Low duty payments on imported smaller Toyota-branded vehicles, durability, and low maintenance costs have driven higher importation of the brand into Nigeria compared to other car brands, according to The PUNCH.

Investigations show that vehicles from 2015 and older generally attract similar duty rates. However, Toyota models often end up cheaper overall when factoring in overseas purchase prices, clearing fees, and other charges. In contrast, brands like Mercedes-Benz and other luxury vehicles tend to cost more in total.

Abayomi Duyile, Chairman of the Apapa Chapter of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, confirmed that Toyota records the highest imports. He linked this to the brand’s cost efficiency.

“Toyota leads the pack because it is easy to maintain. The duty is the same rate for all cars of the same year. But cars like Mercedes-Benz, among others, are high-end vehicles.

“Vehicles like Jaguar, Rolls-Royce, and all those are high-end vehicles. So they will still pay higher duty rates compared to other brands. I think among the Toyota brands, Lexus is really a bit higher too. The Toyota brand of cars is also easy to maintain. The major reason, you know, like Nigerians, they are sold on Toyota products,” Duyile stated.

He added that Mercedes-Benz buyers often choose the brand for status reasons.

“They prefer Mercedes-Benz because it’s costlier than Toyota. So they brag about Benz. You see the scenario now. You know, Benz is costlier than the Toyota brand,” he stated.

Ugochukwu Nnadi, a chieftain of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, noted that while vehicles from 2015 downwards pay uniform duties, Toyota’s range of smaller models sets it apart as the most imported brand in Nigeria.

“Like from 2015 and below, they all pay the same duty across the board. There is no difference. But the thing is that Toyota has a big array of very small brands, very small models.

“Like you have the Yaris, you have the Matrix, you have the Corolla. So, by the time we bring these out, because of the purchasing power of most Nigerians, they are in higher demand. Toyota cars are in higher demand because of the low value and the ruggedness of the product,” he stated.

Ajibola Adedoyin, National President of the Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria, acknowledged Toyota’s lead in sales volume. He pointed to key factors behind its popularity.

“The simple reason is just because of the durability and the low fuel consumption. Those are the two major things: durability, low consumption, and easy maintenance. Toyota is the major product that you sell most to Nigerians.”