In a landmark achievement for Pakistan’s auto industry, Honda Atlas has officially begun exporting Completely Built Units (CBUs) to Japan. The first shipment of 40 Honda City cars marks a significant step forward for the country’s automotive sector.
On Saturday, the Ministry of Industries and Production announced the announcement, which hailed the development as a milestone in Pakistan’s journey toward export-led industrial growth.
Speaking at Honda Atlas’ export ceremony, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan praised the company’s efforts. “The hard work and dedication of Honda Atlas is commendable,” he said. “Pakistan’s auto sector is ready to emerge on the global stage.”
Akhtar emphasized that the initiative aligns with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision of achieving export-driven industrial growth. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the auto sector through favorable policies, encouraging local manufacturers to explore international markets.
The country’s auto industry, dominated by Toyota’s Indus Motors, Honda Atlas, and Pak Suzuki, has traditionally relied on imported parts and focused on assembly. However, recent years have seen a shift toward positioning Pakistan as an export hub.
In July 2024, Indus Motor Company Limited (IMC), the assembler of Toyota vehicles in Pakistan, began exporting certain vehicles to other Toyota-affiliated companies. These developments signal a growing ambition within the sector to compete globally.
Despite these advancements, the auto industry continues to face significant challenges, including high production costs, supply chain disruptions, and volatile exchange rates.
Akhtar expressed optimism that increased exports would help drive industrial growth and strengthen Pakistan’s economy. “This is just the beginning,” he said, urging local manufacturers to seize opportunities in global markets.
Stay Connected with ProPakistani
Get the latest automobile news, car launches, bike reviews, videos and analysis wherever you prefer.
Add ProPakistani to Preferred Sources and see more of our stories in Google Search and Top Stories.
misleading news, they’re doing this just to meet export requirements set by government
This needs more clarification. Why are these cars being exported to japan? Is it going to be a one off event or is it a running thing? And if it is a running thing WHY is Japan interested in an old Honda City? The Honda City we have here in Pakistan is the old 6th gen. It is more than 7 years old. What does Japan want with an old Honda City when it can easily import the current 7th gen Honda city from any of its more prominent assembly AND manufacturing centers such as Indonesia, Thailand, India, Vietnam or Malaysia?
typical 2 numberian… GOVT asked to export or face fines. Yeh OEM ko wapus beech kr export show kr rhy hin.
Car museum min rakhni hu gi outdated old generation honda city.
older model export back to Japan, isn’t it strange?
well, let them taste the quality of the cars they produce in Pakistan.