Pak Suzuki Motor Company Ltd. (PSMCL) is going to start assembling the eighth generation Suzuki Alto 660cc from next week at Port Qasim Assembly plant in Karachi.
The decision has come just days after it officially discontinued the production of its veteran mid-range 800cc Suzuki Mehran VX and VXR.
While an official confirmation is yet to come, people familiar with the development believe that the MT variant of the car will cost around Rs. 0.9 to 1 million, going above Rs. 1 million for the top of the line Automatic model.
Sources believe that the delay in price confirmation is due to the recent devaluation of the rupee against dollar. If the local currency slips further against the greenback, it may affect the price tag of the car.
The JDM-based Alto is a Heartect product, measuring 13,395mm/1,475mm/1,500 mm in length, width, and height respectively.
Under the hood, it is fitted with an R06A 0.66-liter naturally aspirated three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 49 PS/52 PS (VVT) and 58 Nm/63 Nm (VVT) of torque.
It will come with a 5-speed automatic or manual transmission and will be available in two manual trims and an automatic trim. The car is expected to use the same transmission as that of the locally-made Suzuki Wagon R. The upgraded manual variant, and the auto version will get a power steering.
The company is expected to display and book limited units of the latest Alto model at the Pakistan Auto Parts Show (PAPS 2019). The show is scheduled to be held from April 12-14 in Karachi and the official launch is expected to be after Eid-ul-Fitr in June.
The company is yet to release any information about the use of localized parts; some vendors believe it will start with 50 percent locally manufactured parts and then increase the production in upcoming years.
Whereas, sources in the PSMCL suggest the company intends to utilize 80% of Mehran vendors for manufacturing Alto 660cc parts and accessories, and will further expand with time.
Via: Auto Mark
