The recently concluded PAPS 2024 signaled the revival of automotive activities in Pakistan after the Pakistan Auto & Parts Show (PAPS) had remained low-key over the past few years, struggling to attract significant attention.
Related: PAPS 2024: Reviving Pakistan’s Auto Industry with Electric Innovations and New Launches
Despite showcasing innovative displays and technological advancements, particularly a wave of new electric vehicles, what was notably absent were affordable cars for the general public. In light of the economic hardships faced by most of Pakistan’s population, automakers at the event seemed to concentrate solely on high-end vehicles catering to the wealthier segments of society. However, the question remains: Were all the vehicles showcased at PAPS 2024 luxury vehicles? The answer is no.
Most of the vehicles showcased at the event are considered mass-market options in other parts of the world. However, with exorbitant prices in Pakistan, they are marketed as high-tech luxury vehicles, catering exclusively to the elite class. Part of this has to be blamed on our market & govt policies. For the past couple of decades, local automakers have been offering such basic and outdated cars that when even slightly better tech and features—common in other countries—finally show up here, they’re treated like something straight out of heaven.
Related: No Budget Car for the Masses at PAPS 2024: Automakers Shift Focus to the Elite Class
Then there’s the economic divide. As highlighted earlier, car sales trends reveal that the rich are getting richer while the poor are getting poorer. This has led to a decline in the sales of budget cars, while the sales of a limited number of expensive vehicles are steadily increasing. Plus, in a market without any govt regulations, it’s much easier & less of a hassle for automakers to sell a handful of expensive products and provide their limited after-sales support rather than selling budget cars in volumes, which requires them to maintain a large number of spare part inventory and operate a bigger after-sales network.
Then there’s the show-off factor and the desire to feel superior to others. People are willing to spend money just to showcase their status and stand out from the crowd. This is why the sales of SUVs with an imposing stance are rapidly increasing, as are double cabin pickup trucks, which are seen as utility vehicles in other countries but are considered luxury items here. With the arrival of electric vehicles packed with the latest tech, it has become more about flaunting an expensive car than saving money on fuel or being environmentally conscious.
Related: Expensive Electric Vehicles (EVs) in Pakistan: A Luxury Beyond the Reach of the Masses
While the original goal of introducing EVs was to cut down on fuel imports and provide environmental benefits, the reality is that only a handful of wealthy individuals can afford these high-priced EVs, and their primary purpose has shifted to being a status symbol rather than promoting fuel savings or environmental care.
The true benefit of electric vehicles can only be achieved if practical & affordable mass-market EVs are launched for the masses, rather than a handful of elites. Currently, the direction of the auto industry seems unclear, and it is unlikely that it will achieve the goal of increasing annual production volumes that authorities were touting just a few years ago. While PAPS 2024 may have been successful in some respects, its main objective should be to move the industry forward. Let’s hope it can fulfill this goal in the coming years.
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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