ISLAMABAD, July 30: Import of completely knocked-down (CKD) and semi-knocked-down (SKD) cars recorded a decline of 24.31 per cent during 2006-07 over last year. The CBR statistics showed that CKD and SKD vehicles worth $603.346 million were imported during the period under review as against $797.153 imported by the local automotive industry during the same period last year.

At the same time, import of completely built-up unit (CBU) cars also registered a negative growth of 19.92pc during July-June 2007 over the same period last year.

In absolute terms, the value of the imported CBU cars stood at $453.553m as against $566.400 million worth CBU units imported during the same period last year.

A representative of local automobile on condition of anonymity ruled out that there was a decline in local production of cars.

He justified the decline registered in the import of CKD and SKD vehicles due to inventory adjustment problems.

However, the decline in import of CBU cars, which mainly include used cars was due to amendments in the trade policy, which discouraged imports of used cars besides lesser local demands.