As domestic second-hand car incursion intensifies and profits continue to narrow, many car dealers are turning their attention overseas. In the hinterland of West Africa, Cameroon is becoming a severely undervalued gold market for used cars going to sea with a posture of strong demand, moderate competition and considerable profits.

Here, the penetration rate of used cars exceeds 90%, the average age of cars is as high as 18 years, and the proportion of over-age cars exceeds 92%. The need for replacement is quite urgent; China cars are ushering in a window period to quickly seize shares due to their advantages of left-rudder adaptation, high cost performance, and better age.

1. The truth of the market: the market is just bursting, and the stock is extremely aging

Cameroon is the core economy of West Africa. Agriculture, infrastructure and logistics comprehensively drive the demand for vehicles. The automobile market has obvious characteristics:

Abnormal stock structure: There are about 1.6 - 2 million vehicles across the country, almost all of which are used cars. 92% of the vehicles are over 15 years old, and the safety and failure rates remain high.

Consumer preferences are quite clear: pickup trucks, economy cars, and SUVs are more popular, and left-rudder models can be landed directly without modification

The price range is very clear. The main price range for the terminal is US$4000 to US$8000, and the price of high-quality vehicles will be significantly higher.

Japanese brands account for more than 60% of the total, and domestic cars account for less than 10% of the total. Market competition is relatively loose. This can be said to be a typical blue ocean market

Compared with old car sources in Europe and the United States, China's 5-8-year-old used cars have a price that is 20%-30% lower and has a higher configuration. They are very competitive locally.

2. The core advantages of China car dealers: natural adaptation, reduction of dimensions

Direct adaptation of left rudder: No modification is needed, and there are no obstacles on the road when you are licensed. Compared with right-rudder vehicles, you can save costs and time.

Better cost performance than others: a car with the same price will have better condition, and a car with the same condition will have a lower price, and then terminal acceptance will quickly increase

The supply chain is quite mature, domestic vehicle sources are sufficient, and the assembly is relatively efficient. The cost of bulk shipping to Douala Port can still be controlled.

There is support in terms of policies. China's qualifications for used car exports are quite complete, and the channel for China-Africa cooperation is also smooth. Customs clearance will be compared. 3. Practical operations: select the right car, abide by regulations, and control risks

3. Accurate selection of products (must-see)

Priority: 5-8 years old, Euro V/Euro VI emissions, Great Wall/Jiangling pickup truck, Geely/Chang 'an sedan, Haval SUV

Avoid: >12-year-old cars, accident cars, niche and unpopular brands, and models with intolerant chassis

4. Conclusion: In the blue ocean, action is the first opportunity

Cameroon is not a niche market, but the main front for the replacement of used cars in West Africa. With the triple dividends of elimination of old cars, standardization of policies, and the rise of China brands, this is becoming a high-quality incremental market for used car exports.

Instead of fighting in the domestic Red Sea, it is better to seize this underestimated blue sea. Select the right source of vehicles, maintain compliance, and do a good job in localization. The next growth curve is in Cameroon.

Source: Xiong Yu, digital automobile export

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