Automark

Karachi, April 11: Preparations have been completed for The Pakistan Auto Parts Show (PAPS), a premier annual auto industry event, to be held at Expo Centre Karachi from Friday 12 April to 14 April.

The Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts & Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) is organizing PAPS 2019, around 106 foreign companies and their delegates are taking parts in the exhibition. Around 244 companies will display their products and highlight technology and services.

Attraction of the show includes a test drive track by KIA and vehicles unveiling by new entrants including KIA and Changan. Whereas Suzuki will be showcasing its upcoming Suzuki Alto 660cc car. Other exhibiting OEMs include Toyota and Honda too.

Meanwhile, all types of vehicles including tractors, busses, trucks, passenger cars, leisure and 4×4 vehicles light commercial vehicles, motorcycles, three wheelers, and exotic cars will also be displayed.

Chairman PAAPAM Muhammad Ashraf Shaikh and Chairman PAPS 2019 Mashool Ali Khan will also address on the occasion to highlight the objective of the PAPS 2019 and its achievements.

A fast-emerging leading manufacturer of cargo and dump trucks in Pakistan, JW Forland is a partnership between Pakistan’s JW Group and China’s Foton. A 50-50 joint-venture, JW Forland currently manufactures 4 variants of cargo trucks and a dump truck. In the future, the company intends to launch an even bigger variety of cargo and dump trucks. However, the company has no plans to enter the passenger car segment.

Pakistan’s Auto Industry Development Policy 2016-21 has been a game changer in more ways than one. When it was announced in 2016, many had predicted that it would encourage many foreign auto manufacturers to come to Pakistan. This has happened already. However, what many had not foreseenin 2016 was that those who would come to Pakistan would also lead the way for the local auto manufacturers – JW Forland has proven itself to be that leader, at least in the cargo and dump truck segment. JW Forland, in short, has up the ante and its competitors have no choice but to raise their game too.

What makes JW Forland, A game changer?
JW Forland, is not just another auto manufacturer that has been lured by the incentives offered by Pakistan’s Auto Industry Development Policy 2016-21. It is a company which is not unmindful of its social commitments and therefore believes in giving back to the community.

Some of the distinctive features of JW Forland are:
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Activities –JW Group President Mr. Shah Faisal Afridi advocates minimum carbon emissions, thus helping turn Pakistan into a greener and cleaner country. True to its words, the company has installed an emission testing facility in Pakistan, the first of its type in the country, which will ensure that JW Forland’s products produce minimum carbon emissions. Even otherwise, to make Pakistan a cleaner country, JW Forland plans on introducing road sweepers and garbage compactors to its line of trucks; their production has already started.
In this regard, to raise awareness, the company recently organized an activity named Clean and Green Pakistan at Minar-e-Pakistan, Lahore. Employees took part in this CSR activity very enthusiastically. Encouraged by this event, JW Forland plans to hold many such activities in the future.

JW Forland’s corporate social responsibility doesn’t end here
JW Forland, Youth & Education –JW Forland has recently signed an MOU with the University of Central Punjab’s Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program. This will be mutually beneficial for both as the company will get to select from a wide pool of potential candidates against it vacancies. On the other hands, UCP’s EMBA graduates will have an added career option, should they choose to switch from their existing jobs or careers.

To further recruit the best and brightest of Pakistan, JW Forland regularly pitches tent at various job fairs where hundreds throng to its booth for information about the company and available job vacancies. At this pace, it will be hard, if not outright impossible, for JW Forland’s competitors to play catch up with the company.

JW Forland’s corporate social responsibility does end here either
A Growing JW Forland, a Vibrant Pakistan
The company is not just a joint venture between Pakistan’s JW Group and China’s Foton but essentially the further coming closer of Pakistan and China. As the company raises its game with the launch of its every product, it also puts the onus on its competitors to raise their game too. By following in the footsteps of JW Forland, other trucks manufacturers, too, would manufacturer quality trucks, making this automotive segment one of the most advanced, not just in Pakistan but in the rest of the region too.

It is therefore often said that JW Forland has been a game changer in Pakistan’s automotive sector.

As many as 106 international exhibitors are coming to Pakistan to participate in Pakistan Auto Show (PAPS) to be held here at Expo Center from April 12 to 14.

This was revealed by Chairman Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) Muhammad Ashraf Shaikh in a press conference on Monday here at a local hotel to announce the PAPS 2019.

Chairman PAAPAM added that total 89 local exhibitors, 28 sponsors, 03 universities, and 18 support organizations and 106 International exhibitors are part of this show. This comes to total 244 exhibitors this year.

He added that the PAPS came into being to provide our industry a platform from the country to showcase its capability and potential to the world. “It is three day event with the entire Auto Engineering Sector assembled under one roof,” he added.

He revealed that new entrants including KIA and Changan will be displaying some of their potential offerings to Pakistan at the exhibition.

He said that government high-ups, local and international buyers and manufacturers, machinery manufacturers, raw material providers, and service providers are expected in this show.

“Based on previous estimates, this year’s PAPS is expected to draw a crowd of more than 100,000+ Potential visitors from parts manufacturers, component suppliers, auto lovers and affluent automobile buyers to get a glimpse of the latest models from the world’s leading automakers in the motorcycle, three wheeler, car, tractor, trucks and buses,” he added.

Head of Organizing Committee, Mashood Ali Khan said that this time around PAPS 2019 will be even a bigger show with exhibitors participating from China, Thailand, Malaysia, Korea and Netherlands. The show has further increased its penetration in the localized sector with participation from 12 of the major OEM,” he added.

“We would like to develop and strengthen our international relationships which have been made after years of work. Export Orientation will be the key to introducing new and upgraded technology,’ said Mashood, adding that their objective is strengthening previous relations with OEMs and striving to increase localization content.

“Another object of the association is that new avenues need to be made for our SMEs to transform into large scale companies. As the economy of Pakistan is growing rapidly, the importance of such shows becomes greater, as PAPS will be geared to invite both local and international investors, who are showing keen interest in working with Pakistan,” he said.

PAAPAM has always played a pivotal role for provision of business opportunities and growth of Auto Engineering Industry as a whole. At PAPS 2019, PAAPAM has established a substantive business generation model for everyone including PAAPAM members who are not part of this year’s exhibition as well as for the representatives of the Allied Industry. Highly trained B2B professionals will be aligning their business meetings to explore synergistic opportunities. For this an exclusive business lounge will be set up as per the international standards to facilitate B2B meetings. Furthermore, PAAPAM has taken a step ahead in providing ease of operation for all of its exhibitors and will be providing free Hi Tea and Lunch for them during the complete course of the exhibition.

For the first time in Pakistan, an exhibition is offering Complete Thematic Representation of Stall. Matching international standards and breaking the stereotypes, PAPS has provided the thematic stalls for all of our participants who will just have to plug and play,” said CEO Petrol Solutions, Nabeel Bin Tariq.

PRESS RELEASE

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Shaukat Yousafzai has rejected the propaganda on social media regarding wrong-side door of buses imported for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).

In a statement issued on Saturday, the minister clarified that the 12-meter long buses had passenger doors on both sides.

In a statement, Shaukat Yousafzai said BRT Peshawar buses were state-of-the-art in every aspect. Doors have been installed on both of its sides, he added.

“False and baseless propaganda is being spread on social media regarding the buses. The buses would be run on feeder routes of Bara Road, Kohat Road and Charsadda Road apart from BRT system routes,” he said.

Last week, a woman was crushed to death under BRT bus in the provincial capital. According to details, the BRT bus was being run on a trial basis near Phase III Chowk in Hayatabad area of Peshawar during which a woman climbed down the railing and came on the track.

Yousafzai said these buses would be run on BRT routes as well as on its associated feeder routes including Bara Road, Kohat Road and Charsadda Road in Peshawar.

Yousafzai said during rush hours on feeder routes, the left-side doors of the buses would be used while on stations’ platforms the right side doors would be utilized.

Earlier this week, due to the frequent changes of deadlines for the completion of Peshawar’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister ordered an inquiry into the project. Chief Minister Mahmood Khan was supposed to inaugurate the project on March 23, but work on the project has not been completed, and he was told that the inauguration was not possible.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa inspection team released a report that pointed out faults in the BRT project.

by Aqsa Mirza

Pak Suzuki has officially announced that the company has discontinued producing the outdated hatchback – Suzuki Mehran.

In an official notice to All Pak Suzuki Authorized Deals, the company said keeping in view the discontinuation of the vehicle, Pak Suzuki halts the booking of Mehran with an immediate effect i.e April 01, 2019.

Last year Pak Suzuki issued a notification that it will discontinue Suzuki Mehran and introduce New Suzuki Alto 660cc in Pakistan.

Since its debut in 1989 in the local market, Suzuki Mehran has been the most popular and affordable car in Pakistan. It has been the Boss in the country’s auto market for over 30 years and remained as the top-selling car in Pakistan for three decades.

Also Read: Suzuki has finally decided to phase out of Mehran Car Model VX from Pakistan

There are multiple reasons behind the success of Mehran including the lack of competition in the auto market in the last 30 years as well as its affordable price which was in the budget range of every middle class man. Apart from Suzuki, the only other option for the potential buyers was to buy a car from Honda or Toyota but unfortunately, both of these auto manufacturers, deal in high engine capacity cars of 1300 cc or above. Therefore, Pak Suzuki had no competition in the market and this is one of the reasons that Suzuki Mehran ruled the local auto market for around 30 years.

Though Suzuki made a few cosmetic changes in the car during all these years, but still, it was not updated enough and equipped with modern features to compete with other vehicles.

Mehran is a globally obsolete car. It was retired more than two decades ago, and the only country is producing it till 2018 was Pakistan.

However, a majority of people and car enthusiasts have welcomed the decision of Pak Suzuki to end the production of its oldest hatchback saying that it would open new doors for the potential buyers with a range of options to choose from.

With the discontinuation of Suzuki Mehran, Pak Suzuki Motor has already announced to introduce Suzuki Alto 660cc on the International Standards this year. Suzuki Alto will be the first 660 cc hatchback in the local industry of Pakistan which will also be a direct competitor of United Bravo and Prince Pearl in the future.

by Aqsa Mirza

KARACHI: Keeping the tradition alive, METRO, the leading international wholesale company, hosted an elegant Bike Auto Show 2019 at its Canal Bank Store Lahore. The one of its kind Bike Auto Show had participation from more than 400 bikers along with their Vintage, Customized, and Exotic bikes, from Harley Davidson, BMW, Kawasaki, to Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha brands.

The star attraction of the event was the Vintage Triumph 350cc model 1958 that was gifted to former President Ayub Khan by the Queen of England. The event also had special appearance by MehwishEkhlaque, the top female professional biker, who has travelled all across Pakistan on her heavy bike.

The event was hosted in collaboration with Will Motor Sports, Hi-Speed Motor Sports, Bashi Motor Sports, Fast Lane Motor Sports, and Torque Motor Sports, and attracted over 20,000 people from all age groups and walks of life. The audience really appreciated METRO’sefforts towards organizing different engagement events throughout the year for the customers in a secure environment where they can freely come and enjoy with their families. – PR

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About METRO Cash & Carry:
METRO is a leading international wholesale company with food and non-food assortments that specializes on serving the needs of hotels, restaurants and caterers (HoReCa) as well as independent traders. Around the world, METRO has some 24 million customers. METRO in addition also supports the competitiveness of entrepreneurs and own businesses with digital solutions and thereby contributes to cultural diversity in retail and hospitality. Sustainability is a key pillar of METRO’s business. METRO has been the sector leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the last four years. The company operates in 36 countries and employs more than 150,000 people worldwide.

Following the rupee devaluation, Suzuki Motor Company Ltd (PSMCL) has increased its car prices between Rs20,000 to Rs1,00,000 – for all models, effective from April 1, 2019.
According to a company’s notification received by dealers, PSMCL raised the price of Suzuki Mehran VXR model to Rs880,000 from Rs860,000.

The new price of the most popular car Suzuki Mehran VX has been fixed at Rs799,000.

Suzuki Bolan and Bolan Cargo will now cost Rs874,000 and Rs840,000 versus the previous prices of Rs854,000 and Rs820,000 respectively.
The price of Wagon R VXR and Wagon R VXL has been raised to Rs1,264,000 and Rs1,344,000 from Rs1,224,000 and Rs1,314,000 respectively.
PSMCL said the price hold will not be considered for old pending orders which failed to deposit their balance payment within tentative delivery date of vehicles.

The new price of Cultus VXR has been increased to Rs1,440,000 and Cultus VXL Rs1,551,000 compared to previous prices of Rs1,410,000 and Rs1,531,000 respectively.

The retail prices are inclusive of ex-factory product price and freight charges incurred on the vehicle to reach dealership premises.

The prices of Suzuki APV Ciaz MT, CiazAT, Vitara GLX AT, and Jimny JLDX MT has been increased to Rs3,140,000, Rs2,160,000, Rs2,300,000, Rs4,090,000, and Rs2,493,000 respectively.

On the other hand, Honda Atlas Cars (Pakistan) Limited (HACPL) has raised the rates of its cars by up to PKR 85, 000 which will come into effect from 1st April 2019.

According to the notification issued by Honda Atlas to all its 3S dealers, a further devaluation in the value of Pakistani Rupee against the US dollar has resulted in the increase in cars prices. The company says that previously the it didn’t pass any impact of the devaluation on its customers expecting the stabilization of the currency. As the currency further depreciates, the auto manufacturer is forced to increase the prices of its cars. Honda has not yet increased the prices of Civic variants as it would be announced later. However, Honda City and BR-V will see an increase ranging from PKR 65, 000 – 85,000 as per the new circular issued.

Only the back order cars due till April 2019 and those with cleared payments till 30th March 2019 will be sold at the old price whereas those with partial or full payments will be invoiced on the revised price. Furthermore, the consignee stock available at the dealerships until the end of March 2019 will also be delivered at a newly announced price.

According to the circular, all the new bookings will take place at a minimum price of PKR 1.2 million. It is important to mention here that this is the second time in this month that seen a price hike in Honda models. Previously there was a price hike in Honda Civic variants due to the levied 10% FED on locally made cars of 1700 cc engine displacement and above by the government.

by Aqsa Mirza

There have been some speculations and rumours being circulated on social media that Pak Suzuki Motors has started local production of Suzuki Alto 660cc after the discontinuation of its top-selling Mehran 800cc for its consumers.
As per confirm sources Pak Suzuki has just started pilot production of the vehicle. However, the mass production will be start from April. About the price, the price will be confirmed after the launching of the vehicle probably in June or July, 2019.

Suzuki Alto is in its 8th generation which will continue with the new Alto 660cc as well but it will come with exciting, new features. It is yet to be seen out which features will Suzuki accommodate in its new hatchback.

By Aqsa Mirza

• Symbolic ground breaking ceremony officiated by Prime Ministers of Malaysia and Pakistan
• New plant to locally assemble cars for Pakistan market

Islamabad, Pakistan, 22 March 2019 – A project for the first ever CKD assembly plant for Proton vehiclesin Pakistan officially began today when the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Yang AmatBerhormat Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, His Excellency Mr Imran Khan, signed a ceremonial marble plaque at an event held in Islamabad, Pakistan.

The plant, to be built at a Greenfield site in Karachi, will be owned and operated by ALHAJ Automotive, the official distributor for Proton vehicles in Pakistan and is expected to commence operations before the end of 2020.

PROTON aims to grow overseas sales to meet long term objectives
In 2017, PROTON unveiled the seven stars strategy, a roadmap to achieve their long term goals including targeting to sell 400,000 units by 2027. A major future growth area for the Company is export sales and the establishment of CKD assembly plants in overseas markets is one of the steps taken to grow those numbers.

To establish PROTON in Pakistan, an agreement with ALHAJ Automotive was inked on 29 August 2018, with the group being appointed as the sole distributor for Proton vehicles in Pakistan. To take advantage of reduced duties for CKD vehicles in the country, a plan was devised to build a brand new assembly plant

“PROTON is very pleased its partnership with ALHAJ Automotive has moved forward very quickly since we inked the agreement in August 2018. Expanding the sales of Proton vehicles outside of Malaysia is vital for us to achieve our long term goals and we therefore hope for the Pakistan automotive market to be one of our growth engines for the future,” said Dato’ Sri Syed Faisal Albar, Chairman of PROTON.

ALHAJ Automotive to invest USD30 million in new CKD assembly plant
As an established distributor and assembler of vehicles, ALHAJ Automotive has the required experience and resources to manage and grow sales of Proton vehicles in their home country of Pakistan. The new CKD assembly plant, to be built in Karachi on a Greenfield site with an initial investment of USD30 million, will create 2,000 direct employment opportunities in its first three years of operations. It is estimated that a further 20,000 indirect jobs will also be created as a result of the new plant being commissioned.

“ALHAJ Automotive is delighted to be the official distributor for PROTON in Pakistan. We will leverage on our current dealerships located nationwide to start selling Proton vehicles as soon as possible while we develop standalone 3S/4S outlets at the same time. Initially we will source CBU units from Malaysia before switching to CKD products once the new assembly plant begins operations before the end of 2020,” said Mr. Al-Haj Shah Jee Gul Afridi, Chairman of ALHAJ Automotive.
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About PROTON

PROTON Holdings Berhad is 50.1% owned by DRB-HICOM Berhad and 49.9% by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. Ltd. Established in 1983, it is the only full-fledged OEM car manufacturer that is complete with research and development (R&D) facility in South-East Asia and was established with three primary national policy objectives, which are, to spearhead the development of component manufacturing industries, to acquire and upgrade technology and industrial skills within the automotive manufacturing industry and to strengthen the international competitiveness of Malaysia’s industrial capability.

1985 marked a momentous year in Malaysia’s history when the country’s first national car, the Proton Saga, rolled out for the masses. Since then, its offerings include versatile and reliable four-door family vehicles such as the Saga and Persona, stylish executive sedans such as Prevé, the elegant executive D-segment Perdana as well as spacious and affordable multi-purpose vehicles like the Exora and Ertiga. There is also the sleek sporty Suprima S that is packed with performance and the bold and stylish Iriz than emphasises safety and is the most affordable 5-Star ASEAN NCAP car.

PROTON is more than just a car company as its inception as a key driver of national development has seen the brand accelerate its learning curve through technology transfer with strategic partnership and technical collaborations. There is no doubt that it has helped grow the Malaysian economy through its progress and success in the automobile industry.

By listening to the needs of customers, PROTON cars are now steadily on track to achieve the mission for the future, with PROTON set to become a marque which builds quality and safe cars with passion and soul; cars that are enjoyable to drive – and a pleasure to own. For more information, visit http://www.proton.com.

For further information please contact:
Group Corporate Communications Division, PROTON
• Mohamed Norin Abu Bakar at hp: 012-243 9735 / tel: 03-8026 9674 / [email protected]
• Faisal Shah at hp: 019-321 8897 / tel: 03-8026 9389 / [email protected]

About ALHAJ Group Pakistan
The very first of ‘ALHAJ’ company was launched in 1960 at Jumrud Khyber Agency in District Peshawar, KPK, with their initial businesses of import and export of electronic goods, textile and tyres.

Later, the Company expanded its businesses in Oil Exploration & Al-Haj Foundry and entered into the Automobile business by acquiring dealerships of the leading automakers under the name of ALHAJ Automotive.

Late Haji Sakhi Gul Afridi was the founder and first chairman of ALHAJ Group, a visionary person who had the ability to foresee the future and to turn prospective business into accomplished business goals.

Under the leadership of Haji Shah Jee Gul, Chairman ALHAJ Group has embarked on a journey with a highly qualified and motivated core team, which has shown a strong focus on products, employee satisfaction and world-class customer service. The management has a vast experience of consistently introducing innovation and improvement in products to increase reliability.

Proton will be setting up a factory in Pakistan that will be its first facility in South Asia. The plant will be a joint effort between the Malaysian carmaker and its local partner Alhaj Automotive. This was revealed by high commissioner of Malaysia to Pakistan Ikram Mohammad Ibrahim, reported by Bernama.

The envoy said that the agreement between Proton and Alhaj was signed last year, and Proton sees big potential in the venture.

“In terms of the potential of the Pakistan auto market, Proton feels it is big. That’s why Proton has agreed to work with Alhaj to build an assembly plant near Karachi in the Sindh province. This is significant because it will be Proton’s first plant in South Asia and the population of this country alone is 210 million,” Ikram told Malaysian media at the High Commission of Malaysia office in Islamabad.

The media is in Pakistan with prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who is making a three-day official visit to the country starting today. The PM and his Pakistan counterpart Imran Khan are expected to officiate a symbolic groundbreaking ceremony of the Proton factory tomorrow.

Courtesy: www.paultan.org