A combined auto dealers group met with minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Finance, Don Wehby, at his Kingston office last Wednesday, in a bid to ask the Government to roll back its tax policy on motor vehicles, but this was not to be.

The minister, in the meeting with the group - the Automobile Dealers Association (ADA) and Jamaica Used Car Dealers Association - said that the Government was not prepared to consider any change to the tax structure at this time.

"We discussed a number of issues," the minister said. "At this time, we will not be in a position to implement an en bloc roll back of duty."

The auto dealers are hopeful though as another meeting is scheduled this week.

Some of issues to be revisited are the importation of vehicles with a view to give dealers a preferential rate, and the bonded warehouse governmental charges.

Minister Wehby said he clearly understood the dealers position.

"I understand their position very clearly and I think they understand mine ... . We all need to work together to see how we can come through this crisis," he said.