Ghandhara Nissan Limited (GNL) along with leading Chinese automaker Chery has planned to invest Rs 2.4 billion in Pakistan to manufacture & assemble a range of automobiles.
GNL on Wednesday shared its business plan with Board of Investment (BoI), including the Brownfield investment through a joint venture with Chery Group. GNL Chief Operating Officer Muazzam Pervaiz Khan and BoI Secretary Fareena Mazhar were also present on the occasion.
According to information, the investment plan includes introducing various types of passenger cars in Pakistan including hatchbacks, sedans, crossovers & SUVs. Furthermore, in line with the government’s initiative to implement Electric Vehicle Policy, the company will introduce its lineup of electric vehicles in the next two to three years.
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The BoI secretary appreciated the planned product line which would provide value for money & offer safety features to Pakistani consumers and create employment opportunities for the masses. She informed the team about various measures taken by the government to ensure a favorable environment for businesses, including incentives proposed in the upcoming EV Policy. She assured GNL of BoI’s facilitation as and when needed for successful execution of the venture.
Earlier, Ghandhara through its Brownfield status was in process of introducing Datsun branded cars in Pakistan. The company was supposed to introduce 3 Datsun cars by mid 2020 but in January 2020 the company announced to put the Datsun project on hold citing volatile economic conditions as the reason behind the decision. However the company was never in position to launch these cars in Pakistan. As analyzed by us earlier, with parent Nissan battling with troubles, there were always dark shadows hovering over Datsun brand which got axed other than it’s only surviving market– India.
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The collaboration with Chery seems to have pumped a new life in GNL and with Chinese cars becoming more & more acceptable, the venture might bring fruitful results this time. Chery vehicles are doing reasonably well within & outside of China and are expected to see success here considering limited competition available in the market.
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