The country does have a cumulative 60% tax on imported cars, which they are likely comparing to [1]. A $60k luxury car is about $90k sold locally, which is indeed comparable.
[1] https://blog.kobemotor.com/all-posts/kobe-featured-posts/how...
[1] https://blog.kobemotor.com/all-posts/kobe-featured-posts/how...
That's more expensive than in UAE