Swedish crown has lost 17.5 against euro in 18 months
Inflation impact could mean higher interest rates for longer
Weakness a mystery given long term robust economy
Riksbank sees stronger crown ahead

STOCKHOLM, Sept 14 Reuters Need a cheap, reliable secondhand car? Think Sweden, where a nosedive in the local crown currency over the past 18 months is proving a blessing for usedcar dealers and other exporters.

But 20 years after Swedes voted in a referendum to stay out of Europe39;s single currency, the crown39;s 17.5 slide against the euro is not making everyone happy. Many in a nation used to high living standards are being forced to tighten their belts.

Many foreign car dealers think there is a sale on in Sweden, Joachim Agren, senior key account manager at the Swedish branch of BCA, Europe39;s largest vehicle remarketing company according to its website, told Reuters. He said overseas buyers now account for the majority of its sales at auction, doubling their 30 share of recent years.

Purchasing power abroad has tumbled with the currency. In the second quarter, Swedes were the 12th biggest buyers of property in Spain, according to Registradores de Espania four places lower than two years earlier and behind the Chinese.

Companies like KP Energy, which imports solar panels to sell to trade buyers, cite the damaging effects of higher purchase costs and rising interest rates, which hit household spending.

It impacts us a huge amount when the crown weakens…