New Double Cab Pickup Tax Benefits Guyana’s Most Popular Toyota and Nissan Pickups – Stabroek News Article Misleads Public

An article published in Stabroek News on December 20, 2025, titled “Mohamed Slams President’s Flat-Rate Tax on Double-Cab Pickups,” claimed that the new double-cab tax structure was designed to benefit only the BYD Shark Pickup Truck, a 1498cc model. However, an analysis of the new tax system shows that it significantly benefits Guyana’s most popular pickups: Toyota Hilux, Toyota Tacoma, and Nissan Navara.

According to Stabroek News, Azurddin Mohammed claimed that the government’s policy favors the BYD Shark Pickup only.

Below is a comparison of old versus new taxes for the four most popular models, based on estimated CIF values excluding VAT.

The data indicates that the new tax structure reduces the competitiveness of BYD, Ford, and smaller-engined double-cab pickups, rather than giving them an advantage. Both the BYD Shark and Ford Ranger already attract lower taxes because of their smaller engine sizes (1.5L and 2.0L) compared to Toyota and Nissan models (2.4 and 2.5L). Toyota, Nissan and other Brands with larger engines will now benefit from Taxes of approximately 10,000,000 being reduced to a flat rate of 3,000,000.

Previously, Toyota and Nissan double-cab pickups were taxed at 45% duty and 75% excise. Ford Ranger and BYD Shark attracted 45% duty plus 10% excise and 45% respectively, due to their smaller engines. Under the new initiative, a flat rate of GYD $3,000,000 now applies to Toyota and Nissan double-cab pickups, replacing the previous percentage-based system.

This change means that while Ford and BYD benefit from their smaller engines, the flat-rate system significantly reduces taxes for Toyota and Nissan pickups, amongst others, making them even more competitive in the market. This benefits all dealers and ultimately the consumers.