Traders Say New Automall is Inadequate and Cold

Reality The model

Trans. by M.OYUNGEREL

This winter is especially cold and harsh compared to recent years'. Temperatures are reaching -20 to -30 degrees Celsius in Ulaanbaatar, and temperatures near the Auto Checkpoint at Auto Mall is reaching -47 degrees Celsius.

I went to Auto Mall, in the 32nd khoroo of Songinokhairkhan District, last Saturday to learn about the newly opened mall's activities, which have been the cause of frustration among auto traders in the country ever since its opening.

When I arrived at the mall, approximately 20 small buildings were bundled together. All services needed for new vehicles, such as vehicle registration, license plate makers and insurance companies had been crammed into small buildings. Small shops and cafeterias were also crammed into the building.

As I looked around, I could see a few cars here and there peeking through mounds of snow, which wereapparently displayed for sale.

It was past 1:00 p.m. when we got there. The Vehicle Registration Office workers had gone out for lunch, so their doors were closed, and we had no other choice but to wait.

Because it was very cold, I couldn't stay outside for too long. My reporting team got back inside the car to keep warm. There are no other places in the area to stay warm other than the small cafeterias and shops. Since there's no central building or waiting halls, those waiting to get services at the Auto Mall waited in their cars as well.

Everyone had turned on their cars in the parking lot of Auto Mall to keep warm.

It was around 2:00 p.m. when the two car registration officers opened their doors. People waiting in their cars came out rushing. We rushed out of our cars to get into the building also.

I don't know if it was the weekends, but only two customer service personnel were present, although there were many customers. The customers were mostly people buying cars who were compiling necessary documents to register their vehicle. I heard whispered complaints about the poor customer service and how far Auto Mall is from the city.

When I asked to get more information about Auto Mall, a worker of the Vehicle Registration Office said, "Today is not a workday. So our authorities are not here."

I didn't dare to bother them with any more questions as there were many customers waiting patiently in line.

While waiting, I spoke with some of the people waiting in line to get new license plates for their newly purchased vehicles.

"I'm buying a new car for the first...