KARACHI: As the government moves to allow commercial imports of used vehicles, the Pakistan AutomotiveManufacturers Association (PAMA) has expressedconcernoverthe potential impact on local vehicle assembly. However, a leading Chinese assembler says it expects minimal disruption to its sales.

PAMA Director-General Abdul Waheed Khan warned that the decision to relax restrictions on used car imports could flood the market with old vehicles, risking environmental harm and undermining local manufacturing. He also criticised the lack of infrastructure to enforce environmental standards and said the 40pc regulatory duty (RD) on used imports might be undermined by invoicing and valuation disputes.

In contrast, Sazgar Engineering Works Ltd, one of Pakistan`s prominent four-wheeler assemblers, told Topline Securities in a corporate briefing that the 40pc RD on used cars up to five years old would mainly affect sedan imports and would not significantly impact its sales. The company expects this move to ease import pressures.

Three-wheeler EV Japan`s Terra Motors Corporation (TMC) has launched its electric threewheeler `Kyoro,` featuring a top speed over 55km per hourandarangeofupto200 km per charge, powered by an 11.7kWh battery.

TMC Managing Director Go Suzuki said the launch and partnerships with local firms would generate jobs and help reduce fuel dependence.