Blue effect: in three months, cars rose 25% in dollars

The Argentine economy is so changeable that it can go from a certain situation to the opposite in a matter of days. An example is what happens with the price of cars when measured in dollars. Exchange rate ups and downs are so frequent that they never cease to surprise.

The blue’s decline in recent weeks contrasts with the jump it made in July that took it to $1,500. Today it is between $1,220 and $1,240. In the middle there was inflation in pesos which made 0km more expensive in US currency.

The consequence is the strong increase of around 25% in its price in dollars compared to July values.

The data arises from the evolution of the price of the three most patented models so far in October. Coincidentally, all three are from the Toyota automaker: Hilux, Yaris and Corolla Cross.

For example, the Japanese brand’s pickup, in its SRX double cab version, 4×4 A/T TDI, cost $60,718,000 in July. At $1,490 for the “blue”, its value was US$40,750. Today it is worth $54,313,000, which means that, measured in “blue” at $1,225, 52,533 “bill” dollars are needed to buy it. The difference is 28.9%.

In the case of the Yaris Hatch XLS1.5 CVT it had a price in July of $24,259,000, about 16,280 “blue” dollars. Today it costs $25,189,000, about $20,562. That is, 26% more.

The Corolla Cross SEG HEV eCVT was worth $40,312,000 (US$27,050) three months ago and today it costs $41,856,000 (US$34,169). Also 26% more.

Despite this “green inflation”these models are representative because they are the three best sellers of October in a market that is growing compared to the same month last year.

There are different reasons that can explain this situation and it is more surprising because it occurs at a time of narrowed exchange rate gap. Normally, the wide difference between the official dollar and the “blue” dollar encourages demand. For that reason, it attracts more attention.

Cars: improving the offer

One of the main factors is the improvement of the offer. After the import restrictions that were in effect until last year, today there is greater availability of imported vehicles. Also national. This caused the premiums on most models to disappear. Some remain, but they are the exception.

In fact, in many cases They are being sold at discounts on list prices.

Along these lines, the drop in prices in September due to the reduction of the PAIS Tax also has an impact. In general it was 3% or 4%. If we add to that the fact that cars have been increasing by those percentages, in recent months, many 0km are 8 percentage points below what they would have been if the tax had not been reduced. Taking into account that, in many sectors, there is a recovery in purchasing power, with more affordable cars, it is logical that there is greater demand.

Before a delayed demand Due to the crisis of recent years, buyers appear who need to change the car and they do so.

Another factor is the reappearance of credit, both from banks and terminals, with rates that have been falling in recent months. This is adding buyers who previously could not reach 0km.

Along these lines, sales from savings plans are also growing. With inflation at lower rates than those previously recorded, subscriptions to this system are encouraged.