Why Ghana’s grey car market is prevailingly popular

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• Kobby T 10 years ago

  Firstly, every auto manufacturer takes their vehicles through rigorous testing in BOTH hot and COLD climates so the "built for Africa/Ghana" thing is just hype.
  
  Secondly, the vehicles from usa/canada which ghanaians passi ...
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  Firstly, every auto manufacturer takes their vehicles through rigorous testing in BOTH hot and COLD climates so the "built for Africa/Ghana" thing is just hype.
  
  Secondly, the vehicles from usa/canada which ghanaians passionately patronize ARE built with much higher robustness because theirs is a huge market that can dictate to automanufacturers their requests for higher safety, reliability etc. Our main problem is with our semi-literate mechanics, auto electricians, body works technicians etc. Until we apportion more attention to their EDUCATION and expose them to new, modern trends, the problem will prevail.
  
  Prudently our polytechnics are a right mess, and the universities don't have auto-related courses. They mostly offer banking and finance, HR, marketing and accounting, not liaising with the auto industry to enquire about its needs. Long way to go just like most things in this our beloved country.

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• Kwasi 8 years ago

  I agree with the assessment on the need for education within the automotive service industry. However, the author is correct that vehicle standards vary from nation to nation.
  
  Setting vehicles up properly for the environm ...
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  I agree with the assessment on the need for education within the automotive service industry. However, the author is correct that vehicle standards vary from nation to nation.
  
  Setting vehicles up properly for the environment in which they will operate is imperative for the maintenance and longevity of the vehicle. Chief among these concerns are fuel standards. Diesel powered vehicles, for example, come these days with DPF technology to manage emissions. These filters will soon fail if the wrong fuel is not available in the market, which happens to be the case with Ghana, who remains on the old Euro 2 fuel standard. To use diesel saloon vehicles imported from the U.S. or EU in Ghana, any DPF technology has to be disabled to avoid damage and assure proper operation. However, this entails reprogramming the vehicle, and requires skills that most fitters or mechanics simply don't have.
  
  I am personally not for or against grey market dealers. They can be the source of substantial savings to the consumer. But, know your dealer well, and ask if they provide aftersales service. Ask about their technicians, and ask what steps they've taken to assure your vehicle operates properly in Ghana. It's your best protection in the market.

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