Indus Motor Company may start importing used cars soon

ISLAMABAD: Indus Motor Company (IMC), the assembler of Toyota vehicles in Pakistan, is gearing up to take a bold new turn. The company is considering stepping into the commercial import of used vehicles, a move that could shake up Pakistan’s automotive market after the government opened the door to such imports.

According to Dawn, the automaker has already reached out to the Engineering Development Board (EDB), seeking clarity on documentation, procedures, and compliance requirements for importing used vehicles.

Exploring new ground

While IMC plans to continue its local assembly operations, which support employment and localisation, it is now ready to test the waters of used car imports. CEO Ali Asghar Jamali said the company would import all kinds of models as soon as possible. When asked whether these imports would be cheaper than locally assembled units, he noted that the real cost difference would only become clear once the process began.

IMC says it is well-prepared to support this expansion through its wide network of 58 dealerships across the country. Each dealership is equipped with trained engineers and technicians to ensure reliable after-sales service for customers.

Building on Toyota Sure

The company already has a presence in the used car segment through its Toyota Sure platform, which offers certified pre-owned Toyota vehicles. The programme allows customers to trade in their old cars, purchase certified used ones, and manage all their automotive needs in one place.

IMC has asked the EDB for detailed guidance on regulatory compliance and procedures before proceeding further. The move follows the Ministry of Commerce’s issuance of SRO 1895(I)/2025 on June 30, which permits the commercial import of used vehicles under HS Codes 8702, 8703, 8704, and 8711.

A shift from concern to opportunity

Interestingly, just a month earlier, IMC had raised strong concerns over the surge in used car imports, warning that the trend posed a “serious threat” to local manufacturers.

At the time, CEO Ali Asghar Jamali revealed that around 40,000 to 45,000 used vehicles had been imported into Pakistan during the 12 months through June, accounting for nearly one-third of the local market. In comparison, used cars represented less than 10 percent of total sales in 2023.