Dominican republic Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in dominican republic, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Automobile Parts
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Overview

In the Dominican Republic, the demand for automotive spare parts is linked to the aging car population and the deterioration of local streets and roads.  For example, vehicles manufactured over five years ago represent 89.3 percent of vehicles in the DR; while vehicles manufactured less than 5 years ago only represent 10.7 percent.    

Statistics from the Department of Economic Studies of the Internal Revenue Directorate of the Dominican Republic show that, as of December 2022, there are 5.5 million vehicles circulating in the Dominican Republic, reflecting a 6 percent increase from 2022.

Out of this total vehicle population:

  • 56.1 percent are motorcycles (3 million)
  • 19.9 percent are automobiles (1 million)
  • 11.4 percent are SUVs
  • 12.7 percent are trucks, pick-up trucks, buses, heavy equipment, etc.

There is a significant percentage of cars imported from Asia: 61.8 percent of vehicles are made in Japan; 13.5 percent are made in South Korea; meanwhile, 11.6 percent of vehicles are made in the United States and 6.6 percent are from Europe.  Nevertheless, 65 percent of all automotive spare parts (including Asian products) are imported from the United States because of proximity and logistics considerations. Although there is local production of batteries and radiators, it only accounts for a small percentage of the total market, while imports supply the rest.

Table: Country of Origin, Market  Share and Leading Brands
Country of OriginMarket ShareLeading Brands
Japan61.8%Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Suzuki
South Korea13.5%Hyundai, Kia, Ssangyong
U.S.11.6%Ford, Chevrolet, Jeep
Europe6.6%

France: Renault, Peugeot

Italy: Fiat

Germany: Volkswagen, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Audi, Porsche

Other countries6.5% 

Leading Sub-Sectors

  • Automotive Tires and Tubes
  • Batteries
  • Electrical components
  • Motorcycle spare parts
  • Body parts and accessories 
  • Brakes and parts
  • Drive-train parts (suspension shock absorbers, steering wheels)
  • Engines and electrical parts for motor engines
  • Used parts
  • Diagnostic equipment

Opportunities

Because of the prevalence of Asian made vehicles in the Dominican vehicle population, imports of spare parts for those vehicles represent opportunities for U.S. exporters.  Likewise, the large number of motorcycles in Dominican cities provides a constant demand for motorcycle spare parts.

Resources

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