Protection to local industry at consumers' cost?

23 Jun, 2006

It is quite evident from the budget that the government has realised itself that the automobile sector has not done enough to satisfy the customers to gain their confidence, be it after sales service or quality of the automobile as compared to similar brands being marketed in neighbouring India even.
If the manufacturers were capable enough to justify their claims of good service then there would have never arrived a need for the import of used cars. As a customer I support the government's policy and urge them to make further arrangements to facilitate the import of used cars to enable the average consumer for a better option.
As far as a campaign from local manufacturers against the imported used vehicles' quality, it is interesting to note that they mention it at a point in time when their own zero meter models are registering enormous complaints. (I am personally experiencing the same with a brand new local model of Japanese origin).
Competition in any section of trade benefits the consumer who is suppose to be the prime concern for every company. However it has been observed that besides the telecom industry, no other sector has given any relief to the consumers. Hats off to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, which made this possible, I guess the Government should consider bringing such a regulator over car manufacturers as well.

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