The past 50 years of cars in Pakistan: A Journey through the Development of the Industry

The past 50 years of cars in Pakistan: A journey through the development of the industry

During the past five decades, Pakistan's car industry has experienced a significant surge, presenting a diversified range of locally and globally assembled cars. The industry initially relied on imported vehicles from the UK but gradually transformed towards domestic production, resulting in more affordable transportation options for the general populace. This article provides an all-inclusive narrative of the history of cars in Pakistan, encapsulating their evolution from the country's establishment to the year 2000.

 

Formative years (1947-1954):

As Pakistan emerged as an independent nation in 1947, it began importing its first cars from the UK. These included a range of models like the Morris Minor, Ford Prefect, and Vauxhall Wyvern.

During the early 1950s, Pakistan's automotive industry started to evolve, as local manufacturers began assembling cars and trucks within the country's borders. In 1953, National Motors emerged as a frontrunner in Pakistan's nascent automotive industry by assembling the widely popular General Motors car, Vauxhall, and also manufacturing the legendary Bedford Truck. In Karachi, Ali Motors also started the assembly of the renowned Ford Truck and the Ford Cortina in the same year. These early initiatives laid the foundation for the growth and expansion of Pakistan's domestic automobile manufacturing industry, which continued to develop and flourish in the following years.

Formative years (1955-1969):

The year 1955 marked a significant development in Pakistan's automobile industry with the establishment of Adamjee Engineering Works (AEW) in Karachi. AEW began the local assembly of vehicles and introduced the Shehzore truck and the Zephyr car. The following year, in 1956, Haroon Industries assembled the Chrysler Car Dodge Dart. Ali Motors also made its mark in the local automobile industry by assembling the Ford Kombi in Karachi in 1958, Ford Pickups in 1959, and Ford Anglia in 1960.

During the 1960s, Pakistan shifted its focus to importing cars from Japan, including popular models like the Toyota Corona and the Datsun Bluebird. In 1962, 1963, and 1964, Kandawala Motors assembled the Chrysler Jeep CJ5, CJ6, and CJ7 respectively. That same year, Gandhara assembled the Bedford Truck and Rana Motors assembled the Massey Ferguson, marking a significant milestone in the development of Pakistan's automobile industry.

Formative years (1970-1979):

During the 1970s, Pakistan's automotive industry underwent significant development with the establishment of several new car assemblies, and plants, such as Pakistan Motors Limited (PML) and Ghandhara Industries Limited (GIL). PML initiated production of the Bedford Truck and the Vauxhall Victor car, whereas GIL started producing the Isuzu truck and the Mazda 808 car. Moreover, the government's policies to promote local production of auto parts led to the growth of a local supplier base and had a significant impact on the development of the automobile industry in Pakistan.

Formative years (1980-1989):

In the 1980s, the Pakistani government implemented policies to promote the production of small cars, which included tax incentives for cars with engines under 1000cc. As a result, new small car models such as the Suzuki FX, the Daihatsu Charade, and the Hyundai Pony were introduced in the Pakistani market. In 1983, Fecto Tractors introduced Belarus Tractors, while Al-Ghazi Tractors introduced Fiat Tractors. A Vendor Development & Technical Cell (VDTC) was formed in the same year. Hinopak Motors Limited was formed in 1986 as a joint venture between PACO, Al-Futtaim, Hino Motors, and TTC. In 1987, Ghandara Nissan started producing Nissan Diesel Trucks.

Formative years (1990-2000):

In the 1990s, Pakistan's auto industry saw significant expansion, with Honda and Kia joining the market. Suzuki's Mehran and Cultus models became popular. Pakistan's government incentivized the production of environmentally friendly vehicles, including compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, while the Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts & Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) boosted the growth of the local auto parts industry.

 Pakistan's car industry has transformed significantly in the past five decades from relying on imported cars to domestically assembled ones, facilitated by government policies promoting domestic production and local parts manufacturing. As a result, the industry has experienced steady growth, attracting new players and models to cater to local market demand.