The agreement between the South Korean brand, the Ecuadorian Ministry of Transportation and Fedotaxis allows the Soluto model to be sold for US$ 13,999 for that sector.
Unlike the business line announced by General Motors to cease assembly in Ecuador, another of the strong brands in the Andean country that also assembles locally is Kia and has no retirement plan, on the contrary, its objective is to consolidate itself as the company number one automotive in Ecuador.
This was indicated by its general manager, Galo Suasnavas, during the delivery of vehicles that have exemptions to be used in taxis.
In addition to GM OBB, which until March had a 51% share of assembled vehicles, in the country the Chinese brands Great Wall, Shineray and KYC are assembled with a 23.4% share and the South Korean brands KIA with 19.4% and Hyundai with 6.1%.
Ecuador has negotiated a trade agreement with South Korea, the final signature of which is pending. The pre-signing was carried out in the previous government of Guillermo Lasso, which even spoke of a new vehicle assembly factory in Ecuador. Suasnavas said: “we have no internal information about it,” although they do not rule out being linked to this work displayed with a commercial agreement.
For now, the agreement in progress is that of Kía with the Ministry of Transportation and Public Works and the National Federation of Taxi Transport Operators of Ecuador (Fedotaxis), by which there is a 50% tax and tariff reduction for managed units. to the taxi sector.
This reduction will allow taxi drivers to access a Soluto model at a price of US$13,999, that is, US$2,200 less than the original value of these vehicles, which is US$16,199.
The president of Fedotaxis, Jorge Calderón, indicated that the expectations they have from this agreement are that it will benefit and facilitate the acquisition and renewal of automobiles for Fedotaxis members, and thus they can offer a high quality service with modern vehicles.
On Thursday, May 9, the first exonerated vehicle was handed over symbolically since its owner could not attend. Suasnavas added that three vehicles have already been purchased.
The exception is three taxes: special consumption tax (ICE), value added tax (VAT) and tariff charged on goods (ad valorem).
REQUIREMENTS FOR PURCHASING EXEMPT TAXIS
- Not have debts in the Municipality
- Not have debts in the National Transit Agency (ANT)
- Be up to date with Taxi Federation fees
- Make a sworn declaration that all your documents, assets and income are lawful. This is essential to access the acquisition process of the exempt vehicle units.
Suasnavas explained that these exemptions are for the consumer, in this case the Federation of Taxi Drivers of Ecuador; and that Kia as a company does not benefit from the reduction of the tariff item.
