, particularly TAKATA airbags.
Thousands of vehicles have been recalled for issues extending beyond the well-known airbag problems to include fuel tanks, braking systems and other critical components, Siikkis said.
Delays in supplying new airbags are creating problems for importers and sellers of used vehicles from Japan, as companies only replace airbags for new models they have sold themselves.
“The airbags have not yet arrived, so we cannot replace the problematic ones in cars we have for sale,” Siikkis emphasised. This has caused serious strain in dealer-customer relations and reduced sales, he added.
The Car Trade Association has sent requests to the relevant ministry asking for acceleration of the process for receiving new airbags so they can be installed free of charge in affected vehicles.
Siikkis described the situation as worrying, explaining that many import companies have been left with high inventory levels, causing financial burden and market stagnation.
Regarding the vehicle rental sector, he noted the picture is satisfactory due to the tourist season but stressed the need for quick resolution of recall-related problems.