The auto sector continues to battle against challenges faced mainly by the plant shutdowns. Due to a lack of inventory in hand, assemblers are forced to observe NPDs (Non-Production Days) amid restrictions on the import of CKD parts, as well as reduced demand for new cars in wake of rising prices, tightened auto financing conditions and high-interest rates, that saw overall sales of locally assembled automobiles in Pakistan cut into half— two cars did notably well in these tougher times during the recently-concluded year 2022.
Suzuki Alto 660cc which is already the highest-selling car in Pakistan ever since it made its debut in June 2019, remained the bestselling car of 2022 as well. Not only it retained its top-selling title, but it also broke all previous sales records in the process. Between January and December 2022, Pak Suzuki sold 66,427 units of Alto which is the highest-ever figure the company has ever achieved in terms of sales of an individual model.
Sales of Alto alone make up 53% of total sales by the company which saw 125,947 units leaving the showroom floors in the calendar year 2022. It is pertinent to mention that in 7 out of 12 months of 2022, Alto sales stood higher than the highest-ever monthly sales achieved by Suzuki Mehran, which was previously Suzuki’s and Pakistan’s highest-selling car.
Related: Alto 660cc Shatters Yet Another Record
Among sedans, Toyota Corolla again emerged as the bestselling car in Pakistan. A total of 23,960 units were sold during the year 2022, and although it’s almost 50% less than the sales of Corolla at its peak, the number was still the highest among the competition. The Corolla was able to win back the title from Yaris, the relatively cheaper subcompact sedan by Toyota which was the bestselling sedan in 2021.
Despite the presence of newcomers including its own sister Yaris, as well as 6th gen Honda City, new Honda Civic, Changan Alsvin, Proton Saga, and Hyundai Elantra, and the absence of its bestselling 1.3L variants from the lineup which were discontinued (in 2020) in favor of Yaris, sales of Corolla remain unmatched.
Related: JDM Toyota Corolla Facelift Launched in Japan
The 11th-generation Toyota Corolla sedan was introduced in Pakistan back in June 2014 and has already entered its 9th year of production (assembling) in the country. As per global standards, this generation was introduced in June 2013 and was replaced by the 12th generation model in November 2018, which after more than 3 years has already received a facelift in international markets.
Despite almost a decade of presence in our market, the 11th gen Corolla still leads the sales chart and can be called an undisputed king of the sedan segment. Although it suffered from a slight dip in sales when the Yaris B-segment sedan was introduced in 2020, however later the Corolla was able to win its sales supremacy back.
Related: Corolla Still Leads Despite Being Almost a Decade Old
With more than 0.34 million units sold since it was introduced here in June 2014, the soaring sales tell us that it’s highly unlikely that IMC (Indus Motor Company), the assemblers of Toyota cars in Pakistan will bring the new 12th gen model here anytime soon.
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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