KARACHI: Atlas Honda Ltd (AHL) has increased the prices of bikes for the sixth time this year by Rs2,600-8,000 from Dec 1.

The prices of CD-70cc and CD-Dream have been raised by Rs2,600 to Rs69,500 and Rs73,500, respectively, Pridor by Rs3,100 to Rs95,500, CG-125 by Rs3,600 to Rs114,500. The highest rate jump was in CB150F by Rs8,000 to Rs187,000.

Honda had sold 373,698 units in 4MFY19 as compared to 360,516 units in same period last year.

Super Asia has also increased the prices of its motorbikes by Rs3,000 and three-wheeler, Tuk Tuk and loaders by Rs12,000. The new rates would be effective from Dec 8.

Association of Pakistan Motorcycle Assemblers Chairman Mohammad Sabir Sheikh attributed this hike to rupee devaluation against the dollar which pushed up the cost of imported parts. Besides, the rate of imported sheet metal has also gone up due to increase in customs duty.

He said the rise in Honda prices in December has been the highest as previously the company used to jack up prices within the range of Rs400-5,000 on different models.

Chinese and Japanese bike assemblers have been pushing up prices amid claims of having achieved 92 per cent localisation in two-wheelers. Sabir said the biggest price increase was witnessed in Honda CB150F since it is mostly imported.

According to figures of the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, import of completely and semi-knocked down kits used in local assembly of bikes rose by 6pc to $37 million in 4MFY19, from $35m in corresponding period last year.

He said the government should come out with a policy on two-wheelers so that their prices could be controlled and sick units could also be revived.

Published in Dawn, December 2nd, 2018