Auto

Pakistan’s automotive industry is poised for growth as Ghandhara Industries Limited announces a key alliance with China’s Zhongtong Bus Holding Co. Limited. The partnership, revealed through a filing to the Pakistan Stock Exchange on Friday, aims to roll out Zhongtong’s high-end buses in the local market. This move marks a major step in diversifying Ghandhara’s offerings, with plans to establish a dedicated assembly line alongside its current bus body production setup. Fully imported luxury models are slated for introduction in early 2026, while domestic manufacturing will kick off by mid-year, pending necessary approvals and facility upgrades. Zhongtong, established in 1958, specializes in eco-friendly and energy-efficient buses, serving international markets. Amid Pakistan’s auto sector—long led by Japanese brands like Suzuki, Honda, and Toyota—the deal intensifies rivalry from newcomers such as Hyundai, Kia, and Sazgar Engineering. Adding to the momentum, NexGen Auto, part of the Nishat Group, recently started electric vehicle output ahead of its timeline this month, signaling a shift toward innovative mobility solutions.

Karachi: Indus Motor Company proposed that the upcoming Auto Policy 2026–31 should maintain at least a 40% tariff difference between Completely Knocked Down (CKD) and Completely Built Up (CBU) vehicles to protect jobs and ensure competitiveness. This was proposed by Chief Executive IMC Ali Asghar Jamali while speaking at Pakistan Auto Show (PAPS) held at the Expo Center Karachi from November 14-16, in which IMC participated as a Diamond Sponsor. “Our participation at PAPS 2025 reflects our commitment to the ‘Make in Pakistan’ vision to produce world-class vehicles locally while supporting job creation and industrial growth. “We urge the government to maintain policies that promote local manufacturing and shield the industry from the negative impact of used car imports,” said Jamali, adding that there is a need for stable and forward-looking government policies to ensure the long-term sustainability of the local auto industry. He further emphasized that parts manufacturing in Pakistan should be nurtured, and imports of parts already produced locally should be subject to higher import duties to strengthen the local parts industry, develop Pakistani skill sets, and create sustainable employment. Jamali also called for decisive measures against the rising import of used vehicles, which threaten domestic production, Large Scale Manufacturing (LSM) growth, and employment generation. It is to be noted that currently 17 global automotive players have invested in Pakistan, establishing plants with a combined capacity of 500,000 vehicles, of which only one third is utilized. In this situation, he added, where major investments exist alongside underused capacity, the import of used cars, already 25% of the market, undermines investor confidence. “Insufficient capacity utilization also makes locally produced vehicles less competitive and more expensive for consumers,” reasoned Jamali. Over the past 35 years, he added, IMC has consistently invested in localization, human skills development, enabling high-quality vehicle production, job creation, and economic growth through its strong vendor network and technical collaborations. “The company continues to lead efforts for sustainability, innovation, and industrial advancement within Pakistan’s automotive ecosystem,” said Jamali. Jamali said that at IMC they believe in building a stronger Pakistan through localization, innovation, and continued investment in our people and industry. Through an active participation at PAPS 2025, he added, IMC reaffirmed its dedication to localization, industrial growth, and sustainable economic development, in line with the national vision of “Make in Pakistan.” At the IMC pavilion, visitors were drawn to the expended displays of the Toyota Yaris and Corolla Cross, highlighting the extensive localization achieved in these models. The exhibit reflected IMC’s enduring commitment to its “Make in Pakistan” philosophy, promoting local manufacturing, innovation, and industrial self-reliance. The event brought together original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), policymakers, government stakeholders, and the public to showcase advancements in Pakistan’s automotive industry.

Karachi: In a buzzworthy reveal at the Pakistan Auto Show (PAPS) 2025, Suzuki has taken the wraps off its latest compact SUV, the Fronx, signalling a bold push into Pakistan’s competitive urban mobility segment. The event, unfolding at the Karachi Expo Center from November 14 to 16, drew crowds eager for innovative rides amid rising demand for versatile, fuel-efficient vehicles.The Fronx blends crossover flair with practicality, powered by a responsive 1.5-liter engine delivering 103 horsepower and 138 Nm of torque. Mated to a smooth 4-speed automatic transmission, it promises agile handling for city streets and light highway jaunts. With a 37-liter fuel tank, the model prioritizes efficiency without skimping on tech-forward amenities.At its core is a vibrant 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, seamlessly integrating Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for effortless connectivity. Driver aids like cruise control, hill hold control (HHC), and a 360-degree camera elevate everyday drives, while safety is fortified with six airbags, rear parking sensors, and anti-lock braking system (ABS).Inside, the cabin caters to modern lifestyles with digital climate control, rear AC vents for passenger bliss, wireless charging pads, and intuitive multifunction steering wheel controls. While these specs hail from the international variant, Suzuki hints at tailored tweaks for the Pakistani lineup to suit local preferences and conditions.Industry watchers see the Fronx as a game-changer for young professionals and families seeking style on a budget. “This isn’t just a vehicle; it’s Suzuki’s vision for tomorrow’s roads,” remarked a company spokesperson at the unveiling. As PAPS continues, expect test drives and deeper dives into pricing and availability, potentially debuting in showrooms by early 2026.

The global automotive industry is facing a deepening crisis as semiconductor shortages intensify amid mounting US-China trade tensions. Chipmaker Nexperia, a critical supplier for major automakers, has been hit with new export restrictions on advanced chips — sending shockwaves across global production lines. Major Automakers in Crisis Mode – Nissan says current supplies will only last until early November, forcing reduced production schedules. – Honda has completely halted operations at its Mexican assembly plants, leaving thousands of workers idle and delaying key SUV releases. – Mercedes-Benz warns of looming disruptions across its global fleet. – Volkswagen, Fiat, and others in Brazil are preparing to shut down plants within weeks due to incoming shortages. Emergency Plans and ‘War Rooms’ Activated Automakers have set up emergency sourcing “war rooms,” urgently turning to chip stockpiles in Taiwan and South Korea in an attempt to stabilize operations. Market Impact Analysts forecast a 15–20% decline in Q4 automotive output, worsening EV rollout delays, tightening supply, and pushing up vehicle prices. Shares of impacted automakers fell 2–4%, reflecting escalating concerns. Industry Warning “This isn’t just a hiccup — it’s a supply chain meltdown,” said Ford’s procurement chief, urging diplomatic intervention to prevent further disruption.