Pakistan’s auto industry recorded a 15 percent surge in car sales on a year-on-year basis during the month of August, with the sales figure touching 8,699 units as compared to the 7,579 units sold last year.
According to the data shared by the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA), the cumulative sales for 24 have reached 17,288 units, which is a 36 percent increase on a YoY basis. The major players in the market are Sazgar Engineering, Honda Atlas, Indus Motor, and Hyundai Nishat. While Sazgar Engineering recorded an increase of 606 percent increase on an annual basis, with the sale of 953 units, Honda Atlas 70 percent with 1,148 units and Indus Motor 38 percent with 2,129 units, Hyundai Nishat’s sales declined by 24 percent on an annual basis, however, it was able to recover by 12 percent on a monthly basis.
In other segments, the sale of motorcycles and three-wheelers increased by 18 percent on an annual basis and 23 percent on a monthly basis. Atlas Honda led in this segment, selling 90,500 units. Millat Tractors faced a 50 percent decline on an annual basis, but its tractors sold well on a monthly basis, recording a 101 percent increase. Moreover, the sales of trucks and buses increased by 83 percent on an annual basis but decreased by 2 percent on a monthly basis.
Pakistan’s automobile sector has long been criticized for skipping innovation and rehashing old products with minor changes. The finest example of this is the motorcycles in the small engine category. The Honda CD70 and Honda CG125 come up with supposedly new variants every year, with the main change being the stickers on the body.
Besides the improving economic situation, the primary reason for increasing sales is the growing population and the lack of a concrete public transport system across the country. While the metro buses and metro trains were introduced in selective countries, they could not cater to the needs of the entire urban populace, prompting the need for citizens to have their own vehicles.
Special offers and scheduled launches
On the occasion of the first anniversary of the Corolla Cross, Toyota has come up with substantial discounts on the hybrid and petrol models of the car. The price cuts go as high as Rs900,000 and may lead to an increase in its sales.
Honda Pakistan, on the other hand, has launched a promo package as well to mark “30 years of excellence”. Seven upgrades will be offered for the City CVT 1.2 variant, including better seats, fog lamps, alloy rims, navigation system and rear camera, and chrome handles. However, there is no update on the price of these upgrades.
Suzuki is also planning the launch of Every to replace the ageing Bolan. Every will adhere to new regulations and will be launched this year. Its launch has already been delayed by three years, but the regulatory changes make the launch imminent now.
Vanity number plates
While car sales are on the rise, the Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department of Punjab is all-set to introduce a new number plate scheme, whereby individuals will be able to get customized number plates in three different categories. The gold category plates will be priced Rs500,000, the platinum category plates at Rs5 million and the corporate category plates will be available for Rs10 million. For the corporate category, there will be an additional cost as well. The government will maintain a database of vanity plate holders to prevent fraud.