The year 2017 is nearing its end. A lot of development took place as the Auto Policy 2016-21 continued to cast its affect on the industry. We take a month-wise recap of what happened in 2017 both in terms of domestic as well as international perspective.
January
The year 2017 kicked off with 6th generation Honda City facelift revealed in international markets..
Mitsubishi announced to discontinue the Lancer globally due to dwindling sales and the global shift of buyer preference towards crossovers and SUVs.
Toyota Vitz facelift was launched in Japan with Hybrid option.
Toyota Vios facelift was launched in Thailand.
Pak Suzuki finally announced to discontinue the Cultus after 17 years of production run.
February
South Korean automaker Kia unveiled the new generation Picanto hatchback for international markets.
Honda Civic with 1.0 Turbocharged engine was exclusively launched in China.
Years after the demise of Liana, Pak Suzuki introduces the Ciaz in Pakistan marking their comeback in the sedan segment.
While the world saw the farewell of Mitsubishi Lancer, it was given a new life in the east as the Grand Lancer was unveiled.
March
CNCAP (China New Car Assessment Program) tests world’s first ever car-to-car collision..
Toyota began testing the next generation Corolla.
April
Pak Suzuki added Immobilizer to Suzuki Mehran..
Honda brings another facelift to the 5th generation City.
Honda Pakistan Introduces Cosmetic Changes to the City Sedan
Pak Suzuki launched new Cultus (Celerio) hatchback in Pakistan.
https://www.carspiritpk.com/pak-suzuki-officially-launches-new-cultus-celerio-pakistan/
May
Toyota claims world’s fastest SUV title with their 370kph #LandSpeedCruiser.
All-electric NIO EP9 from China becomes the fastest car at Nürburgring.
All-Electric NIO EP9 Beats Lamborghini Huracan Performante’s Nurburgring Time
June
Govt granted permission to three companies to set up manufacturing plants under Greenfield investment category.
Three Companies Get Approval to Establish Car Assembly Plants in Pakistan
Due to alleged fuel compatibility issues, Honda Atlas stopped 1.5 turbo Civic bookings as the production was (temporarily) halted.
July
Suzuki Swift Hybrid was launched in Japan with claimed economy figures of 30 km in a liter.
Suzuki Swift Hybrid launched in Japan, Goes 32.0 Km per Liter
August
The most unsuccessful launch in the history of Pakistan was made by HRL when they launched the once cheapest car in China, the Zotye Z100 at PKR 11.72 lac here in Pakistan. After nearly 5 months the company is yet to get a single dealership for its vehicles.
3 years after the 11th generation was introduced, IMC launched the Toyota Corolla facelift in Pakistan.
Indus Motors Officially Launches 2017 Toyota Corolla Facelift
Honda Atlas brought yet another facelift to 5th gen City.
Local assembling of FAW V2 started..
September
The all-new Suzuki Swift Sport was unveiled at Frankfurt Motor Show.
The impressive Mitsubishi Xpander MPV debuted in Indonesia to take on the likes of Honda BR-V.
Foton Tunland pickup was refreshed in China.
2017 Foton Tunland With Refreshed Interior Launched in China
October
Geely of China officially acquired Proton & Lotus
Maruti Celerio facelift was launched in India..
Suzuki Ciaz facelift (Alivio Pro) was launched in China..
Toyota Axio & Fielder facelift was launched in Japan..
2018 Toyota Corolla Axio and Fielder Refresh Officially Revealed
Isuzu D-MAX facelift was launched in Thailand. The D-MAX is set to make its debut in Pakistan by April 2018.
KIA vehicles were spotted for the first time testing near Hyderabad.
FAW R7 SUV which is scheduled for a 2019 launch in Pakistan was caught testing for the first time in Karachi.
November
Koenigsegg Agera RS smashed Bugatti Chiron’s record within days to officially become the world’s fastest car.
457 km/h- The Agera RS is officially the World’s Fastest Car
Honda Atlas Cars (Pakistan) Ltd. filed a complaint that fuel suppliers including Shell, Total as well as PSO had added manganese to their gasoline which is affecting their engines.
Renault with Al-Futtaim of UAE announced its entry in Pakistan.
Sazgar, the makers of CNG rickshaws announced stepping in vehicle manufacturing.
Sazgar Partners with Chinese Automaker to Assemble Vehicles in Pakistan
December
Lamborghini Urus, dubbed as the world’s fastest SUV made its global debut.
Pak Suzuki launched Cultus VXL with Auto Gear Shift and Mega Carry Extra.
Pak Suzuki Cultus Automatic Launched at PKR 15.28 lac, Mega Carry at PKR 14.99 lac
The crossover version of Celerio called as CelerioX was launched in India
Pak Suzuki unveiled its plan to replace Mehran while IMC to replace 1300cc Corolla with Vios.
Alto 660cc, Toyota Vios and Honda Brio To Be Launched in 2018/19
Renderings of next generation Toyota Corolla surfaced
Ground breaking ceremony of Hyundai-Nishat plant in Faisalabad was commenced.
Official Groundbreaking Ceremony of Hyundai-Nishat Assembly Plant
The Ministry of Industries and Production allowed Khalid Mushtaq Motors to set up a vehicle assembly and manufacturing unit in Nooriabad industrial area under the Greenfield investment category.
Kia signs agreement with government for the production of passenger and light commercial vehicles in Pakistan.
KIA Officially Signs Agreement with Ministry of Industries & Production
Pictures of United Motors’ 800cc Mehran look-alike went viral as the company plans to introduce the clone once the Pak Suzuki Mehran goes out of production in 2018.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
