Karachi: Pak Suzuk iMotor Company Limited (PSMCL) reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to Pakistan’s automobile industry duringamediabriefingled by Mr. Hiroshi Kawamura,CEO&ManagingDirector of PSMCL. Reflecting on Suzuki’s pioneering journey and over four decades of presence in the country Mr.Kawamurastated“PakSuzukihasalwaysremained committed to its mission of providing affordable mobility to enrich the lives of peopleofPakistan,”.“ForSuzuki,Pakistanholdsaspecialplace—itwasthefirst countryoutsideJapanwhereSuzukibeganautomobileproductionin1975,even beforetheformationofPakSuzukiin1983.” “Overtheyears,Suzukihasearned the trust of over 2.5 million customers, becoming a household name synonymous with reliability and value” said Mr. Kawamura
Mr. Kawamura highlighted Pak Suzuki’s efforts in building up the largest nationwide network of 175 dealerships outlets across more than 100 cities— three times larger network than any other OEM in the country. He shared an optimistic outlook for the domestic market: “Automobile CKD market is projected to grow by more than 20% this year. Pak Suzuki is well positions to retain its 45% market share” said Mr. Kawamura
On the exports front, Mr. Kawamura noted that in the past Pak Suzuki had exported over 3,000 Ravi pickups to Bangladesh & Nepal and spare parts and accessories to Europe, Japan, Vietnam, and Indonesia. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting government export initiatives, stating, “We are actively exploring new markets and test marketing our products in multiple countries.”
CEO PSMCL highlighted Pak Suzuki’s pioneering role in developing the local vendor base in Pakistan, he said that over last four decades, Pak Suzuki has nurtured more than 100 local parts suppliers and supported several local suppliers through technical assistance and joint ventures paving the way for localization of high-tech parts. Now these local vendors a supplying auto parts to all other OEMs.He stated that “Pak Suzuki procure approximately PKR 50 billionworthoflocalpartsannually”.WhileemphasizingthePakSuzuki
commitmenttolocalmarkethestatedthat “WeinvestedPKR17.4billioninthe development and localization of our new model Suzuki Every alone, we remain steadfast in driving the economic growth and job creation in Pakistan.”
Mr. Kawamura emphasized the need for policy support form government to drive the industry growth. He requested the government toincentivize exports instead of mandatory targets. On government intention to enhance the LSM growthsector,hesaidapproximately25%ofthemarketisoccupiedbyimported used cars. Curbing this could lead to a significant increase in local industry output,”. He alsourged thegovernmentto eliminateduty concessionsforused car imports under 1300cc, as 75% of used car imports fall within this segment duetoverylowfixedtaxes,andrecommendedreducingthe agelimitofvansto 3 years form current allowable limit of 5 years.
Mr. Kawamura said the key focus of Pak Suzuki’s strategy for sustainable developmentistorelyonlocallyavailableresources.PakSuzuki’sBiogasProject aims to convert bio waste into a clean and renewable fuel. “Using biogas as automobilefuelcould beabreakthrough solution for Pakistan,” Mr.Kawamura stated. “It has the potential to improve the trade balance, protect the environment, and create employment in the rural areas of Pakistan.”
In the end Mr. Kawamura reaffirmed Pak Suzuki’s commitment to grow alongside the people of Pakistan. He further added that the company remains deeply committed to innovation, sustainability, and strengthening the local economy.
