In March 2018, Nissan officially announced its entry in Pakistan. The manufacturing and licensing agreement between Nissan and Ghandhara, will see the local production of Datsun models in Pakistan. The move was part of Nissan’s strategy to engage with emerging automotive markets around the world, bringing brands and products tailored to meet rising consumer demand. At that point the company officials stated that the sales of first locally built (Datsun) vehicles are expected to begin in Pakistan within the 2019 fiscal year.
Related: Nissan to Begin Datsun Production in Pakistan with Ghandhara
Now Ghandhara Nissan (GNL) Project Director and Senior Executive Director Marketing and Sales Muazzam Pervez Khan, while talking to Dawn has revealed that commercial production of three Datsun models will begin in the second half of 2020.
“We will begin with the assembly of a 1,200cc Datsun Cross in July 2020 and then roll out the 1,200cc Datsun Go hatchback and Datsun Go Plus seven seater in the next two to three months.”
Related: The 2018 Datsun Cross
Muazzam Pervez Khan further added that the company has selected at least 22 vendors for making parts of these vehicles. Talking about localization level in these three variants, he said GNL plans to achieve 35-40% indigenization in the next three years after an initial start of 18%.
Earlier in 2018, the Ministry of Industries and Production (MoIP), had awarded Brownfield investment status to GNL under the Auto Development Policy 2016-21 for revival of an existing facility. GNL will reportedly invest Rs 6.5 billion over the first four years, as Nissan and GNL would work together to develop Ghandhara’s facilities at Karachi’s Port Qasim unit into a world-class manufacturing plant.
Related: Datsun GO, GO+ and Their Chances of Success in Pakistan
The Brownfield project would create around 1,800 jobs. At the initial stages of production, these three vehicles will be produced around 15,000 units a year and the capacity will be increased up to 35,000 units during the next five years.
Nissan is making yet another attempt in the Pakistani market. In the past GNL had assembled B14 Nissan Sunny between 1996 and 2004, some 2,500 units of Sunny were produced during this period. Then again in 2009, GNL announced to assemble the N16 Sunny which they were already selling as a CBU import from 2006 onwards, however that venture couldn’t last for long either before the production came to a complete halt.
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
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