**Used Car Importation Decree Renewal: Progress, But More Needed, Says Canaco Tijuana**
The renewal of the decree allowing for the importation of used cars from the United States into Mexico has taken effect. However, there is still a need to adjust the valuation tables, as current ones raise the costs associated with legally introducing a vehicle, according to Jorge Macías Jiménez, Vice President of Autos at the Chamber of Commerce (Canaco) in Tijuana.
Despite the renewal, efforts will continue to negotiate for more favorable terms in the upcoming year, aiming to decrease these costs and expand the scope for importing vehicles from various auction centers. “While the issue of regularizing ‘chocolate’ cars persists, at least we can work and be competitive. This provides some relief for at least a year,” said Macías Jiménez.
The lack of decree renewal had impacted 115 formal used car sales establishments under Canaco Tijuana’s umbrella. Over a thousand vehicles were stalled in San Diego parking lots due to the delay in the government’s decision, noted Canaco.
Interestingly, while formal businesses faced hurdles, the federal government decided to extend the decree’s validity for importing ‘auto chocolate’ for another two years. This has been taken advantage of by informal vendors, a point of controversy highlighted by Canaco Tijuana.
Another urgent issue is the implementation of a 50% tariff on vehicles older than ten years, which Macías argues incentivizes illegal importation as the cost to import legally often surpasses the vehicle’s value. Lowering this tariff could, according to him, increase tax revenue for the Mexican government and reduce illegal car imports.
**Secondary Article: Developments in Mexican Auto Import Regulations**
In related news, there’s an ongoing debate about the potential disappearance of used vehicle lots following the extension to regularize ‘chocolate’ cars. Canaco has submitted a petition to the government, pleading for reduced import taxes.
In a broader context, this news coincides with broader efforts to streamline and update local infrastructure in Tijuana. Synchronization of traffic lights aims to lessen transit times by up to 65%, illustrating a local push for modernized efficiency.
Meanwhile, across the vibrant cityscape of Tijuana, stories of adventure capture public imagination. A young man recently went viral for completing a motorcycle journey from Mexico City to Tijuana in just six days, sharing his thrilling experiences on social media.
**Local Updates in Tijuana**
Updates continue to pour in from Tijuana, with eight schools recently reported as ‘taken’ due to overdue teacher salaries, though authorities promise resolutions by November 30th. Moreover, Baja California is focusing on expanding education with over 2,700 schools operational daily.
It’s clear that both the challenge of car importation and other local matters form a dynamic backdrop to life in Tijuana, showing an area in transformative flux, balancing between administrative challenges and individual stories of resilience.