CAMBODIA’S sole Toyota dealer called on traders and companies to stop illegally importing Toyota-branded vehicles and spare parts into Cambodia yesterday, with threats to take legal action.

Kong Nuon, chairman of Toyota Cambodia Co, said yesterday that the company had observed some shops illegally importing new Toyota’s into Cambodia market, despite TCC being the only company licensed to do so.

“This is a case that we’re concerned about and we want to call on them to stop immediately. If not, we will file a complaint to the relevant authorities to take legal action,” he said.

Lawyers representing TCC, Cambodia Law Firm, warned companies found to be engaging in the illegal activity would be subject to legal action in an advertisement in a local newspaper yesterday. TCC has a monopoly on importing Toyota vehicles and spare parts.

“We were granted exclusive rights by the Ministry of Commerce to import new Toyota’s into Cambodia,” Kong Nuon said, adding that the company also distributes Toyota products to smaller car retailers.

Earlier this year, ten Phnom Penh vehicle traders wrote to Prime Minister Hun Sen asking for the right to import Toyotas into Cambodia, challenging the monopoly given to TCC. The request was not granted.

At the time TCC defended its exclusive arrangement with Toyota saying it was drawn up to ensure quality control of the Japan-based brand.

TCC sells and distributes most Toyota brands in production such as Camry, Landcruiser, Landcruiser Prado, Hilux, Coaster, Corolla, Fortuner, Previa, Corona and Yaris.