In a statement, the Colombian Association of Automotive Distributors (ACONAUTO) urged the National Government to establish a clear policy of economic reactivation and promotion of the industry, given the recent announcement of the closure of one of the oldest assembly plants in the country. Colmotores, which led to the mass dismissal of more than 800 employees.
Pedro Nel Quijano, president of Aconauto, expressed his concern, stating: “This fact goes beyond the loss of 850 jobs and the withdrawal of an industrial facility, but rather the dismantling of a value chain that began to be built in 1957 and that came to produce 35% of the parts that make up a car.”
The union highlights the importance of the automotive sector in the Colombian economy, emphasizing that it ranges from assemblers to importers of vehicles and spare parts, as well as an extensive commercial network that employs thousands of people directly and indirectly.
According to a Fedesarrollo study, the added value of this industrial and commercial chain represents 7% of the national gross domestic productwhich demonstrates its significant impact on the well-being of Colombian families.
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ACONAUTO highlights that, although there is a segment of luxury vehicles, the majority of sales are concentrated in the middle strata, both for individuals and for work purposes. Therefore, hehe stability and growth of this sector are vital for the economy and employment in the country.
Given this situation, the union calls on the Government to define a clear policy of economic reactivation and promotion of industry and investment, with the aim of revitalize the sector and guarantee the well-being of thousands of Colombian families.
