People seems to have greatly misled with the taxes imposed on imported cars. Well,if the gov decide to uplift the import tax,that would lead to a disruptive chain reaction. For example, insurance and roadtax (and perhaps income tax) gonna be way higher than current rate. So don't just calculate adjusted car prices,keep in mind other factors as well.
1 goes down,other goes up! Gov hav to balance out and maintain their figures.Shortage of income from imported car taxes,would be fill up by other sectors. It would be a massacre to our macroeconomic if we liberated car manufacturer sector when we're not properly ready to compete with international manufacturer. Think of it this way, Thailand financial sector in 1996-97. Complete meltdown. And that will happen if we were not to protect Proton.
Case study:
Example, in Uk. Yes,u can get a Maserati GT for a merely 55k pound sterling. Yet,why doesn't London's road full of supercars? If u do the math, a person with a monthly income of 3k per month (36k yearly),would easily take up car loans and buy a Maserati. But why isn't this the case? Income tax imposed 20-40% (monthly). Car loans (7-9.5%). Insurance (go google). Daily congestion charge within London 8.70 pound (for entering London city). No free sidewalk parking. Etc etc...
Dun be fooled by just car prices. Its just a fraction of a much grater cost, that we should be thankful. Just my humble opinion.