Global Automotive Export Resource Guide | Page 58

CFAO’s sales (Toyota, Mitsubishi, Suzuki) followed by others. The below graph of sales trends by type has been constant since 2009.

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In Côte d’Ivoire, the biggest new vehicle buyer is the private sector with 60%; followed by the government with 20%; 15% from individuals and 5% from NGOs and international organizations. Côte d’Ivoire country is the largest French-speaking West African market ahead of Senegal.

Spare parts and accessories are a potential lucrative sector in the automobile market. Currently, spare parts and accessories in Côte d’Ivoire are expensive. The market for such products should grow due to the age of the existing automobile fleet and the increasing number of used vehicles. Côte d’Ivoire’s automotive trade professionals are grouped within an association (Groupement Interprofessionnel Automobiles et Matériels et Equipements – GIPAME) that is working hard to develop the sector.

It is important to note that the market is led by used vehicles. The average age of vehicles in circulation is more than 20 years. New regulations limit the maximum age of used vehicles to 5 years for passenger vehicles; 7 years for medium trucks; and 10 years for heavy duty vehicles. This measure is progressively impacting used cars market and will result in a drastic reduction of market share for used vehicles. However, the spare-part market remains one of the best prospects.

The growing middle class constitutes a real potential market for new cars. German, U.S. and Japanese brands have the highest sales. This market is expected to grow if the economic growth remains

Source: Groupement Interprofessionnel Automobiles et Matériels et Equipements – GIPAME)

market trends