Ever since the new auto policy 2016-21 was revealed, numerous reports have surfaced the media regarding various automobile manufacturers hinting to invest in to automobile sector of Pakistan.
The government is trying its best to bring the European investment in, having been involved in talks with companies including Fiat, VW, Renault, Peugoet etc, while Audi is already in process of conducting a feasibility study to develop an automobile production facility in the province of Sindh.
Related: Chinese Interested To Invest In Automobile Sector Of Pakistan
While it may require a lot of effort for the government to convince the European manufacturers to invest in the country, the Chinese on the other hand are already hinting to invest in the automobile sector of the country, thanks to CPEC.
FAW which already operates in the country with Al-Haj group is in process of expanding its production facility and will start local assembly of their passenger cars towards the end of this year. News regarding Zotye, JAC and Foton has recently surfaced the media, while the latest addition to this list is Brilliance Auto.
According to Business Recorders, a delegation of major Chinese automobile industrialists, including Brilliance Auto, which is also venture partner of BMW in China, was on an official visit to Pakistan. A spokesman for Brilliance Auto said that Chinese automakers are planning to expand their business network in Pakistan. He said:
“We plan to build automobile assembly plants in a number of countries, such as Pakistan. We are engaged in setting our sights in foreign markets. Building assembly plant in Pakistan will enable us to explore Pakistan market faster than direct vehicle exports; we are looking at CPEC as a great opportunity”.
Brilliance manufactures & sells BMW branded vehicles in China. Other than this the company has its own range of vehicles under the Brilliance brand name, as well as another sub brand called Jinbei. The company manufactures hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs as well as vans & commercial vehicles.
Brilliance cars are also manufactured in Iran by SAIPA and PARS Khodro. It will be very interesting to see these cars being sold in Pakistan, which share a good resemblance with BMW. CarSpiritPK is the #1 source of information in Pakistan when it comes to Chinese automobiles. For our readers, below is a brief introduction to some of the vehicles produced by Brilliance Auto.
Brilliance Dolphin:
Powered by a 1.3 liter four-cylinder engine with 88hp, mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Price of the Dolphin in China starts from 39,800 yuan (PKR 6.2 lac) and ends at 45,800 yuan (PKR 7.1 lac).
Brilliance H230:
The H230 is an entry level sedan powered by a 1.5 liter 103hp engine, mated to a manual as well as AMT transmission. A hatchback version called the H220 is also available, price of the H230 sedan starts from 55,800 yuan (PKR 8.6 lac) up to 68,800 (PKR 10.6 lac)
Brilliance H330:
The Brilliance H330 is powered by a 1.5 liter four-cylinder engine with 105hp, mated to a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Price of the H330 starts from 65,800 yuan (PKR 10.2 lac) up to 75,800 yuan (PKR 11.7 lac). A hatchback version called the H320 is also available.
Brilliance H530:
The H530 is available with two engines. A 1.6 liter naturally aspirated unit with 119hp and a 1.5 turbo with 136hp, both mated to a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic gearbox. The H530 is priced from 85,800 yuan (PKR 13.3 lac) to 125,800 yuan (PKR 19.5 lac)
Brilliance V3:
The V3 SUV is available with two 4-cylinder petrol engines: a 1.5 with 112hp, and a 1.5 turbo with 150hp, both mated to a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission. Price for the Brilliance V3 SUV starts from 65,700 yuan (PKR 10.2 lac) and ends at 102,700 yuan (PKR 15.9 lac).
Brilliance V5:
The V5 SUV is available with either a 1.5 turbo with 136hp or a 1.6 naturally aspirated engine with 120hp, both mated to a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic gearbox. Price for the Brilliance V5 SUV starts from 89,800 yuan (PKR 13.9 lac) and ends at 145,800 yuan (PKR 22.6 lac).
Related: Foton Keen to Invest in Automobile Sector
It will require at least a couple of years for any company to set up their production facility here. So far we are just getting the news regarding various manufacturers willing to invest in the automobile sector of Pakistan. However we do hope to see such news shaping into reality & these Chinese companies actually operating in Pakistan with localized production & complete after sales support. Competition lacked in the automobile sector of Pakistan since long, but now from the looks of it, the auto sector seems to have a bright future ahead.
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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