KARACHI: Competition for producing new energy vehicles (NEVs) has intensified as Sazgar Engineering Works Ltd (SEWL) plans to introduce the completely knocked down (CKD) model before Dec 31, 2025.

In a stock filing on Monday, SEWL said the board of directors had approved the plan, which includes the expansion of the existing paint shop, construction of new warehousing facilities, installation of a solar system of 4-megawatt and construction, erection, installation of new manufacturing facilities for the local assembly of NEVs subject to the approval of relevant government regulatory authorities.

The board also approved an estimated expansion cost of Rs4.5 billion, excluding land, which will be financed from the internal cash resources.

SEWL’s profit swelled by 697pc to Rs7.94bn in FY24 from Rs995m in FY23. Net sales rose to Rs57.6bn from Rs18bn.

The board also recommended a final cash dividend of Rs12 per share in addition to the interim already paid at Rs8 per share.

Besides Sazgar, Dewan Farooque Motors Ltd (DFML) last week said it had started production of EVs at its assembly plant after receiving approval from the Engineering Development Board (EDB).

China’s electric vehicle leader, BYD, has also announced plans to test the potential of EVs in Pakistan. Master Changan Motors Ltd has also launched its EV vehicles — Deepal L07 sedan and Deepal S07 SUV in Karachi — now available at the company’s 18 dealership network across 12 cities.

Published in Dawn, September 24th, 2024