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Hyundai Kona

Muhammed Hanif Memon
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Hyundai Kona

The Hyundai Kona is a compact B-SUV introduced specifically with developed car markets in mind. The Hyundai Kona features high specifications and is positioned as a premium, dynamic choice over the Hyundai Creta in global markets. It is designed to attract the younger, more style-conscious buyer.

With regard to engine options, the Hyundai Kona gets a 1.0-litre (120 PS) T-GDI petrol, a 1.6-litre (177 PS) T-GDI, 2.0-litre (149 PS) MPI and a 1.6-litre (136 PS) VGT diesel engine. Transmission choices on offer are 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Automotive Seat Belts and Air Bags History

Muhammed Hanif Memon
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Automotive Seat Belts and Air Bags History

Seat Belts

American Edward J. Claghorn created the first patented seat belt on February 10, 1885 in order to keep tourists safe in taxis in New York City. The real breakthrough with modern seat belts came in 1958 when Swedish engineer Nils Bohlin invented the three-point seatbelt.

The use of seat belts in automobiles did not begin in earnest until the mid to late 1950’s. Even then, seat belts were considered optional equipment. In 1955, famous actor James Dean died in a spectacular two-vehicle crash in the Southern California desert, which he likely would have survived had he been wearing a seat belt. History was made. The seat belt industry bloomed.Probably more so than any other incident, the Dean crash launched a new period of public awareness about seat belt utilization in automobiles and their possible advantages.

In 1955, Swedish automaker Volvo was the first manufacturer to offer seat belt systems as standard equipment in its automobiles on a safety first theme. Volvo backed up its claims with a substantial amount of crash testing it independently performed during the 1950’s, which provided inescapable proof that use of a seat belt during an automobile accident, would reduce both fatalities and serious injuries.

Although history shows a heightened public awareness about seat belt safety, in the United States some American automakers wanted to offer seat belts as optional equipment in their vehicle lines, few customers ordered seat belts and they were never made standard equipment in American cars until the mid-1960. This spirit of innovation, excellence and customer orientation in the creation of the automotive safety systems industry and these same values in Autoliv Inc, the global market leader in safety systems today have one more thing in common, both originate from Sweden.

Air Bags

During the mid-1980’s, while the automatic restraint systems were being troubleshot in production, crash research was leading to the conclusion that an inflatable air bag (often referred to as the SRS – supplemental, restraint system) could supplement vehicle occupant protection in an accident is used as a supplement to seat belts and shoulder harnesses.

Inclusion of these systems in new vehicles began to become mandatory in certain passenger vehicles the early 1990’s and was gradually phased in into other types of vehicles. Air bags, of course, also pose their own risks. Recent concern has arisen over the potential for air bags, during deployment, to cause serious life threatening injuries to certain occupants, such as small children and frail adults, during sudden air bags inflation. Nonetheless, air bags have greatly reduced the number of fatal and serious auto injuries in vehicular accidents, particularly in highway accidents involving greater speeds.

At Present

Autoliv is the forefront of automotive safety technology especially in seat belt and air bags manufacturing in the world. Autoliv is the world’s largest automotive safety supplier, with sales to all major car manufacturers in the world. More than 72,000 associates in 27 countries are passionate about the vision of Saving More Lives. Autoliv develops, manufactures and markets airbags, seatbelts, steering wheels, passive safety electronics and active safety systems, including brake control systems, radar, night vision and camera vision systems.

 

Research by
Nadeem Aftab
Head of Production
Plastech Autosafe – Karachi

30,000 bike riders in Karachi suffer head injuries due to not wearing a helmet

Muhammed Hanif Memon
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30,000 bike riders in Karachi suffer head injuries due to not wearing a helmet

Pakistan is a middle-income country where a motorcycle is a common mode of transportation. Youngsters while riding motorcycles forget to wear a helmet which ultimately leads to severe head injuries. The number of reported cases of head injuries in Karachi is increasing on a daily basis. Head injuries are considered to be very expensive in terms of lives lost, efficiency losses, and health care expenses. Head injury is considered to be serious if the brain gets affected, otherwise, the injury is expected to be a simple one.

According to Dr. Ali Raza who is the head of the Neuro Trauma Department at Jinnah Medical Post Graduates Center (JPMC), more than 30,000 people suffer from head injuries every year.

Speaking at the Research and Updates in Neuroscience Conference (RUN) at the JPMC, Raza said more than 80 youngsters get injured in motorcycle accidents every day due to not wearing helmets.

He asked the conference attendees to spread the message of wearing helmets which could prevent fatalities and save a life.

Dr. Lal Rehman, the director education of neurosurgery and neuroscience at JPMC said, the majority of people suffer from a brain hemorrhage and head trauma due to not wearing helmets while riding a motorcycle.

Currently, the JPMC Neuro Trauma Unit is the only place in the country which is providing the latest technology and treatment regarding neurological and surgical issues, with advanced machines such as Cyberknife, Gamma Knife, and radiotherapy at the hospital, Rehman stated.

Head injuries can be fatal resulting in the death of the patient. Studies have found that the majority of the deaths in accidents have been due to head injuries or head trauma. These are a major cause of mortality or disability among the youth of the nation. Steps need to be taken to control fatal head injuries by adopting effective preventive measures like wearing a helmet, traffic control, and management, rapid response to accidents, effective and efficient handling of cases in hospital emergencies.

Honda postpone its plan to launch locally assembled car 1200cc Brio in Pakistan

Muhammed Hanif Memon
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Honda postpone its plan to launch locally assembled car 1200cc Brio in Pakistan

The management of Honda Atlas Cars Pakistan (HACP) has decided to delay the launch of a new locally-assembled car due to the country’s uncertain economic condition. The pre-planning of the car had already begun. Honda had given the drawings of tools, molds and design to the local vendors around six months back.
According to the latest reports, vendors have also been asked to return the drawings that were given to them by Honda Atlas. A Honda vendor went on record and claimed that:
“HACP has now asked local vendors to cancel their activities for parts development. They also asked for the drawings to be handed back to the company.”
Honda has taken this important step due to car assembler’s concern of rupee losing its value by over 5% in the past few months. The car assemblers claim that the cost of the vehicle becomes expensive due to the weak currency’s situation, which is highly unstable at the moment. It is said by the stakeholders that work started on a new model almost 1.5, 2 years before it is actually launched. But when the rupee devalued against the dollar the automaker decided to halt the production of a new car.
Vendors said, “Economic conditions, uncertain rupee-dollar rates, reports of imposing additional regulatory duties on raw materials, etc have compelled the company to defer the plan to roll out a new model.”
It was reported that Honda Atlas is planning to launch locally assembled 1,200cc Brio in Pakistan by 2019. It could have added 3000 units in Honda’s total production. But as per the sources, it is not happening anymore. The company has deferred the plan.
On the other hand, a HACP official said,“Its (Honda Brio) launch is neither final nor dropped. It is yet to be finalized for entry into the Pakistani market. It is in the planning phase.”
In Pakistan, Honda Atlas sold 42,810 units of its iconic cars Civic and City is the fiscal year 2018 compared to 37,004 units in the fiscal year 2017. Similarly, 8,684 units were sold of Honda BR-V is the fiscal year 2018 compared to 2,159 units from April to June 2017.

by Aqsa Mirza

Master Motor Handed Over OGRA Compliant Vehicles to PSO for POL Transportation

Muhammed Hanif Memon
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Master Motor Handed Over OGRA Compliant Vehicles to PSO for POL Transportation

Karachi, August 01: “Master Motor Corporation Ltd. (MMCL) in pursuit of its commitment to safe transportation of petroleum products has developed vehicles in compliance with standards set by Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA).” Managing Director of MMCL Nadeem Malik said this at an event recently held in Karachi.

While handing over the keys of a fleet of more than 40 vehicles to contractors of Pakistan State Oil (PSO), he commended the efforts of PSO and OGRA for their efforts to ensure the safety of transporters, transportation vehicles and the common commuter.

He said that Master Motor strictly follows the standards and regulations set by OGRA and addition of our trucks to PSO fleet is a proof of our commitment. “MMCL has a vision to serve the transport industry of Pakistan with the highest quality products and after sales services. We are the first company to offer complete range of products to facilitate the complete commercial vehicle segment,” he added.

MMCL’s growth in the past fiscal year was the highest in the automotive industry with a year on year growth rate of 63 percent. “This significant increase in production and sales is a sign of customers’ trust in quality of our products and after sales services network which is one of the largest such networks in the country catering to more than 10,000 master vehicles already plying on road,” said Nadeem.

“PSO as nation’s largest energy company has been striving to help national economy by building and enhancing a wide-spread retail network with the support of a well-established storage and supply infrastructure,” said Managing Director PSO, Sheikh Imran ul Haq.

“Addition of vehicles manufactured by Master Motors as per the OGRA guidelines to our fleet of over 8000 vehicles will boost the performance and safety of our POL transportation network,” he added.

It is worth mentioning here that MMCL is also an authorized assembler and dealer of world’s renowned brands like Mitsubishi Fuso, Foton Daimler, IVECO.

MMCL follows OGRA rules and guidelines that covers German National Standards, EEC standards for European communities, “NEQS” National Environmental Quality Standards prescribed by the Environmental Protection Agency of Pakistan, National Highway Authority, standard for truck chassis, ADR – Association of Dangerous goods road transportation, Fire Extinguisher etc which ensures safety factor. -PR

 

Suzuki to increase its car price by Rs. 20,000 to 40,000 from 1st August 2018

Muhammed Hanif Memon
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Suzuki to increase its car price by Rs. 20,000 to 40,000 from 1st August 2018

Pak Suzuki Motors Limited., (PSMCL) has once again increased the prices of its vehicles. The new prices will be applicable from the 1st of August, 2018. The maximum increase in the car prices is from 20,000 to 40,000. The circular which the company has sent to its dealerships the new prices.

According to a July 31, 2018 circular, Pak Suzuki Motors increased the price of Suzuki Mehran VX model to Rs 769,000 from Rs 739,000. The Mehran VX model would be discontinued from November 2018. The new price of Suzuki Mehran, VXR has been raised to Rs 840,000 as compared to Rs 795,000. Suzuki Bolan and BolanCargo will now be priced at Rs 834,000 and Rs 800,000 compared to Rs 814,000 and Rs 780,000 respectively. The price of Swift manual transmission and Swift automatic transmission has been jumped to Rs 1.475 million and Rs 1.611m from Rs 1.435m and Rs 1.571m earlier.

Also read: Get Ready: Car prices might rise up once again following rupee devaluation

In a circular to its authorized dealers, PSMCL said the price hold will not be applicable to old pending and due orders which failed to deposit their payment within tentative delivery date of vehicles. It is important to mention that the retail prices are inclusive of ex-factory product price and freight charges incurred on the vehicle to reach dealership premises. The company has also increased the prices of its two-wheeler vehicles. In the two-wheeler segment, the company raised prices by Rs 3,000 to Rs 6.500. The price of GR 150 has been jumped to Rs 229,000 from Rs222,500. GD110S will now be available at Rs 145,000 instead of Rs 139,000 and SD 110 Eco at Rs 119,900 against its previous price of Rs 114,900. Similarly, prices of G S150 and GS150SE have been increased up by Rs 3,000 each to Rs 150,000 and Rs 170,000, respectively.

Meanwhile, the local automakers also argued that not all parts of the cars are manufactured locally, so the automakers are forced to import parts from foreign vendors, which due to the devaluation of the rupee have now become expensive.

Looking at Suzuki’s latest move, one can argue that Honda Atlas, IMC Toyota, and Al-Haj FAW might also surge the prices of their vehicles sooner or later.

By Aqsa Mirza

Atlas Honda suspends production of motorcycles in both plants in Pakistan

Muhammed Hanif Memon
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Atlas Honda suspends production of motorcycles in both plants in Pakistan

Atlas Honda (manufacturer of Honda motorcycles) in Pakistan, has shut down its assembly plants since last two days both in Karachi and Sheikhupura due to low sales of motorcycles in the market. The decision has been taken to control the expenses and the production volume as demand has fallen down by a great margin. Consequently, the overstock is reported in the plant which forced the company to slow down the production. According to reports, the dealers have been failed to maintain an optimum level of sales in the market. The manufacturing plants have been closed for the last two days and employees are on leave.

Just a week before elections, there were certain reports that motorcycle sale rate is going down in Pakistan because the people were investing more in property and gold etc which hindered the motorcycle sales. Those who want to keep themselves away from all forms of equities invested in banks’ savings account or saving certificates. Moreover, now when the new government is elected, the stock exchange is getting stable and investors are investing there. Not only, Japanse manufacturer – Atlas Honda – has decided to shut down its plants owing to low sale rate, while talking to Automark different Chinese auto manufacturer also reported the same issue and reportedly they already stop production of motorcycles twice a week since last few months. According to market sources, Atlas Honda has also decided to increase the rates of their motorcycles from August 1st from PKR 600-1000 on different models.

From last 3 month, Honda Production or sales rate has been consecutively dropped from 115972 in April, 104800 in May, and 91000 in June.

The Atlas Group was established with the incorporation of an investment company called Shirazi investments back in 1962 with an initial capital of Rs 500,000. Later that year, a technical collaboration agreement was signed with Honda Motors Company Limited (HMC) for the production and sales of motorcycles in Pakistan and as a result, Atlas Autos Limited was formed with manufacturing facilities located in Karachi. In 1979, another motorcycle manufacturing plant at Sheikhupura was established by the name Panjdarya Limited.

Atlas Honda is a market leader in the two-wheeler industry, today catering to about 60 per cent of all local motorcycle sales. Atlas Honda produces various value-added auto parts for in-house consumption and catering to the after-sale market. The company also exports motorcycles to Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, currently, exporting between 4,000 and 5,000 motorcycles a year. It also has an established wide network of over 1,600 sales services and spare parts dealers.

However, the industry cannot sustain this shutdown for long and would have to lay off thousands of workers before Eid if the situation does not improve. Ultimately, it will put a burden on Pakistan’s economy. The auto dealers and govt should come forward to improve the sale and current situation of the industry.

by Aqsa Mirza

6 Best Used Cars Available in Pakistan under 10 Lacs

Muhammed Hanif Memon
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6 Best Used Cars Available in Pakistan under 10 Lacs

The automotive industry of Pakistan is growing at a steady pace under the new automotive policy of the Pakistan Government. While the new automotive policy has allowed many famous car makers to launch their vehicles in Pakistan for the first time, it has also allowed some car brands to make a comeback into the market with their modern-day vehicles. Amidstthe launch and expected launch of many new vehicles in the market, the future of commuting in Pakistan looks more promising than ever before. However, despite these positive developments and the expectation of many affordable vehicles to be launched soon, finding a variety of options to buy a vehicle under 10 Lacs will still be a challenge for car buyers in Pakistan..

Car buyers have to contend with the limited choices available in the market if they plan to buy a new vehicle under 10 Lacs. On the other hand, the used car market still offers a wide variety ofoptions under 10 Lacs and with a bit of research, car buyers can find a vehicle of their choice easily to enjoy the luxury of a 4-wheeler.
The decision to buy a used car should be made intelligently after market research. Car buyers should also get a used car properly inspected by a professional mechanic before buying it. In this way, it can help in buying the best car within one’s budget to get the best value for money.

While there are a number of options available for car buyers in the used car market, we have picked the 5 most famous used cars that offer great value for moneyand are available under 10 Lacs.

Suzuki Swift – The Ideal Family Hatchback

Introduced for the first time in 2010, Suzuki Swift is one of the premium hatchbacks available in the car market. The 2010 and 2011 models of Suzuki Swift can be purchased within the range of 8-10 lacs, which makes it one of the best options for used car buyers in Pakistan. It can be an ideal family car as it offers a seating capacity of 4 to 5 passengers and standard convenience features to guarantee a comfortable in-cabin experience. The Suzuki Swift comes with a 1.3-litre engine that can produce 92 horsepower and delivers an excellent driving experience.

1st-Generation Suzuki Cultus – A Vehicle for All Conditions

Suzuki has replaced its 1st-generation Cultus with the new generation Cultus, however, the old Cultus is still the favorite family hatchback of a number of car buyers in Pakistan. This famous hatchback was introduced in Pakistan in the year 2000 and even 18 years after its first launch, the 1st-generation Cultus enjoys a huge demand in the used car market of Pakistan.The old Cultus is still famous amongst car enthusiasts for its impressive handling, sturdybuild quality and comfortable driving experience. Car buyers can easily buy a Suzuki Cultus of 2012-2014 model under 10 Lacs. It is a 1000cc family vehicle that is one of the best options available in the car market if you are looking to purchase a used car under 10 lacs.

Suzuki Wagon R– Utility at its Best

Suzuki Wagon R was introduced for the first time in 2014 and since its first launch, this family car by Suzuki has been a big hit amongst car buyers. The growing demand for Suzuki Wagon R has resulted in massive hikes observed in its price, however, the used Suzuki Wagon R is still an affordable option for car buyers. While the brand new Suzuki is available in Pakistan for a price of almost 12 lacs, car buyers can buy the used Wagon R under 10 Lacsquite easily. It has a modern-day 1000cc engine and is an excellent urban commuting option for family car buyers in Pakistan.

9th-Generation Toyota Corolla – A Powerful and Spacious Car

The 9th-generation Toyota Corolla hasbeen one of the most famous and best-selling vehicles in the Pakistan car market since its first launch in 2002. Known for its robust body design, reliable driving experience and excellent handling, the 9th generation Toyota Corolla is still going strong in the used car market and can be purchased under 10 Lacs. It offers a comfortable seating capacity of 5 passengers and has decent cargo capacity as well. As the 9th-generation Toyota Corolla is relatively older than other cars mentioned in this list, it is advised that you should get the vehicle checked in detail by an expert mechanic before buying it.

7th-Generation Honda Civic – Beauty with Brains

The 7th-generation Honda Civic was launched in Pakistan in March 2001. It had a stylish design and a high-performance engine that made it one of the best family sedans available in the market at that time. Honda introduced the modern-day MacPherson Strut Suspension in the 8th-generation Civic Model for the first time, which improved its handling and control considerably. It was equipped with a powerful 1500cc engine that made it the favorite urban vehicle of Pakistanis in the start of the 21st century.

This classic sedan is still quite popular amongst car buyers in Pakistan, thanks to its durability and performance capabilities. It can be purchased from the used car market under 10 lacs and is one of the preferred options of used car buyers whenever they plan to buy a reliable used car at an affordable price. Despite being older than 15 years in the Pakistan car market, it still attracts the massiveattention of car buyers in Pakistan and can be easily purchased under the price tag of 10 lacs.

FAW V2

FAW V2 is another worthy mention in our list of 6 used cars that are available under 10 lacs in Pakistan.
FAW V2 is an excellent option for car buyers who are looking to purchase a family car under 10 lacs as it boasts a spacious interior and air bags for driver and front passenger.
It also has advanced driver-assistance technologies including Anti-lock Braking System and Electronic Brake force Distribution System to improve driver’s handling and control over the
vehicle.
It comes with a powerful 1300cc engine, which makes it a high-performance hatchback. While the latest price of a brand new FAW V2 is PKR 1,204,000, a used FAW V2 can be easily purchased under 10 lacs.

Our Verdict!

All of these vehicles are amongst the best available choices in the used car market under 10 lacs. All of these vehicles have different designs, power attributes and technologies and you can make the final decision to choose one of these five vehicles according to your preference and commuting requirements. If you are looking to buy a family car with better space and comfort features, the 9th-generation Toyota Corolla and 7th-generation Honda Civic could be the better options. However, if you are looking to buy a used car that represents the new era of vehicles, Suzuki Wagon R, Suzuki Swift and the old Suzuki Cultus could be the best options in their respective order.

by Syed Sarim Raza, published in Automark printed edition of August-2018

JS Bank Joins Hands With Rastgar & Co

Muhammed Hanif Memon
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JS Bank Joins Hands With Rastgar & Co

JS Bank has entered into an agreement with Rastgar & Co. to facilitate domestic manufacturers for purchase of state-of-the-art energy efficient air compressors. The deal was inked by Kamran Jafar, Group Head Corporate & Retail Banking – JS Bank and Maqsood Zulfqar, CEO – Rastgar & Co. in the presence of team members from both companies.

Under the terms of this arrangement, JS Bank will provide clients with credit and leasing facilities to streamline the compressor procurement process for clients of Rastgar & Co. On the other end, Rastagar will provide customers with CompAir Air Compressors which are equipped with iConn devices. These systems allow for predictive compressor maintenance and provide data for improved energy conservation.

The signing ceremony was held at Rastgar’s Korangi office during an open house session. The event was attended by a large number of prominent Pakistani business and industry leaders along with media representatives. Included among these were the Secretary General of the Korangi Industrial Association, Chairman and Vice Chairman of PAAPAM, representatives from trade associations, pharmaceutical, engineering and textile manufacturers. The activity showcased the complete range of products, in the presence of experts from CompAir and Gardner Denver, the originating company’ behind the technology. These representatives including John Fyfe, Charles Joel and Loic Mazet are specialists in their field and were on hand to engage with Pakistani manufacturers on potential opportunities, share learning and advise solutions for overcoming any bottlenecks.

About JS Bank:

JS Bank is one of the fastest growing banks in Pakistan, with 323 branches in 161 cities. The Bank also has an international presence and is a leading player in the digital banking space. JS Bank has received the prestigious award for Best Environmental and Social Governance Bank at the Pakistan Banking Awards 2017. The Bank is part of JS Group, one of the Pakistan’s most diversified and progressive financial services group. For more information, please visit http://www.jsbl.com.

About Rastgar & Co:

Rastgar & Co is the authorized distributor of CompAir Air Compressors in Pakistan, offers services to Pakistani Industry in compressed air systems Planning & Selection, Turnkey Installations, Automation, Heat Recovery, AirAudit, Service and Spares. More than 4,000 installations from all industrial sectors of Pakistan continue to buy CompAir, Quantima and Ultima brand compressors from Rastgar. For more information about Rastgar & Co, please visit https://rastgar-co.com.

About Gardner Denver:

Gardner Denver, founded in 1859, is a leading, global provider of high-quality industrial equipment, technologies and services to a broad and diverse customer base through a family of highly recognized brands. The Company has 40 manufacturing facilities located in the Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific with offices in 33 different countries. In 2008 CompAir was acquired by Gardner Denver, a leading global manufacturer of highly engineered compressors, blowers and pumps and is now a major part of its Industrial Group.

 

EU, Japan sign major trade deal in ‘clear message’ against protectionism

Muhammed Hanif Memon
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0
EU, Japan sign major trade deal in ‘clear message’ against protectionism

Japan and the EU signed a sweeping free trade deal on Tuesday saying they were sending a “clear message” against protectionism, as Washington puts up barriers and threatens a trade war.

The deal signed in Tokyo is the largest ever negotiated by the EU and creates a massive free trade zone, eliminating tariffs for everything from Japanese cars to French cheese.

It also provides a stark counterpoint to US President Donald Trump’s aggressive “America First” protectionism, which has seen Washington impose trade tariffs on allies and rivals alike.

“We are sending a clear message that we stand together against protectionism,” EU Council President Donald Tusk said after the agreement was signed.

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