Happy Nice Mall

While more than 90 percent of motorization is likely to occur in developing countries, the global light-duty vehicle fleet – particularly passenger cars – is expected to double by 2050, the report said.

“Not all used cars are bad,” said its president, David Ward. Global New Car Assessment ProgramLondon-based non-profit organisation. They can exceed the security requirements of new vehicles, and exporting them can provide access to affordable clean technology and advanced security features. But when countries have insufficient or no vehicle regulations for emissions or collision behavior for new cars, “you have a problem, because new ones can actually be worse,” he said.

It recommends that importing governments apply the same minimum standards for used vehicles as they do for new ones, and that governments refuse to import any vehicle, new or old, that does not meet these standards. Manufacturers must meet, but generally not exceed, the minimum requirements set by the countries in which they manufacture vehicles.

United Nations standards covering safety and, to a lesser extent, the environment are voluntary; governments can choose whether or not to implement them. Mr Ward said many countries are now following versions of European vehicle emissions standards.

He said New Zealand, which has bought many used cars from Japan, is an example of successful regulation. Periodically updated legislation requires imported used cars to meet European, Japanese or UN standards.

But even if a vehicle is roadworthy before leaving the exporting country, under the radar market forces can intervene. It’s not uncommon for catalytic converters — emission control devices — to be stripped down for precious metals and safety equipment like airbags for resale. Mr Ward said it was critical for importing countries to conduct entrance gate inspections “to see if cars have been tampered with”.

Random snapshots can be cost-effective and a great deterrent for people trying to cheat the system,” he said.