A logistics firm better known for its involvement in the Japanese used vehicle trade has suggested a broader range of dealers should be looking at a different source of vehicles – the United Kingdom.
David Parfitt represents international logistics firm Autohub in Australia, and says while Japanese vehicles have long been the preserve of more niche operators, the nature of United Kingdom sourced stock lends itself to a broader range of dealers.
“This market offers something quite different to the stock coming from Japan,” says Parfitt. “UK vehicles are by their nature newer, and come from quality, traceable sources.”
Those sources include mainstream auction houses, lease firms and rental fleets.
Parfitt says a wide range of models are available, ranging from mainstream European and Japanese sedans, wagons and SUVs to high-end super cars.
“The current strength of the Australian dollar makes it a great time to be sourcing this kind of stock,” Parfitt says.
“The British pound is relatively low, so these vehicles are incredibly affordable and there are good margins to be made.”
Autohub has chosen to not be directly involved in the sourcing of vehicles, but has developed a website – buyukcars.com – where traders can purchase vehicles direct from the source.
Payments are handled through Autohub’s Globalpayhub service, with shipping taking around seven weeks.
Parfitt says the company is very keen to see the market develop, and will work with dealers – helping them to understand the process of complying vehicles under the RAWS scheme.
“There are a surprising number of vehicles that can be complied,” Parfitt says. “From the current Opel/Vauxhall range, to high-end Ferrari and Lamborghini models.”
Already operating from the UK into New Zealand and other markets, Autohub has developed vehicle processing and inspection facilities in the UK, both in Felixstowe and Southampton, where vehicles are cleaned, checked and packed into containers for export.
The vehicles are inspected and pre-cleared through Quarantine for the NZ market by inspection firm JEVIC. Autohub are working closely with Australian Quarantine (DAFF) to obtain agreement for these processes to also meet Australian pre-approval requirements.They are hopeful that this will be in place very shortly.
Parfitt can be reached in Australia on his mobile number 61-413 272908 or by email at infoaustralia@autohub.co.
Autohub’s European manager, Joe Barnett, says the company was enthusiastic about having JEVIC on board.
“There are very few people who understand the rigours of inspection for the New Zealand and Australian market,” he says.
“Jevic have proven themselves in Japan and have now extended their expertise to the UK market.”
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