Vehicle Recalls Lead to Sales Decline, says A. Siikkis

A significant decrease in car sales has been observed due to ongoing vehicle recalls, according to Andreas Siikkis, President of the Car Dealers Association in Paphos.

Mr. Siikkis told CNA that thousands of vehicles have been notified for recall, not only due to TAKATA airbags, but also for other issues such as fuel tanks and brakes.

Due to the delay in the arrival of new airbags to replace the TAKATA airbags, problems have also arisen for importers. Some companies are replacing airbags only in new cars purchased from them, and not in used cars imported from Japan, due to a lack of available airbags.

This delay has caused problems for sellers and their customers, as they cannot replace the airbags in cars for sale. All these events have led to a significant decrease in sales, according to Mr. Siikkis.

The Car Dealers Association has taken action towards the state and the competent Ministry to exert pressure to expedite the arrival of new airbags in Cyprus and make them available to car dealers for free replacement.

Mr. Siikkis expressed concern about the situation, as car import companies have been left with large stocks, creating financial problems. Regarding vehicle rentals, the situation is satisfactory due to the tourist season.