Japan’s Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) and Myanmar’s Silverbird Auto Logistics will jointly launch an inland transportation service in Myanmar for finished automobiles starting from 14 October.

The Myanmar automobile market, which had traditionally been dominated by used-car imports from Japan, changed dramatically in 2014 with the rapid increase of new-car imports from numerous countries. “In line with this change, NYK is making efforts to expand the company’s high quality logistics services within the country,” NYK said.

In 2011, NYK restarted its pure car carrier service to Yangon, and this service is now offered twice a month. NYK also offers comprehensive logistics services that include storage, pre-delivery inspection and customs clearance.

Meanwhile NYK, Silverbird Auto Logistics will also partner with logistics firm Phee Group to establish a joint venture company in 2015 to offer comprehensive logistics services in the Southeast Asian country.