Automobile sector of Pakistan is experiencing tough times as it recorded a slowdown in sales which dropped -8% to 237,950 units in fiscal year 2019. The ongoing massive depreciation of Pak Rupee against the US Dollar and imposition of additional duties and taxes have pushed the prices of automobiles beyond the reach of masses.
Related: Car Price Comparison: December 2017 vs July 2019
This is the first time after 6 years that automobile sales have witnessed a decline. This is attributed to various factors including the restriction on non-filers from purchase of new cars which was later lifted, significant and continuous price hikes due to Rupee depreciation and massive economic slowdown.
Based on the data released by PAMA (Pakistan Automobile Manufacturers Association) let’s find out which vehicle segment suffered the most in these difficult times.
1300cc & Above Passenger Cars
This segment comprise of Honda City (1.3 and 1.5L), Honda Civic 1.8L, Toyota Corolla (1.3, 1.6 and 1.8L) and Suzuki Swift 1.3L. This segment recorded 99,138 units in FY2017-18 while 100,959 units were sold in FY2018-19 which is an improvement of 1.8% compared to the previous year.
1000cc Cars
This segment consist of two Suzuki hatchbacks– Wagon R and Cultus. This segment also shows 11.5% improvement with 55,377 units sold in FY2018-19 compared to 49,689 sold a year earlier.
Below 1000cc Cars
This segment against consist of all Pak Suzuki products including Bolan, Mehran (now discontinued) and the newly launched Alto 660cc. With 51,294 units sold in FY2018-19 the segment witnessed a -24% decline in sales as 67,959 units were sold in FY2017-18. This is mainly because of the discontinuation of the bestseller Suzuki Mehran.
Jeeps
Don’t know why this segment is classified as “Jeeps” since Jeep itself is a product and has nothing to do with vehicles sold in our country. Nevertheless the segment saw a massive decline in sales with 7,654 units in FY2018-19 compared to 12,870 units sold a year earlier, witnessing a -40% difference.
Related: Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max Sales Comparison
As individual breakdown of this segment the Toyota Fortuner posted a -38% decline with 4,186 units sold in FY2017-18 versus just 2,609 units in FY2018-19. Honda BR-V MPV saw -42% decline in sales with 5,045 units sold in FY2018-19 compared to 8,684 units sold in FY2017-18.
Pickups
This is yet another segment to post a downfall in sales. Comprising the likes of Suzuki Ravi, Toyota Hilux, JAC X200 and Isuzu D-Max the pickup segment saw 25,362 units is FY2018-19 compared to 29,136 units a year earlier posting a -13% decline in sales.
Other segments that suffered a major blow are farm tractors which saw a -29% reduction in sales with 70,887 units sold in FY2017-18 versus just 50,405 units sold in FY2018-19. Motorcycle and 3-wheeler segment also suffered badly with -8.5% less sales in FY2018-19. Compared to 1,764,956 units, the segment posted healthy sales of 1,929,853 in FY2017-18.
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
