A lot of positives were anticipated as Pakistan’s government unveiled the new auto-policy back in 2016. However, it has failed to make an impact so far.
With one step forward and two steps backwards, 2018 proved to be a roller coaster not only the local auto manufacturers but also for the consumers.
From government banning non-filers from purchasing cars to multiple price hikes over the course of the year, the auto industry has suffered but surprisingly, the sales remained rather steady.
Despite a number of auto entrants showing interest and setting up their assembly plants in Pakistan, the big-three still dominate the market as other manufacturers continue to set up local production.
Here is how the sales of Toyota, Honda and Suzuki compare to their sales of last year in the July-Nov period.
| Model | Sales in 2017 | Sales in 2018 | Difference |
| Civic and City | 17,157 | 19,795 | +2,638 |
| BR-V | 4,410 | 2,116 | -2,294 |
| Honda | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Sales in 2017 | Sales in 2018 | Difference |
| Corolla | 21,518 | 23,771 | +2,253 |
| Fortuner | 1,408 | 1,100 | -308 |
| Hilux | 2,632 | 2,436 | -196 |
| Toyota | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Sales in 2017 | Sales in 2018 | Difference |
| Swift | 1,760 | 2,154 | +394 |
| Cultus | 8,002 | 8,775 | +773 |
| Wagon R | 11,383 | 13,341 | +1,958 |
| Mehran | 18,829 | 13,598 | -5,231 |
| Suzuki | |||
|---|---|---|---|
The one prominent thing we can take away from all this is that the sales of SUVs and MPVs went down in 2018 whereas the passenger car sales remain rather unaffected.
Despite all the price hikes due to rupee devaluation and ban on non-filers, the demand did not drop and the companies managed good sales figures overall.
In 2018, from Jan-Nov, Toyota Corolla topped the rankings of most hatchbacks and sedans sold with 49,840 units whereas Suzuki Mehran came in at second with 37,600 units sold.
Mehran = WAHAB. Long lasting.
Thank U Mahira
Why people still buy Pakistani junk
Because, we live in Pakistan!
Our National Brand
Zarar, shouldn’t this be a negative difference? Hilux 2,632 2,436 +196
Edited. Thanks for pointing that out. :)
Disagree with the start of this article “A lot of positives were anticipated as Pakistan’s government unveiled the new auto-policy back in 2016. However, it has failed to make an impact so far.”,, New brands started entered the Pak market with this policy
I understand where you’re coming from. However, you have to realize that no prominent company has launched a Pakistan-assembled car in the country thus far and it has been two years. I do believe that in the future, it is going to be fruitful but the first two years have been a huge let down.
the primary objective of the auto policy was to shake the dominance of Japanese players, unfortunately thus far no newcomer is willing to challenge the Big-3.
Any drop in auto sales is basically a correction in itself after corruption mafia controlling inward money laundering tricks as import of cars and favouring their interests. Local manufacturers are the same weloffs strwngthesed by such favours of corrupt business practices by outsiders and their beniditieries in Pakistan.
Great
Honda posting combined sales of Civic and City itself is a shame