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With the completion of the engine factory, Ford Completed implementation of $660 million investment plan, including launch of new Ranger pickup truck.
President of Argentina and South America Automobile Company during an event at the General Pacheco plant Martin Galdianostressing the importance of localizing such an important component for domestically manufactured models.
In conversation scope The tax situation of the industry, the progress of Chinese brands and the possibility of adding new locally produced models are analyzed.
Q: In your speech at the inauguration of the engine plant, you highlighted the industry’s loss of competitiveness. What can be done to improve the situation?
Martin Galdiano: To compete, you need some pillars. First, let’s do our part. Second is the tax regulatory framework. When we export, 20 or 25 percent of the value of the vehicle is tax. That’s a problem for the industry because we’re competing on unequal terms. The Pacheco plant is not competing on equal terms with the plants that make the Ranger in Thailand, the U.S. or South Africa. Thailand has no export tax. Instead, it has an incentive to export. Brazil may have a 7 to 8 percent tax burden. Argentina has a very high sales tax, but we’re all competing on equal terms. When we export, we’re not on equal terms.
Q: Is there unequal treatment?
Milligrams: There are 82 car brands in Chile. 70% are Asian. They are right next door. If Chinese importers come and import under the same conditions as our import territory, it is not a problem for me. But when we export, we are not on equal footing. The problem is how to remain competitive.
Q: Does the government understand the problem?
Milligrams: We are working on some operational issues. For example, you better not pay PAIS tax when the import is for export, or the supplier better not pay import duty on the parts you import to make the Ranger we want to export. Minister Luis Caputo has talked about reducing national taxes. For us to export is an issue. The government understands the issue and has had a lot of conversations.
Q: There are many Chinese brands in Chile. In Brazil, Chinese automakers are investing heavily. Will the same progress be made in Argentina?
Milligrams: I’m convinced that it will be. I don’t see why it won’t be as difficult to compete in Argentina as it is in other countries. I don’t know if it will be like Chile where there are 82 brands. What’s happening in Brazil is just the beginning and it will continue. I don’t know if they will localize production, but I’m sure that competition will increase. And competition is good. It makes all of us better.
Q: There are rumors that Argentina will produce a hybrid version of the Ranger and another single-cab model. Is this in the plan?
Milligrams: With the inauguration of the engine plant, what we have done is complete the investment cycle that we announced. We are now considering all options for the future. There is not a single one left out there.
Q: Does the Ranger include a hybrid cab and a single cab?
Milligrams: all
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