ISLAMABAD The powerful auto manufacturers cartel is asking the Government to reduce the limit of importing second-hand cars from three to two years in the upcoming Trade Policy 2010-11 in order to keep complete hold over the market, it is reliably learnt. According to sources, local auto manufacturers in their proposals for Trade Policy have demanded of the Government to allow import of two years used cars in the country so that their monopoly can be strengthened. Under the existing policy, only three years used cars could be imported. The Government was seriously considering to allow import of five years used cars in the annual budget of 2010-11, however due to strong resistance from strong auto mafia, the Government bowed down to it and left the consumers on its mercy by not changing the policy. Now the auto manufacturers have presented their demands in the new Trade Policy. It is pertinent to mention here if the Government had allowed import of five years used cars in the budget, the monopoly of auto manufacturers could be ended and consumers could get cars at reasonable prices, however the Government did not do so. These omnipotent car manufacturers are already enjoying unprecedented profits at the cost of hapless consumers. Charging hundreds and thousands of rupees in the form of 'own by Suzuki motors, holding of original documents of customers even after the vehicle is sold to them and overcharging in the name of registration of Motor Vehicle Registration Authority are some of the most common practices reported by media in the recent days. Similarly they create artificial shortage in the country to exploit consumers by charging them high prices. On the other hand, the auto manufacturers believe that Govt should change its policy regarding second-hand cars, as the local industry is under the severe pressure, mainly due to the rupee depreciation, therefore they are demanding of the Govt to change the existing policy. The sources further informed if the Govt allowed import of two-year used cars, the auto sector would attract more investment and thus it would decrease unemployment rate in the country.