Hyundai-Nishat launched their first local assembled vehicle– the 4th generation Porter H-100 commercial pickup in Pakistan earlier this week. The company had previously introduced the Santa Fe SUV, Grand Starex van and Ioniq hybrid as CBU.
Related: Hyundai-Nishat Launched Local Assembled Porter H-100
The Porter H-100 may look too familiar to your, that’s because 2 very similar vehicles are already available in the market. In fact, these two can be called as derivatives of the Hyundai Porter.
Daehan-Dewan Shehzore
In February 2018, Dewan having teamed up with Daehan stepped back into the vehicle production with the launch of Shehzore pickup. Hyundai was not too happy with it since during the previous decade Hyundai and Dewan were partners and Shehzore was their highly successful product. Now these two groups have teamed up with different automakers and both wanted to cash the legacy of Shehzore nameplate. However Dewan was quick to introduce their product in the market.
Related: Hyundai-Nishat Not Happy With Daehan-Shehzore
Hyundai-Nishat on their official Facebook page called the Daehan Shehzore fake and a ‘Chinese replica’.
“A TV commercial being aired these is of ‘Daehan Shehzore’ which is Chinese replica of our original Hyundai H-100. That is why it is not called ‘Hyundai Shehzore’ anymore! It’s a fake product and has no relation with Original Hyundai H-100 which we will be launching soon.”
Since Shehzore wasn’t a global nameplate and the name was exclusively used by Dewan (when it was Hyundai’s ally) to market the Shehzore (originally a 3rd generation Porter) Hyundai-Nishat was left with no other choice but to use its global name– Porter to market the 4th gen in our market. Still just like Dewan, they have tried to mimic original Shehzore’s blue graphic strip on either side of the loading bay which was considered a key identification of the pickup.
Kia Frontier K2700
Later in June 2018, Kia-Lucky Motors launched the Frontier K2700 pickup in Pakistan. Apart from minor cosmetic differences, and slightly varied interiors, all the three vehicles are quite similar in terms of platform, engine and other technical aspects.
Like Hyundai Porter H-100, the Frontier K2700 as well as the Daehan-Dewan Shehzore all have 1-ton loading capacity, are powered by 2.6 liter diesel engine and come equipped with 5-speed manual transmission.
Related: Kia Launches the Frontier K2700 Pickup
Despite being too similar in almost every aspect, there is quite a difference in price between the three.
| Daehan-Shehzore | PKR 21.99 lac |
| Kia Frontier K2700 | PKR 20.99 lac |
| Hyundai Porter H100 | PKR 24.49 lac |
Related: Comparison: Daehan Shehzore vs JAC X200
During previous decade, the 3rd gen Hyundai Porter aka Shehzore did exceptionally well and was considered as whole & sole champion in its segment. Today however, there are already plenty of other options for the buyers including JW Forland range of pickups, Isuzu NKR series, Mushtaq KY10, JAC X200 and other Chinese options. Considering this, the commercial pickup market is not that easy for any new entrant as it used to be. Reportedly Daehan-Dewan has stopped the production of Shehzore due to unimpressive sales, whereas sales of Kia Frontier aren’t too impressive as well.
How well the Hyundai Porter H100 will do considering the fact that it’s the priciest option in its segment, we will have to wait to find out. What is your opinion regarding the Porter H100 and its pricing, let us know with your comments.
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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