KARACHI, Dec 27: Prospective buyers’ rush for the new cars remained a key factor in boosting of production and sales of cars by 55 and 61 per cent respectively in July-November 2003-2004 as compared to the same period of 2002-2003.

A total of 34,098 units were produced and 34,652 units were sold in the last four months as compared to 21,867 and 21,479 units produced and sold respectively in the same period of last fiscal, figures compiled by Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA) say.

However, due to five days Eid-ul-Fitre holidays and five Sundays last month, production and sales of many assemblers remained at the bottom if compared with the previous month of October 2003. For instance, Toyota Corolla produced only 1,002 in November as against 1981 in October and sold 1,036 units in November as against 2,009 units in October. A total of 309 and 278 units of Honda Civic were rolled out and sold last month in comparison with 424 and 421 units in October. Honda City production and sales dropped to 429 and 435 units in November from 717 and 670 units in October.

Suzuki Baleno production and sales during November remained low at 236 and 225 units last month from 478 and 478 units in October. Cultus production and sales plunged to 592 and 597 units in November as compared to 1,278 and 1,287 units in October. Surprisingly, production of Mehran jumped to 2,052 units in November from 2,010 units while sales slightly fell to 1,992 units from 2,023 units in October.

Daihatsu Cuore production and sales caved in to 193 and 195 units in November from 516 and 623 units in October.

Dewan’s Kia Classic and Spectra model is losing charm among the buyers. In July-November only 20 units of Kia Classic were produced while only 72 units of Spectra were rolled out in the last four months.

The drop in production and sales in November 2003 did not make any significant impact if compared with same month of 2002. Overall production and sales stood at 5,960 and 5,790 units in November 2003 as compared to 4,450 and 4,128 units in November 2002.

An analyst at Capital One Research said that the auto sector has been exhibiting exceptional results during the current as well as previous fiscal owing to booming demand, attractive car financing schemes by leasing companies and banks, excess liquidity in the market and entrance of new models.

Besides local production, import of vehicles are also rising. Over 6,000 vehicles (new and used cars, vans and sports utility vehicles) had been imported during the first ten months of the