Pakistan’s automobile market have witnessed a rapid progress ever since the new Auto Policy 2016-21 was announced. The policy was formulated to attract foreign automakers to invest in the country and to generate healthy competition in the sector.
So far nearly 18 automakers have announced to collaborate with different companies in Pakistan, under the Greenfield as well as Brownfield investment categories. And not just the newcomers, the existing automakers have kept on improving their game too.
Related: Pakistan Auto Policy: What Needs to be Done?
Major vehicle launches during the first 8 months of this year include:
- Kia Grand Carnival & Frontier pickup launch
- Toyota Fortuner 2.8 liter Diesel launch
- Toyota Hilux Revo 2.8 liter Diesel launch
- Dewan (Daehan) Shehzore launch
- Local production of (Ghandhara) JAC X200 commenced
- DFSK Glory 580 launch
- Local production of Prince vehicles commenced
- Jinbei commercial vehicles launched
- Suzuki Cultus AGS launched
- Inaugration of JW Forland assembly plant
- Ghandhara brought heavy duty Renault trucks
- FAW V2 with black interior launched
- UQ Quester heavy duty truck launched
- Toyota Corolla XLI automatic launched
- Indus Motors readying the Toyota Rush launch
- Changan unveils Karvaan MPV and M-9 pickup (to be launched soon)
Also there are several MoUs and JV agreements being signed by various companies which are in process of materializing. However during the last couple of weeks alone, quite a few major events have taken place. These include:
Al-Haj signs agreement with Proton
On 29th of August, Al-Haj Group of Pakistan signed an agreement with Malaysian automaker Proton as the exclusive authorized distributor and assemblers of Proton vehicles in Pakistan. As per the agreement, Al-Haj will introduce modern and technologically advanced vehicles including hatchbacks, sedans, crossovers, SUVs and MPVs in Pakistan. Reportedly Al-Haj has also acquired land for a separate assembly plant for Proton cars in Karachi.
Related: Al-Haj Group Signs Agreement with Proton
Pak Suzuki announced to discontinue Mehran
On the 5th of September, Pak Suzuki officially announced to discontinue Suzuki Mehran with effect from April 2019. The company notified its suppliers to only provide the necessary amount of parts to avoid any surplus as the company will only be delivering the units that have been booked already. Earlier in July, Pak Suzuki had announced to discontinue the base VX grade of Suzuki Mehran with effect from November 2018.
Related: Pak Suzuki to Finally Discontinue Suzuki Mehran
United Bravo hatchback launched
On the 8th of September, United Motors finally launched the much awaited Bravo hatchback in Pakistan priced at PKR 8.5 lac. So far, United Bravo is the only new car launched in Pakistan by a newcomer that’s priced under PKR 1 million & targets a mass majority of budget buyers. The car is expected to do good in our market since Pak Suzuki is about to pull the plugs off its hot seller Mehran.
Related: United Bravo- From Leak to Launch
Toyota Rush MPV launched
Indus Motors launched the 1500cc Toyota Rush 7-seat MPV as a CBU import with 5-speed manual and 4-speet automatic transmission options. Available in three trims, the Rush is priced from PKR 36.6 lac and goes as high as PKR 41.5 lac.
Related: PKR 41.5 lac- What Else Can You Buy?
Changan launches Karvaan minivan and M-9 pickup
Master Motors, the joint venture partner of Changan Automobiles in Pakistan have launched two of its vehicles on the 15th of September. These include the Karvaan, which is a 6+2 seat minivan priced at PKR 9.99 lac, and the other vehicle is M-9 pickup with a 9-ft loading deck priced at PKR 9.19 lac. Both the vehicles come equipped with 1.0 liter engine mated to 5-speed manual transmission, and are much better compared to any other similar vehicle available in the market.
There is more to happen since Hyundai, Renault, Kia and a couple of more newcomers are preparing to introduce their vehicles in Pakistan shortly. Stay tuned to CarSpiritPK for all the latest updates on new cars in Pakistan.
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
