Indus Motor Company (IMC), the local assembler of Toyota vehicles in Pakistan, is exploring the possibility of importing used cars following the government’s recent policy shift. The move signals a strategic diversification as the company responds to changing market dynamics and regulatory adjustments introduced by the Ministry of Commerce.
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While maintaining its focus on local completely knocked down (CKD) operations that support employment, localisation, and value addition, IMC signaled readiness to explore used car imports under the new regulatory framework.
IMC Chief Executive Ali Asghar Jamali told Dawn on Wednesday, “We will import everything — all sorts of models as soon as possible.” When asked whether importing used vehicles would cost less than local assembly, he added, “Let’s see. We will know when we start doing it.”
The company said its nationwide network of 58 dealerships, staffed with trained technicians and engineers, is fully equipped to handle after-sales services and ensure vehicle reliability for imported units.
IMC already operates Toyota Sure, a certified used car platform that facilitates the trade-in and sale of pre-owned Toyota vehicles, providing customers with a one-stop solution for valuation, certification, and exchange services.
The automaker has formally requested EDB’s guidance on regulatory adherence and sought a detailed procedural roadmap to ensure smooth compliance with import rules.
The move follows the Ministry of Commerce’s SRO 1895(I)/2025, issued on June 30, which allows the commercial import of used vehicles under HS Codes 8702, 8703, 8704, and 8711.
In Pakistan’s used car segment, Pak Suzuki Motor Company Ltd (PSMCL) already operates a certified used car programme offering vehicles with up to one-year warranties, directly connecting customers without middlemen. The company also holds regular Used Car Gala events at Expo Centres, featuring over 100 Suzuki vehicles.
In contrast, Honda Atlas Cars Ltd (HACL) does not run a certified used car initiative, while Chinese and Korean assemblers have so far refrained from confirming their plans under the new import policy. One Korean assembler commented, “We do not encourage or support used car imports.”
Despite exploring new opportunities, IMC’s core operations remain strong. The company sold 33,757 units in FY25, a 56% increase from the previous year. Net sales rose to Rs215.14 billion from Rs152.48 billion, while net profit after tax climbed to Rs23 billion from Rs15.07 billion.
Honda Atlas Cars also posted strong results, with sales for the quarter ending June 2025 reaching Rs26 billion, up from Rs16 billion in the same period last year. Profit rose to Rs828 million, compared to Rs202 million in 2024.
Local assemblers have previously imported limited quantities of brand-new vehicles to gauge market response before launching local production. IMC’s potential entry into used car imports signals a major shift in strategy as automakers adapt to evolving government policies and consumer preferences in Pakistan’s automotive landscape.
