Renowned Automotive Enthusiast and PakWheels co-founder Suneel Sarfraz Munj called this week a turning point for Pakistan’s automotive industry. He shared that Chery is launching three new SUVs, the Tiggo 7, Tiggo 8, and Tiggo 9, in the same week.
His post quickly drew attention from car buyers across the country. Some are calling it a positive sign of growing competition, but others are sceptical about the growing affordability concerns.
The expansion of Pakistan’s car market is undeniable. More brands are entering, and consumers finally see variety. However, the growth is still heavily tilted toward premium vehicles.
Most of the upcoming launches target the upper-income segment, with SUVs priced above PKR 7 million. This leaves a major gap for buyers seeking budget-friendly hatchbacks or small sedans in the PKR 2.5 to 4 million range.
As a result, the so-called “transformative moment” seems to benefit only a limited class of buyers. Many consumers feel excluded, as their options remain scarce and out of reach.
Pakistan’s economic slowdown has worsened the situation. Rising car prices, higher interest rates, and reduced purchasing power have made ownership difficult for most citizens.
Industry watchers estimate that less than 1% of Pakistanis can afford new vehicles today. This figure highlights how limited the demand truly is, even as new brands enter the market.
Many also argue that real progress will come only when locally manufactured, affordable vehicles become widely available.
Some voices in the discussion raised concerns about the import-driven approach of automakers. They believe that importing multiple foreign models adds pressure on Pakistan’s foreign reserves.
Critics suggest focusing on local assembly and production to ensure long-term growth and reduce dependency on imports. Without such efforts, they fear the sector could remain unsustainable despite the growing number of brands.
Pakistan’s automotive sector is evolving fast. New entrants like Chery bring excitement and variety to the market. However, the affordability gap continues to widen.
Until automakers introduce budget-friendly, locally assembled options, the transformation will remain limited to the elite segment. True progress will come when every Pakistani family can afford a car, not just watch new models roll out of showrooms.