02 September 2009
The Minister for Economic Development has asked the Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority to review the market for new and imported cars in Jersey.
Senator Alan MacLean requested the review following publicity about motor vehicle costs in the Island. In April, the Jersey Consumer Council published an article entitled 'The Great Motoring Rip Off'. Since then, the JCC has retracted certain claims in the article but the Minister believes public confidence would benefit from an independent analysis of the sector.
The JCRA will undertake a review of new and imported pre-registered car sales by commercial companies. It will consider the level of pricing, costs and profit of motor vehicle sales to Jersey customers. The JCRA’s findings will be used to produce a report detailing the current motor vehicle sector and the level of competition and it will make any recommendations for change or improvement.
Senator MacLean said: "I don’t believe there is any evidence that motor trade in Jersey is artificially inflating prices, however, I feel the perceived or actual disparity in pricing merits further investigation. I hope that members of the Jersey Motor Trades Federation, along with non-associated traders, will see this review as an opportunity for clarity on this issue and fully engage with the JCRA review."
The review is expected to be published during the first quarter of 2010.
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