PAMA data shows 11 per cent rise in monthly car sales

ISLAMABAD: Passenger car sales in Pakistan rose by 11 per cent year-on-year in February 2025, compared with February 2024, while the first eight months of FY25 showed a 45 per cent increase in sales, according to data from the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA).

The data reveals that 8,869 passenger cars were sold in February 2025, up from 7,955 units in February 2024. From July 2024 to February 2025, total car sales reached 67,135 units, a significant increase from the 46,419 units sold during the same period the previous year.

However, compared to January 2025, where 11,868 units were sold, February sales dropped by 25 per cent.

Industry expert Mashood Ali Khan, former chairperson of the Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM), noted that while some car models are seeing positive growth, the overall trend in the industry remains upward.

He projected this positive momentum would continue until June 2025 but warned that the upcoming budget, particularly in light of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) influence, would be critical. He expressed concerns over potential restrictions on luxury items, including cars and mobile phones, which could impact the market.

Khan highlighted that the tractor market, once performing well, had been severely affected by last year’s budget, and sales have continued to decline by 30 per cent. He also pointed out that Chinese SUVs have gained a strong foothold in Pakistan’s automotive market.

Additionally, he stressed the importance of reviving Pakistan’s manufacturing sector, noting that local production must be prioritised in the next budget to support industrialisation.

Sales of 1300cc and above vehicles showed an increase in February 2025, with 4,700 units sold, up 19 per cent from 3,943 units sold in February 2024. The 1,000cc segment, including 282 units of Suzuki Cultus and 207 units of Suzuki WagonR, recorded a slight increase to 489 units, compared to 456 units in February of the previous year.

Similarly, cars with engines below 1,000cc saw a marginal rise, with 3,680 units sold, slightly higher than last year’s figure of 3,556 units. This category also included 110 units of newly launched Suzuki Every, which began sales in October 2024.

In the electric vehicle sector, Dewan’s Honri-Ve recorded 13 units sold in February 2025. Meanwhile, sales of jeeps and pick-ups surged to 3,202 units, a significant rise from the 1,756 units sold in February 2024.

Commercial vehicle sales also showed improvement, with bus and truck sales increasing to 486 units in February 2025, compared to 352 units in the same month last year. However, tractor sales plummeted to 1,534 units, down from 3,577 units in February 2024.

Meanwhile, sales of rickshaws and motorbikes saw a sharp rise, with 126,699 units sold in February 2025, up from 93,770 units in the corresponding period of 2024, reflecting strong demand in the two-wheeler segment, which remains a more affordable option for lower- and middle-income consumers.

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