Gearing Up for Change: How T&T’s Auto Sector is Evolving
April 7th, 2026
Trinidad and Tobago’s automotive industry is shifting gears. From the rise of electric vehicles to a digital transformation in consumer purchasing, the sector is progressing rapidly. Financing innovations have made car ownership more accessible, while new entrants offering competitively priced vehicles are reshaping the market. For industry leaders like Daryl Young, General Manager – Regional Business, AUTOMOTIVE Sector, ANSA McAL, staying ahead means embracing these changes and adapting to shifting consumer expectations.
Industry Disruption, Changing Buyer Behaviour
Over the past two decades, several factors have disrupted the automotive industry. According to Young, “Car financing has evolved significantly; it has brought monthly instalments down to a more affordable level, making car ownership much more accessible. At the same time, the ‘grey market’ (roll-on/roll-off) has expanded from budget-friendly, low-end cars to include premium automobiles. Some Korean brands now offer low-cost vehicles with high feature content, which has led to a shift in brand loyalty. More recently, we have seen the introduction and rapid evolution of Chinese models, placing additional pressure on prices and changing the competitive landscape considerably.”
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 15% of ANSA Motors’ business came from online transactions; that figure has now surpassed 40%. Coinciding with this, potential buyers are much more informed, often conducting extensive research beforehand. As a result, selling now requires a more technical and holistic approach.
Navigating Pricing Pressures and Market Shifts
Foreign exchange shortages also significantly impact the availability of vehicle models, Young says: “Because of restrictions on US dollar allocations, most dealers have had to streamline their model range, bringing in fewer offerings and colours and focusing instead on market demand and high-turnover units.”
These shifts in availability are also starting to influence pricing strategies. As a capital-intensive industry—requiring substantial investment in facilities, showrooms, equipment, workforce, and ongoing training—dealers may soon be forced to reassess their existing pricing structures. Additionally, inventory management is likely to shift toward a more just-in-time model, with smaller, more frequent orders placed based on immediate demand.
Another factor shaping the market is fiscal policy: “Hybrid and electric cars tend to be expensive to purchase outright, but they land at more affordable prices due to tax breaks. Combined with a growing segment of environmentally conscious buyers, we’ve seen the market shift in that direction.” As consumers’ disposable income tightens, rising operational costs like fuel, maintenance, and repairs are influencing purchasing decisions, driving increased sales of hybrid and electric vehicles as buyers seek to reduce their carbon footprint more intentionally.
Redefining the Road Ahead
Supporting the automotive industry’s transition demands strategic partnerships and future-ready offerings. Young highlights ANSA Motors’ recent partnership with Proton as a prime example of this forward-thinking approach, noting that the alliance gives ANSA access to a fully electric subcompact SUV at a highly competitive price point. This enables the company to offer transport solutions tailored to a broad cross-section of customers while aligning with the shift toward cleaner, more sustainable mobility.
Moreover, along with other dealers in the industry, ANSA Motors delivers after-sales service through factory-trained technicians, ensuring that customers who purchase vehicles directly from the company have access to specialised tooling, software updates, and technical bulletins essential for maintaining today’s increasingly sophisticated automobiles.
Looking ahead, Young emphasises the critical role of collaboration: “Partnership between government and the Automotive Dealers Association of Trinidad and Tobago is important as it enables us to contribute more meaningfully to policy development and implementation. Being in constant communication with manufacturers, we are more attuned to global automotive trends—what technologies are emerging, and what is being phased out. This positions us to provide valuable input on potential shifts in public transport and to advise on technologies that no longer align with future mobility trends.”
By Sheldon Waithe
