Pakistan Economy Thread

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Changan Automobiles Is Coming to Pakistan!
Changan is set to launch its vehicles in Pakistan.

Changan Automobiles, a Chinese automobile manufacturer, is entering Pakistan and will soon launch its vehicles.

The company was already in talks with the government to get permission for setting up its plants in the country, and Master Motors was awarded a Category-A Greenfield Status under the Auto Policy 2016-21’s guidelines.

The initial paperwork and registration work seems to be coming to an end, as Changan has already issued notices to the press and will hold an announcement event soon.

Source told ProPaksitani that both companies will agree to establish an assembly plant in Karachi. In the first phase they will introduce passengers’ cars, and provides aftersales services as well. The target market will be middle and higher income group.

The source disclosed:

MMCL is purchasing land for assembly plant in Karachi. After the agreement, construction work will start soon.

Changan Automobiles and Master Motors Corporation Joint Venture

As seen in the official press invite, the event will take place in Karachi, at Pearl Continental Hotel in Dilkusha on 29th of June, this Friday.

The company is investing $100 million in the local auto sector.

Changan is an early leader in the Chinese automobile and engineering company. Chinese politician, general and diplomat Li Hongzhang founded China’s first western style engineering firm and first state owned enterprise. This was beginnings of what has become Changan Automobiles. Chang is a word of Chinese Language means safety. Changan is 153 years old company with 59 years of building vehicles and 32 years of experience in building and selling passenger cars.

Changan produces trucks, light commercial vehicles and passengers cars. Each day Changan sells more than 8500 vehicles across 6000 sales and services facilities in 60 countries.

Master Motor Corporation (Pvt.) Limited (MMCL) is an automobile assembling; manufacturing company formed in 2002, and is part of Master Group of Companies.

MMCL is authorized assembler/ manufacturer in Pakistan for leading Commercial Vehicles from China including world-renowned Foton (Light Duty Truck and Heavy Duty Truck) and Yuejin . It is producing a wide range of Commercial Vehicles from 1.5 Ton loading capacity to 60 Ton GCW Prime Mover . More than 12,000 Master vehicles sold give it a very strong commercial base both in public and private sector organizations.

MMCL is part of Master group of companies with its operations expanding into different areas including:

Master Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd
Master Chemical Ltd
Procon Engineering (Pvt) Ltd
Master Polymers Industries Ltd
Master Textile Ltd
Master Molty Foam (Pvt) Ltd
Master Motor Corporation (Pvt) Ltd
Celeste Home Fashion
Master OffiSys (Pvt) Ltd
Master Wind Energy
Fuso Master Motors Ltd.
Coming Soon
Both the companies, Changan Automobile and Master Motors Corporation, will sign an official agreement at the event.

Changan’s official website for Pakistani customers is now live and a notice on the front page reads:

Changan CS 75 Front
Changan Eado XT RS Front
Changan Alsvin V7 Front
Master Group, from the makers of Molty Foam, a renowned Pakistani brand which has been offering reliability since decades recently acquired greenfield approval from the Government of Pakistan and now has proudly formed joint Venture with Changan International Corporation which is one of China’s leading automobile brand. Together we bring to you next generation of Passenger car, SUV, MPV and light commercial vehicles to Pakistan.

If you are looking to sign the dealership application, and also want to take a look at Changan’s vehicles, you can visit their website.

 

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Export of

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from

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during July-May current year has increased by 10.64 % as compared to same period of the previous year.

Increase in the export of footballs is witnessed amid ongoing

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, where Pakistan's manufactured footballs are being used.

 

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Attracting foreign investment by Prosperous Pakistan campaign in London.

 

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Kia - Lucky Motors will be launching no less than four new models in 2018 and 2019.


After years of domination by major players and witnessing the formation of a monopoly, the Pakistani automotive industry, at last, has new competition. Kia Lucky motors has established itself and they will be launching no less than four new models in 2018 and 2019.

Kia Picanto

Engine: 1.0L Naturally Aspirated MPI Inline 3
Power: 66 HP
Torque: 96 Nm
Fuel Economy: 17.5 km/l
Estimated Price: PKR. 1,250 000 – 1,450 000
The Kia Picanto is 3595mm in length and just 2400mm between the wheels. The Picanto shares a platform with the Hyundai i10, which is not a bad thing. The EURO-6 compliant engine, quick and responsive but never fast as the 66 HP figure suggests, it is more refined and less noisy as compared to its rivals. The NEDC rates the Picanto for up to 23 km/l. It clearly shows that Kia is competing with Suzuki, as it’s competitive set could be stretched to include anything from Mehran to the Swift although Wagon-R and Cultus, are seen as the main targets. Kia clearly has a leg up in both interior and exterior styling, the materials are expected to be superior to its PKDM rivals as well. Not to forget, the fuel economy figures are also in its favour.

The Picanto is surprisingly fun and comfortable for a small car, the 5-Speed manual gearbox would be my preference for its crisp shifts, better fuel economy and performance. A 4-Speed Automatic is also available if you have a little extra cash and a lazy left leg, at the expense of performance and efficiency. Later this year, Kia will launch a model of the Picanto that will feature a 1.0L Turbocharged and Direct-Injected engine with 100 HP and 172 Nm of torque! Though in all honesty, I don’t expect it to be seen here.

Kia Rio Hatchback

Engine: 1.4L Naturally Aspirated MPI Inline 4
Power: 98 HP
Torque: 133 Nm
Fuel Economy: 14.5 km/l
Price: PKR 1,750 000 – 2,000 000
The Rio is my personal favourite in Pakistani Kia line-up, though that may change if they bring the Stinger GT here. In all likelihood, the Rio we receive will be the sedan variant. However, in my opinion, the hatch is more practical, sporty, better looking and overall a better choice. The hatchback will undoubtedly be a huge investment in a category that is not well received here, but the Rio is certainly one car that can change minds even when pitted against big guns like the Honda City and Toyota Corolla. It will be interesting to see how things go as mindsets aren’t easy to change. With that said, one thing is absolutely clear about the Rio it is one seriously capable vehicle, the engine is smooth, punchy and efficient. It is available with 5-Speed Manual, 4-Speed Automatic, 6-Speed Manual or a 6-Speed Automatic. Modern tech like Lane Departure Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Apple Carplay and Android Auto are available on higher trims but may not be available here. A 1-litre turbo engine much like the Picanto’s 1.0L Turbo is offered here as well. Though, it will not be available in Pakistan. The interior design is a notch above its local rivals, but the build quality can only be assessed when the car comes out. Lastly, the ex-Audi designer Peter Schreyer has designed a masterpiece here. No compact hatchback looks this good. Sporty, composed and good looking, the Rio is destined for success if consumers clear their mind and Kia meets production demand without sacrificing the quality.

Kia Sportage

Engine: 1.6L Naturally Aspirated MPI Inline 4
Power: 130 HP
Torque: 161 Nm
Fuel Economy: 12.5 km/l
Price: PKR 3,500,000 – 4,000,000
Kia’s lineup would be incomplete without a crossover. We all know crossovers generate a lot of revenue for car makers as they are large volume sellers and simultaneously very profitable. The Sportage is a welcome addition to the most crowded of Kia’s competitive set, it goes head to head with the Toyota C-HR, Honda Vezel, Audi Q2, BMW X1 and Suzuki Vitara (well you can ignore the Vitara for obvious reasons). A 1.6L four-banger beats at its heart and is responsive to inputs, but in a vehicle like this and of this price, it certainly seems under-powered especially compared to the competition. For it to be an enticing option, Kia needs the turbocharged and direct-injected version of this engine with 177 HP and 265 Nm, which makes it the most powerful among the pack and gives the fuel economy a jump to 14 km/l, which is still fairly short of the competition. It comes with either a 6-Speed manual or a 7-Speed Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission. And again I will have to praise the designers here: It looks bold, tall and imposing as a crossover should and still retains that signature Kia look. The ride is comfortable and handling is more than acceptable for this class. Kia’s cabin and safety tech need no introduction. The Sportage scored a 5-Star rating in the EURO NCAP crash tests. Apple Carplay, Android Auto, Auto-Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Prevention and Blind Spot monitoring are also available, but just like the Rio, they might not make an appearance in Pakistan. It will be interesting to see how the Koreans compete in this segment with the Japanese and German alternatives. It certainly appears to be a big deal for Kia, whether it is a successful big deal remains to be seen.

Kia Grand Carnival/Sedona

 

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China-based Changan to manufacture crossover SUVs as well as light commercial vehicles in Pakistan

Master Motor Corporation will collaborate with China-based Changan to manufacture crossover SUVs as well as light commercial vehicles in Pakistan, establishing a plant in Karachi.

The facility will have an initial capacity of 30,000 units a year,The venture will see a total investment of $100 million by the end of this year. Master Motor will inject 70% while the remaining amount will come from the Chinese company.

 

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China wants to expand and promote its free trade agreement (FTA) with Pakistan, said Chinese Deputy Head of Mission Lijian Zhao

Speaking at a regional conference on “Connectivity and Geo-economics in South Asia”, Lijian pointed out that China was interested in exploring more trade opportunities with Pakistan.

The diplomat expressed confidence that the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would lead to regional connectivity for the benefit of not only Pakistan and China, but all neighbouring countries.

However, he stressed that there was a need for further improvement in matters related to CPEC for its effective implementation.

Lijian called for settling cross-border issues between the two countries and said Karakoram Highway was a significant project for linking the two sides.

 

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Report by World Economic Forum ......

Pakistan hit its billion tree goal in August 2017 – months ahead of schedule. Now, the hills of the country’s northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are alive with newly planted saplings.

The massive reforestation project – named the Billion Tree Tsunami – added 350,000 hectares of trees both by planting and natural regeneration, in an effort to restore the province’s depleted forests and fight the effects of climate change.

Decades of felling and natural disasters have drastically reduced Pakistan’s forests. Figures for the country’s total forest cover range between around 2% and 5% of land area. Nevertheless, Pakistan has one of the lowest levels of forest cover in the region and well below the 12% recommended by the UN.

It is also among the six countries that will be most affected by global warming.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had lost large areas of forest to felling, which increased the likelihood of flooding and landslides. In 2016 flash floods hit the province, killing dozens of people.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=2081978095404047

 

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Regal Automobile with investment of Rs10b starts production.....

Regal Automobile Industries Limited is Pakistan’s third largest bike assembling company. The plant is equipped with most modern technology; where Light Commercial Vehicles and Vans are made. This plant in Lahore with the investment of Rs.10 Billion has started production in June 2018.

Sohail Usman Chairman of Regal Automobile Industries Limited and DFSK Group of China have entered into a technical agreement for assembling vehicles. This agreement is already operational with the name of “Prince”.

An eleven seater multipurpose vehicle with name of Prince C37, a pick up named K01 equipped with modern technology and a six seater luxury van K07 will be available in the market. All these vehicles are available with Euro grade engine equipped with European technology.
Regal Automobile Industries Limited is also providing after sales service facility. In future, company has plans to manufacture SUV. Ministry of Industries has issued manufacturing license to Regal Automobile Industries Limited in February 2018.

Initially, we have planned to assemble 5,000 units on single shift basis. Expected increase in demand of commercial vehicles is due to CPEC; we have plans to increase production to 10,000 vehicles on double shift basis.

For assembling vehicles, company has already started formal import of CKDD kits from China and vehicles will be available with CKDD kits.

 

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478.7 mn allocated for provision of 4G services along the

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Highway.

The Federal Information Technology Ministry will spend 486.726 million rupees on expansion and up gradation of 3g and 4g services and continuous coverage along the Karakoram Highway (in support of

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) in

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. A Technical Training Institute will also be established in Gilgit-Baltistan.

A total of 2658.713 million rupees have been earmarked for eight on-going schemes of Information Technology and Telecommunication Division in the Public Sector Development Programme. Ongoing scheme under CPEC include, construction of Cross Border OFC System Between China and Pakistan for International Connectivity of voice/Data Traffic and provision of seamless GSM coverage Along Karakuram highway for proposed Gawadar Kashighar Economic Corridor in Gilgit Baltistan.

The project aimed to increase quality of skills and capacity of organizations to consistently deliver high quality services and products and raising their standard.

 

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UD Trucks Corporation, together with VPL Limited – the authorised distributor of UD Trucks in Pakistan, launched its UD Quester heavy-duty truck range in Pakistan.