Myanmar has outlined a new auto import policy for 2019, saying that only vehicles with left-hand drive can be imported to suit the country's traffic route direction, according to an announcement of the Supervisory Committee for Motor Vehicles Importation published Monday.

Besides, 2016 will be the oldest model to be issued an import permit for private cars with non-commercial purpose under consignment system, the announcement said, adding that passenger vehicles such as mini-bus, city bus, express bus and commercial trucks manufactured in 2015 and later can be imported.

The committee also sets 2007 or later for manufacturing year for fire trucks and ambulances to be imported and will allow heavy equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders and tower cranes to be brought in as long as they are 15 years old or less.

Media reports said most of the local people still cannot buy brand-new car due to high prices.

According to market survey, some people choose an installment plan in the automobile market while many still buy second-hand cars.

However, impacted by the new car import policy starting January 2019, all Myanmar's second-hand car sale centers are likely to close down by next year as these kinds of cars are mostly right-hand drive which will be no longer allowed.

At present, vehicles imported under a system of vehicle assembly, known as Completely Knock-Down (CKD) or Semi Knock-Down (SKD), are on the upward trend with the U.S. dollar exchange rate appreciation and Myanmar currency depreciation and cars installed locally are expected to get more market share in 2019.

According to the report, 18 companies have been allowed for locally produced cars under the CKD or SKD system.

Meanwhile, Myanmar's Internal Revenue Department announced earlier that it will collect advanced income tax by 15 percent for vehicles imported through normal trade, while 2 percent be on those imported for industrial use via border trade.