Cash for cab clunkers in Cairo

CAIRO – While General Motors sales struggle in the United States, the American automaker can’t keep up with demand for its Chevrolet Lanos here in Egypt. The car’s popularity has skyrocketed due to a new government-sponsored incentive to encourage Cairo’s taxi drivers to trade in their decades-old beaters for brand new models. 

Although prospective buyers can select from five models – ranging from the modest Russian Lada at ,607 to the pricey French Peugeot – the vast majority opt for a Chevy at ,549. 

“There is a high demand for Chevrolet. It is a durable car and people love it, but the choice is left to the driver and supplier,” said Mohamed Shawky, the supervisor of the program. 

Mohamed Muslemany

One of the typical old black-and-white taxis that used to rule Cairo’s streets.

But many of Cairo’s cabbies have made their choice clear.

“Chevrolet is the most popular car because it is strong, and has spare parts readily available on the local market. Installments are cheap at only 800 Egyptian pounds a month (3) for a five-year period,” explained Magdy Mansour, the happy new owner of a 1-month-old Chevrolet.  The only drawback: “It takes a lot of gas.” 
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