October 2007: Car imports up 31%

The value of imported cars was up by 40% to $1.93 billion, due to additional accessories and fittings. During January-October 2007, Car imports totaled 158,437
 
Israel Tax Authority reported last week that 17,635 cars were imported to Israel in October 2007, 31% above numbers on the corresponding period of last year. The value of imported cars was up by 40% to $1.93 billion, thaks to additional accessories and fittings.
 
The Tax Authority added that in January-October 2007, Car imports totaled 158,437
an increase of 29% over the corresponding period in 2006.
 
According to the Tax Authority, the sharp increase in the quantity and value of car imports is attributed mainly to the low shekel-dollar exchange rate and rising standards of living in Israel over the last year.
 
In a separate statement, the Tax Authority noted that imports of home electrical appliances, in the ten months period January-October 2007, was up compared with the corresponding period in 2006 included:
Refrigerators - up 11% to more than 293,000 units;
Clothes dryers - up 20% to more than 44,000;
Dishwashers - up 19% to more than 56,000;
Washing machines - up 13% to 212,000;
Televisions - up 10% to more than 433,000; 
Video and DVD recorders, up 11% to 513,000 units.
252 million cigarette cartons were imported in January-October, 2% more than in the corresponding period.