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Aftermarket Summary
Very few consumers service their cars themselves or even maintain a regular service plan, preferring to perform repair on an as-needed basis. Consumers usually prefer to replace original parts with similar parts of other origins (usually Chinese because of price). The government allows imports of refurbished auto parts and vehicle modifications (tuning); however, the government rarely enforces noise and window-transparency guidelines.
Electric Vehicles Market
The Government of Uruguay has been actively passing legislation aimed at increasing consumer awareness and encourage the use of electrically powered vehicles. Consumers may recharge their electric cars free of charge in many distribution points in the major cities as well as along major highways. Such vehicles are also exempt from paying the 23 percent import tariff as well as road taxes (which in Uruguay represent 5 percent of the vehicles’ market price).
Heavy Duty Market
Other than trucks used for the transportation of forestry products (i.e., logs), there is no heavy-duty segment in the auto industry in Uruguay. Uruguay imports public transportation buses mainly from Brazil and increasingly from China though with mixed results. Companies using Chinese-made units have noted that they do not live up to promised fuel efficiency ratings and are subject to increased maintenance schedules. There are newly-created Government incentives for the use of electric transportation modes.
Specialty Equipment Market
With very few exceptions, Uruguayan consumers typically do not customize their vehicles.
Used and Remanufactured Market
Uruguayan law does not allow the import of used cars and trucks. There are no restrictions on the import of remanufactured, rebuilt, or used motor vehicle parts. Such imports, however, are rare.
Best Prospects for U.S. Exports
For Information about exporting to Uruguay contact:
Robert Gorter
U.S. Embassy Montevideo, Uruguay
Sr. Commercial Specialist - Auto & Smart Mobility Team
+5982-1770-2366
best prospects