Automakers encouraged to boost exports

Published
4
A worker at a car facility. — Reuters/File
A worker at a car facility. — Reuters/File

KARACHI: Engineering Devel­opment Board (EDB) Chief Executive Hammad Ali Mansoor has encouraged the local auto manufacturers to focus on exporting ‘Made-in-Pakistan’ vehicles.

“Pakistan’s auto market is far better than the auto markets of Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Sri Lanka,” he said while speaking at the inauguration of the Pakistan Auto Show at Karachi Expo Centre on Friday.

“I ask local auto manufacturers and auto parts manufacturers to work on the formula of future development and must try to get export orders from the global market,” he said.

According to a press release, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Senior Vice-President Saqib Fayaz Magoon said that the local automotive industry has improved quite much this year with the implementation of the ‘Make-in-Pakistan’ initiative.

“I hope now that the initiative will be implemented soon in the local auto industry since it has a key role in national development, employment, and tax collection,” he said.

He added that new technology in the local automotive sector will help expand it, and now the need is for a long-lasting industrial policy, which, in turn, will strengthen the sectors of development, engineering, and manufacturing.

Pakistan Association of Auto Parts and Accessories Manu­facturers (PAAPAM) Senior Vice-Chairman Shehryar Qadir said the association is proud to host over 172 exhibitors, including leading manufacturers from Pakistan’s automotive sector, as well as vibrant part manufacturers who are integral to their supply chains.

He said the auto show also marks the presence of its international partners from China, South Korea, Singapore and Iran, which would strengthen our global ties.

Currently, he said, the auto industry is facing a different set of challenges, primarily policy measures that will shape the very ecosystem of our automotive future.

“Yet, in the face of those challenges, we see opportunities. This exhibition is a powerful testament to our industry’s innovative spirit. The Pakistan Auto Show is our answer to the misconception that ‘nothing is manufactured in Pakistan”, said Mr Qadir.

Suzuki Fronx XUV

Pak Suzuki Motor Company Ltd (PSMCL) introduced Pakistan’s first-ever XUV (crossover utility vehicle or cross utility vehicle), the Suzuki Fronx 1,500cc Hybrid, at the auto show, which, according to the company’s website, will arrive in May 2026.

Besides, some Chinese assemblers have also introduced various upcoming variants at the show.

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2025

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