ISLAMABAD, March 29: In a groundbreaking development for Pakistan’s automotive sector, Honda Atlas Cars Pakistan (HACPL) has officially commenced exports of completely built-up (CBU) units for the first time.
The landmark event took place at the company’s premises and was attended by key industry figures, with Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) for Industries and Production, Mr. Haroon Akhtar Khan, serving as the chief guest.
The ceremony saw the presence of several high-ranking officials, including Mr. Saif Anjum, Secretary of the Ministry of Industries and Production, and Mr. Khuda Baksh Ali, CEO of the Engineering Development Board.
Pakistan’s Entry into the Global Market
HACPL has successfully dispatched its first batch of 40 Honda CITY 1.2L units to Japan, a move that underscores the company’s dedication to global quality standards, reliability, and innovation.
This achievement strengthens Pakistan’s position in the international automotive market and lays the foundation for future export expansion into diverse global markets.
Government’s Endorsement of Industrial Growth
During his visit to the Honda Atlas Cars Pakistan plant, SAPM Haroon Akhtar Khan praised the company’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and stringent quality standards, emphasizing its role in boosting local production and exports.
He reiterated that this milestone aligns with the government’s vision for economic progress through industrial growth.
Mr. Aamir H. Shirazi, speaking at the event, commended the government’s support in creating a business-friendly environment, while Mr. Takafumi Koike highlighted Honda’s legacy of innovation and global excellence.
The ceremony featured a ribbon-cutting event, marking the official start of HACPL’s export journey, followed by a tree plantation drive, symbolizing the company’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Strengthening Pakistan’s Global Automotive Footprint
Speaking at the occasion, Haroon Akhtar Khan lauded Honda Atlas Cars Pakistan for its dedication and resilience, highlighting how this milestone showcases the country’s potential to become a key player in the global automotive industry.
He further emphasized the government’s focus on export-driven industrial growth, stressing that public-private sector collaboration is crucial to achieving long-term economic success.
Reaffirming Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s vision, he stated that the government remains committed to supporting the automotive sector through policy reforms and infrastructure development.
Encouraging local manufacturers to explore international market opportunities, SAPM Haroon Akhtar expressed confidence in Pakistan’s ability to evolve into a regional hub for automotive production and exports.
A Step Toward Economic Progress
Honda Atlas Cars Pakistan’s entry into vehicle exports marks a significant step forward for the country’s industrial ambitions, signaling new growth opportunities for the automotive sector while reinforcing Pakistan’s presence in the global market.
Pak Suzuki Begins Vehicle Exports to Bangladesh and Afghanistan
Hiroshi Kawamura, CEO of Pak Suzuki, has announced that the company has officially commenced vehicle exports to Bangladesh and Afghanistan, marking a significant step in expanding Pakistan’s footprint in the global automotive market.
Read More: Pakistan’s Exports Surge 8.42% to $22.07B in 8 Months
Speaking at the inauguration of the new Suzuki Vendor Cluster Area, Kawamura emphasized that this milestone reflects the quality, reliability, and competitiveness of Pakistani-made vehicles in international markets.
Pak Suzuki’s Export Legacy & Milestone Achievement
Kawamura highlighted that Pak Suzuki has been exporting vehicles and auto parts since 1997, including motorcycle accessories and software to Japan. The company’s growing presence in overseas markets is a testament to its manufacturing expertise and adherence to global standards.
At the event, the company also celebrated a major production milestone—rolling out its 2.5 millionth vehicle in Pakistan. Kawamura credited this achievement to the dedication of employees, strong supplier and dealer networks, supportive government policies, and customer trust.
Strengthening Local Supply Chains
In a key development, Minister for Industries & Production, Rana Tanveer Hussain, inaugurated the new Suzuki Vendor Cluster Area, a strategic initiative designed to strengthen Pak Suzuki’s network of local suppliers.
This move is expected to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs through localized supply chain management.
Read More: Pakistan Achieves Landmark Success in Rice Exports to Kenya
Addressing industry concerns, Kawamura called for stricter enforcement against the misuse of import schemes for used cars, which he said negatively impacts local manufacturers.
He also emphasized the importance of removing barriers that hinder the achievement of export targets under the country’s export policy.
Government Acknowledgment & Future Support
Government officials at the event praised Pak Suzuki’s contributions to the automotive sector.
Khuda Bukhsh, CEO of the Engineering Development Board, highlighted the company’s success in localizing around 70% of its vehicle components.
Saif Anjum, Secretary Industries, commended Pak Suzuki’s annual production capacity of 160,000 vehicles and its diverse product lineup.
Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain recognized the company’s role in enhancing exports, achieving the 2.5 million vehicle production milestone, and contributing to job creation, economic growth, and technology transfer over the past four decades.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Pakistan’s automotive industry through policy alignment and export promotion strategies, ensuring long-term sector growth.
Toyota Starts Exports
Toyota Indus Motors is set to export 50 units soon. The export of vehicles by our local manufacturers isn’t limited to Toyota only. We’ve also seen that Pak Suzuki is preparing to export its cars to Bangladesh, but the United Nations’ objections are holding them back.
Millat Tractor to Export 3000 Units
Earlier this month, we shared a similar update narrating that Millat Tractor is also gearing up to steer country’s economy out of the persisting challenges. The economist Abdul Rehman Najam, in his tweet, revealed a welcoming move from the country’s largest agricultural machinery manufacturer, dubbed “Millat Tractors.”
As per his tweet, the company is all set to export about 3000 tractors in FY24 to countries like Africa, Afghanistan, South America, and the Middle East.
Read More: Pakistan’s Textile Exports Surge 19% Amid Growth Plans
The tractor industry stands out as a success story in terms of localization.
Meanwhile, Changan Pakistan is also a market player. In October 2023, Changan Pakistan exported a batch of 14 Oshan X7s to Kenyan and Tanzanian markets, making Changan Pakistan the country’s largest exporter of technologically advanced SUVs in international markets.
What do you think about the recent move by the Toyota Indus Motor? Drop your thoughts in the comments section.
