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http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/manhattan-motor-in-turf-city-shuts-down-car-buyers-may-lose-tens-of-thousands-of?utm_campaign=Echobox&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&xtor=CS1-10#link_time=1512106715 Manhattan Motor in Turf City shuts down, car buyers may lose tens of thousands of dollars Manhattan Motor closed shop after leaving more than 20 buyers without cars which they have paid for. SINGAPORE - The names have changed, but the story is the same. Another motor firm has closed shop after leaving more than 20 buyers without cars which they have paid for. Manhattan Motor in Turf City, a sole proprietorship owned by used car dealer Lee Kum Kuen, had sold the cars to several buyers in the last month or so, collected the money, but did not transfer the ownership to the buyers. The finance or leasing companies which the cars are still registered with then proceeded to repossess the cars. Dentist Daniel Chan, 34, was among those affected. He bought a used Volkswagen Tiguan in November and collected the car on Nov 6. On Nov 15, he tried to renew road tax for the car, but could not. He contacted the Land Transport Authority, and was told that the vehicle had not been transferred to him. The car has since been repossessed, and Manhattan has closed shop. Asked why he did not buy from authorised agent Volkswagen Centre Singapore, which has a used car division, he said: "I didn't want to spend too much on a car. The (Manhattan) price was right. I did an internet search on the company and there were no bad reviews. "I've bought two used cars before, and never had a problem," he added. He bought the six-year-old car for $70,000 and paid $50,000 in cash. Volkswagen Centre Singapore said it does not have a similar car in stock currently, but estimated that one would cost around $50,000. Police said they have received "more than 20" reports from consumers regarding Manhattan Motor. "We are looking into the matter," a spokesman said. Auto Lease Pte Ltd, one of the companies that repossessed the cars sold by Manhattan Motor, had already towed back seven cars. "Four are still at large," said director Anthony Lim. Mr Lim said such cases have become "very common". "You don't need a licence to be a motor dealer," he said. "Buyers just have to be vigilant." The Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) said it has received 14 complaints against Manhattan Motor since January, with 11 filed in the last two weeks. Executive Director Loy York Jiun said: "The complaints were primarily about the lack of transfer of ownership of the car to the consumer's name. "Some consumers feedback that despite having made full payment to the car dealer, their cars were repossessed as payment was not made to finance company. "Case is of the view that collection of payment by the dealer with no intention to fulfil their obligations under the contract is highly unethical and it is an unfair practice under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act. Consumers can seek recourse under the Act." But Case noted that “options are more limited in the event where a business ceases operations”. Manhattan Motor has not been contactable. Happening more and more often these days. Im sure its hurting all the other Parallel Importers as people lose faith in smaller dealers. what do you think can be done to stop this?

Hi What is your view and any PIs to recommend?

Hi guys, as topic, also wanted to find out does it take roughly 1 month for me to get the new car if there are stock? As my lease is coming to an end in 1 month plus time so wanted to time it to be as little downtime as possible. Currently looking at the elegance version and does anyone know if it can be upgraded to G's kit? Thanks in advance guys!

So I was offered this proposition today by a PI since what I am looking for is "quite unusual", so they suggested I do a "direct import". I like Skoda's value and classy (yet not so plain as VW) look as well as the fact that all their sedans are hatchbacks, so I am curious - how feasible, really, is it to bring in a car like that? Wouldn't it be expensive? Wouldn't getting servicing for it be tricky (well, parts can be sourced from VW though)? ... What are your thoughts? ...And while I'm on this line of thought, what about a SEAT (also VW group!)?

The latest news from straits time. Exodus global has been filed police reports with several buyers who paid the first or balance payment not able to get their new car. Some owners even had paid as much as $100,000 with no car been delivered. https://soulblogger.net/random/parallel-importers-in-business-risk/

Toyota has updated the JDM Mark X sedan for the 2013 model year. One of the more popular parallel-imported Toyota model in Singapore, this is the second time the Mark X receives a facelift in its life cycle. For those who feel that the facelift back in 2009 could be better, the good news is that the 2013 model has a nicer looking front fascia with a new grille that sports a more pronounced "X" logo in the centre. Sporting an aggressive design, the headlights incorporate Bi-Xenon bulbs and daytime running LED lights. The tail lights and bumper have been redesigned as well. Along with the 2013 iteration of the Mark X, Toyota has collaborated with its racing partner, Gazoo Racing, to come up with the G