Automobile market in Pakistan had an immense variety prior to the nationalization program of the 1970s. After that, we remained lingered on the mercy of imports– better still there was a lot to choose from.
Since the early 90s, particularly when the ‘Big 3’ came into picture, not only that the options were restricted to a very few, they were mostly stretched for a prolong period of time, were deprived of safety and equipment and lacked the production quality which never coordinated with export standards.
Related: Cars with 10+ Years of Production in Pakistan
Although we do know that cars such as Suzuki Bolan or 5th gen Honda City has remained in production for so many years. But these vehicles were introduced in a time when they were also available in international markets– off course this never justifies their prolonged production period for sure. However there are plenty of examples when cars were introduced in our country after they were done with their life in global markets.
Below is a list of cars that were launched in Pakistan after they were either discontinued elsewhere, or were already replaced by a newer generation model.
Suzuki Mehran
Originally the 2nd generation Alto, the Suzuki Mehran was Pak Suzuki’s bestselling model that was sold between 1989 and 2019. However its global lifespan was from 1984 to 1988 as it was already replaced with the 3rd gen Alto in 1988. Though the car remained available in India as Maruti 800 till 2014 while its intellectual property rights were acquired by Jiangnan Auto in China which produced it with the name of Jiangnan TT till 2017. The production of 2nd gen Alto came to an end in Pakistan in April 2019.
Daihatsu Cuore
Indus Motor Company sold the 4th gen Daihatsu Cuore between 2000 and 2012. However the production span of this model (L500) was between 1994 and 1998. It was replaced by the 5th gen Cuore L700 (also known as Mira) in 1998. So the Cuore in Pakistan was introduced 2 years after it was phased out from the rest of the world.
Suzuki Baleno
Suzuki Baleno was assembled in Pakistan between 1998 and 2005. However in international markets it was produced between 1995 and 2002. The Baleno received a facelift in 1998 just when the pre-facelift model was introduced in Pakistan, whereas the facelift arrived in our market in 2002 when the car was retired in international markets.
Suzuki Liana
Pak Suzuki introduced the Liana sedan as CBU towards late 2005 in Pakistan, a year later in 2006 the company began assembling the car locally– the same year in which Liana got discontinued elsewhere. In international markets the Liana (also known as Aerio) was produced between 2001 and 2006.
Suzuki Swift
The Swift in Pakistan is the second generation model that was produced internationally between 2004 and 2010. However Pak Suzuki introduced the car in Pakistan in 2010 when it was already replaced by the 3rd gen model elsewhere.
Suzuki Kizashi
Kizashi was a mid-sized saloon produced by Suzuki between 2009 and 2014. However a year after being discontinued, Pak Suzuki introduced this car in Pakistan as CBU in 2015. The company ran heavy advertising campaigns to market Kizashi, however it was silently discontinued within a year.
Zotye Z100
Topsun Motors is currently in process of introducing the Zotye Z100 hatchback in Pakistan. However the car was discontinued in China back in 2017. Zotye currently produces the Z100 plus which is a thoroughly facelifted electrified version of the standard Z100 EV.
Kia Picanto
Kia Lucky Motors has recently introduced the 2nd generation Picanto hatchback in Pakistan. This generation of Picanto was produced internationally between 2011 and 2017. Pakistan is currently the only country in the world where the 2nd gen Picanto is being assembled, whereas around the world the 3rd gen model is available since 2017.
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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