North American Automobile Trade Association Reports Strong 2010 for Exporters of North American Vehicles

TORONTO, January 27, 2011 -- 2010 was another strong year for vehicle dealers in the Middle East who buy vehicles from North American exporters. Throughout the entire year, there was a constant flow of North American models exported to Scandinavia, Latin America, the Baltic States and the Middle East, with the United Arab Emirates and Jordan being particularly active markets.

Vehicle dealers buy inventory from North American exporters primarily because they are able to access models that are not sold in local markets. They can sell vehicles that their competitors do not have in inventory.

"Buying North American models is one way to stand out in the market for local dealers," notes Brian Osler, President & CEO of the North American Automobile Trade Association (NAATA), a trade association of dealers who export vehicles around the world. "Dealers in other countries who put North American models in their showrooms are able to attract customers with exciting vehicles that no one else in the market is selling. It is a real competitive advantage."

Importing from North America is a long-established practice in most markets around the world. Vehicles from North America, built to Canadian or American safety standards, are exported to every continent by companies that specialize in export sales.

Some dealers buy only a few North American models to attract customers to their dealerships. Others invest heavily in North American product and specialize in selling these vehicles. As more dealers around the world have become familiar with the importing and exporting process, North American models are increasingly found in other markets.

"North American models tend to be highly profitable for overseas dealers who import because no one else sells these models in local markets," says Mr. Osler. "Because they generate so much interest, the vehicles typically sell locally at a premium. Dealers always like to sell unique models that bring in customers."

Contact: North American Automobile Trade Association, Brian Osler, tel: +1-905-882-7040, email: brian@naata.org, http://www.naata.org