THE average age of a vehicle in the US has gradually risen to 11.5 years, partially due to the increasing quality of vehicles, but also because of the recession, according to a recent IHS automotive study. This turns out not to be a benchmark for the rest of the world. Carmudi, the easiest means to sell or buy your car online, analyzed hundreds of thousands of vehicle listings in the last quarter to determine the average age of vehicles in Carmudi regions. The results varied wildly. The average age of a vehicle listed in the Middle East is 5.1 years, 6.5 years in Asia, and a staggering 12.8 in Africa. With the decline of the economy in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, African motorists will continue to be reluctant when it comes to replacing their vehicles. In Nigeria, one of Africa's leading economies, average vehicles stand at 10.6 years. The classifieds site reports that the average age of vehicles listed in Congo was 16.5 years. When looking toward the Middle East, where gas is relatively less expensive than the rest of the regions looked at and GDP per capita is higher, motorists are replacing their vehicles more often. Carmudi reports that the average age of vehicles listed in Saudi Arabia was 3.8 years and 5.2 years in the UAE. When it comes to purchasing new cars, intent is strongest in Asia. Carmudi predicts that within the next two years, with the growing Asian economy, the average age of vehicles listed on the car classifieds site will decrease to 6 years, slightly below the current 6.5 years. Bangladesh, one of the poorest countries in the Southeast Asia, topped the list for oldest cars on roads in Asia, with an average vehicle age of 7.8 years. With today's cars being built with higher quality and to last longer, the average age of vehicles is likely to show gradual increase. Nevertheless, with older vehicles on the majority of roads, car maintenance and regular car checks will play a greater role than ever before. “The diverse economy in the region, higher bracket of incomes and consistent offers from dealerships and banks have lead to an ease in car purchasing. As a result, the average age of vehicles on the road is much lower,” said Mohamed Noweir, Managing Director of Carmudi Middle East. — SG
