Aftermarket Summary
The aftermarket for automotive vehicles in Costa Rica is very competitive. Most of the cars come from the USA or South Korea. They usually compete against the internal market of used vehicles sold by the local dealers wanting to accept their cars in order to sell new units.
Regarding auto parts, where opportunities are available for specialty equipment and equipment for cars, including Wheels and Accessories, Racing parts, Mobile Electronics and Auto Care Accessories.
Electric Vehicles Market
Currently, a new incentive law that passed in 20018 for new EV’s sold in Costa Rica, a country that has almost a 100% of renewable electric sources and a surplus of electricity in need to be used.
Electric Vehicles are being pushed into the market both by the electric distribution companies (including ICE) and the chamber of importers of used vehicles.
Some of the brands of EV’s sold in Costa Rica are:
-BMW / E3
-Nissan Leaf
-Hyundai Ioniq
During 2019 there are to more brands expected in the market:
-BYD E5
-Green4You (Several models)
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Best Prospects for U.S. Exports
Heavy Duty Market
Most heavy-duty vehicles are bought new, or from a local reseller of old heavy-duty vehicles previously sold new by a dealer. Used heavy-duty equipment imported into Costa Rica is rare, as usually the interested the local SME goes to an auction and gets the equipment at a price they can pay.
Specialty Equipment Market
Customization of vehicles is legal, as long as it complies with certain legal boundaries. Led Bars have recently been banned to be used in cars. Tinted windows are allowed on the side windows if they are not mirror-like tinting. All front and back windows are not to be tinted unless they come with some very light factory tinting. Any outside emergency like lights are considered illegal, unless used by emergency and police vehicles.
best prospects