Used cars not banned under auto policy, says govt



The Federal Government is committed to the implementation of the new automotive policy, according to the National Automative Council (NAC).

Speaking when he led members of the board on a tour of the National Trucks Manufacturers (NTM) Limited, in Kano, he said the administration was ready to revitalise the auto industry, adding: “That is why it put in place the policy.”

Through the policy the government intends to reduce the high vehicle importation bill, which stood at $3.4 billion (N550 billion) in 2012, “a transformed automotive industry will realise its potential as a major driver of economic growth, job creation, local value addition and technology acquisition,” he said.

Saleh said importation of used cars was not banned under the policy, explaining that the government only directed that all vehicles purchased by its agencies should be from the local assembly plants unless they are specialised in nature.

In that case, Saleh said the NAC must certify that such vehicles were not produced in the country.

He said under the policy three automotive clusters would be established in the country; the metal and steel sector is be revived and the tyre manufacturing industry would support it.

NTM Managing Director, Mr Ibrahim Bayero, said the policy should be implemented for the sector growth.

Bayero, represented by the Company Secretary, Dr Samuel Itabiyi, urged the government to mandate the government to patronise local assembly plants.

He said the government should guide against policy failure, which is a major factor militating against the auto industry.

Bayero appealed that loans would be given to manufacturers at single digit rates, adding that the age limit of imported second hand vehicles should be reviewed