automotive dealers may have some of their staff trained abroad. Many of the latest model and higher-end luxury cars use advanced technology and require mechanics from abroad like Thailand or Vietnam.
With more than 80 percent of the auto market in used cars and relatively poor road conditions, vehicle parts depreciate earlier than their expected life span. This contributes to a steady demand for parts such as brakes, tires, and others.
Electric Drive Vehicles
Hybrid electric vehicles are available in the Cambodian market and are gaining popularity among consumers. Plug-in hybrids, electric, and fuel cell vehicles are not common in Cambodia.
Heavy Duty Market
Growth in the construction sector and agricultural industry has increased the demand for heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks, trailers, and construction vehicles. There were around 6,700 heavy vehicles registered in 2017. Due to limited resources and the high tax rate, most buyers opt for used trucks. However, buyers tend to prefer new trucks when better payment or financing options are available. Most trucks on the roads are from 2005 or earlier. The most popular brand is Hyundai, followed by Kia, Toyota, Nissan, Asia, SsangYong, Daewoo, Isuzu, Fuso, Freightliner, and Hino.
Lack of technical expertise and limited access to finance are the main challenges to supplying new trucks to Cambodia. Truck dealers and users generally seek service technicians from neighboring countries like Vietnam and Thailand.
Used and Remanufactured Market
Used vehicles including passenger cars and commercial trucks dominate the market in Cambodia. Industry stakeholders reported that the number of used cars slightly decreased from around 90 percent in 2016 to around 80 to 85 percent in 2018. Among the ten Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) members, Cambodia and Laos are the only two countries that allow imports of pre-owned or used vehicles.
Best Prospects
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For More Information about exporting to Cambodia contact:
Sokros Chann
Commercial Specialist - Global Auto & Smart Mobility Team
U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh, Cambodia
(855)-23-728-158