Mega Motor Company (MMC), the official partner of BYD in Pakistan, marked another milestone in the country’s growing New Energy Vehicle (NEV) market by delivering 100 Atto 2 vehicles to customers nationwide in a single day.

Building on the momentum of BYD’s earlier launches and deliveries in Pakistan, this nationwide delivery milestone reflects the increasing adoption of electric mobility and the growing presence of BYD vehicles on roads across the country.
The deliveries were carried out simultaneously across multiple cities through BYD experience centers and dealerships, highlighting the expanding footprint of BYD’s customer and retail network in Pakistan.
Designed for urban mobility, the BYD Atto 2 offers a practical and cost-efficient electric driving solution for consumers seeking an alternative to conventional fuel vehicles. At a time of rising fuel costs, the vehicle combines affordability with advanced technology, modern design, and everyday practicality, making electric mobility more accessible to a wider segment of drivers.
In addition to the Atto 2, BYD recently introduced its flagship Sealion 7 in Pakistan, with deliveries already underway. Together, these models reflect BYD’s expanding new energy vehicle portfolio in the country, offering advanced electric mobility solutions across different segments while strengthening the company’s presence in Pakistan’s evolving EV market.
Commenting on the milestone, Lei Jian, Country Head, BYD Pakistan, said:
“Pakistan represents an important market in BYD’s global vision for new energy mobility. As we continue to expand our portfolio here, our focus remains on making advanced electric vehicle technology accessible to more customers while supporting the country’s transition toward cleaner and more sustainable transportation.”
Danish Khaliq, Vice President Sales & Strategy at BYD Pakistan-Mega Motor Company, added:
“Reliability and customer trust are central to the BYD experience. As more BYD vehicles take to the roads across Pakistan, our priority is to ensure that customers receive not only advanced electric vehicles, but also a seamless ownership journey supported by strong service and customer care. The encouraging pace of EV adoption and the growing number of BYD vehicles already on the road reflect the increasing confidence Pakistani consumers have in electric mobility.”
A customer receiving their Atto 2 at the delivery event shared their experience:
“The whole process from booking to delivery was very smooth, and it feels great to finally receive the car. Getting the delivery just before Eid makes it even more special for my family. The team kept us informed throughout, and the experience at the delivery event was very well organised.”
With more vehicles now reaching customers across the country, BYD-MMC expects to further accelerate the adoption of electric mobility in Pakistan, offering consumers a practical and efficient alternative to traditional fuel-powered vehicles.

• PRESS RELEASE

Suzuki Pakistan has set a defining shift in the country’s automotive landscape with the unveiled of the Suzuki Fronx Pakistan’s first-ever XUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle). Designed to bridge the space between compact hatchbacks, entry-level sedans, and traditional SUVs, the Fronx reflects a new approach to mobility that aligns with modern mobility lifestyles.

The XUV category focuses on combining style, comfort, efficiency, and everyday usability. Unlike conventional SUVs that prioritize size and ruggedness, or sedans that emphasize ride comfort utility or practicality alone, the XUV strikes a balance between the two. With the Fronx, Suzuki becomes the first automaker in Pakistan to define and lead this new category, reinforcing its reputation as a forward-looking brand.

Visually, the Fronx delivers a strong and contemporary design identity. The exterior features signature LED DRLs, auto-adjusting headlamps, a bold front fascia, and a coupe-inspired silhouette, giving the vehicle a sporty yet sophisticated appearance. Its elevated stance enhances road presence while maintaining modern practicality.

Inside the cabin, the Fronx offers a premium, driver-focused layout designed for both comfort and convenience. A 9-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay ensures seamless connectivity, while the spacious interior layout supports daily commuting as well as longer journeys. Each design element reflects Suzuki’s commitment to blending aesthetics with functional innovation.

Powering the Fronx is Suzuki’s globally proven 1.5L K-Series engine, known for its smooth performance, reliability, and efficiency. The integration of hybrid technology further enhances fuel efficiency, a critical factor for Pakistani consumers navigating rising fuel costs.

Safety and technology are key strengths of the Fronx. The vehicle comes equipped with 6 airbags, ABS, and ESP, along with an advanced hybrid system that supports stable and efficient urban driving. These features position the Fronx among the most comprehensively equipped vehicles in its segment.

The Suzuki Fronx is a globally validated product, with successful launches and strong consumer acceptance across India, Japan, Asean, Latin America, Africa, and other international markets. Its international success is driven by proven engineering, strong reliability credentials, and a balanced value proposition.

Suzuki Pakistan will introduce the Fronx as a CKD unit, underlining its commitment to localization and long-term market sustainability. CKD production ensures better quality control, competitive pricing, availability of spare parts, and long-term ownership peace of mind.

When compared to imported JDM vehicles such as Aqua, Raize, and Rocky, as well as traditional sedans, the Fronx offers a clear ownership advantage. Backed by Suzuki’s unmatched brand trust, an extensive nationwide dealership and after-sales network, and localized manufacturing, the Fronx stands out in a market where reliability and resale value matter most.

Public Notice C2/2026 Reshapes the EV Classification Landscape

The classification of Range-Extended Electric Vehicles (REEVs), also known as Extended-Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs), has long occupied a grey zone within Pakistan’s automotive and regulatory ecosystem. Blending electric propulsion with an onboard fuel-powered generator, these vehicles challenge traditional definitions of electric and hybrid technologies.

With the issuance of Public Notice C2/2026, Pakistan Customs has now delivered decisive regulatory clarity:

Range-Extended Electric Vehicles are classified as Electric Vehicles under PCT 8703.80 — vehicles propelled solely by electric motor(s).

This landmark determination aligns Pakistan with international customs interpretation under the Harmonized System (HS 2022) and guidance from the World Customs Organization (WCO), while also setting a precedent for how emerging propulsion technologies will be treated in the national EV transition.

Electric Propulsion with a Range-Extending Generator

Range-Extended Electric Vehicles employ a propulsion architecture commonly described as a series hybrid configuration, yet functionally they operate as electric vehicles in all driving conditions. Their defining characteristics include:

• Wheels driven exclusively by electric traction motor(s)
• High-voltage battery as the sole propulsion energy source
• Internal combustion engine operating only as a generator
• No mechanical linkage between engine and drivetrain

In practical terms, the engine can never propel the vehicle. All torque transmitted to the wheels originates from the electric motor alone.

This single engineering fact became the decisive criterion in tariff classification.

The Regulatory Question at the Heart of the Debate

REEVs combine two energy systems:

• Electric propulsion
• Fuel-based electricity generation

This duality triggered competing classification interpretations under Pakistan’s Customs Tariff:

PCT 8703.60 — Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Vehicles in which both engine and electric motor can mechanically drive the wheels

PCT 8703.80 — Vehicles with only electric motor for propulsion
Vehicles propelled exclusively by electric motor(s)

The central legal question therefore emerged:

Can an internal combustion engine that never transmits torque to the wheels be considered a propulsion motor?

Industry Divide: Technology vs Tariff Interpretation

Importers and proponents of REEV technology argued that propulsion remains purely electric. In their view, the onboard engine functions merely as an auxiliary electricity source — analogous to external charging infrastructure.

Conversely, several domestic manufacturers and industry stakeholders asserted that REEVs should be treated as hybrid vehicles, emphasizing their fuel consumption, emissions profile, and classification in engineering taxonomy as series hybrids.

This divergence exposed a fundamental distinction often overlooked in policy discourse:

Vehicle technology classification and customs tariff classification are not the same.

Harmonized System Principle: Propulsion Mechanics Defines Vehicle Type

Pakistan’s Classification Committee examined HS heading 87.03 and reaffirmed a core principle embedded in global tariff structure:

Vehicle categories are determined by the source capable of delivering mechanical propulsion to the wheels.

Under this framework:

• Internal combustion vehicles — engine drives wheels
• Hybrid vehicles — engine and motor can drive wheels
• Electric vehicles — only motor drives wheels
• REEVs — only motor drives wheels

Although REEVs consume fuel indirectly, the internal combustion engine does not transmit mechanical power to the drivetrain. It therefore does not qualify as a propulsion motor under HS definitions.

International Consensus and Future HS Evolution

To ensure consistency with global practice, Pakistan Customs consulted the World Customs Organization. The WCO confirmed that under HS 2022:

Vehicles propelled exclusively by electric motor(s), even if equipped with an internal combustion engine used only for electricity generation, fall under subheading 8703.80.

Recognizing the growing adoption of REEV technology worldwide, the WCO has also introduced a dedicated subheading — 8703.81 — in the HS 2028 amendments. From 1 January 2028, REEVs will be statistically distinguished from pure battery electric vehicles while remaining within the electric propulsion category.

Pakistan’s Final Determination

Based on tariff text, explanatory notes, technical architecture, and WCO guidance, Pakistan Customs concluded:

• An engine used solely for charging is not a propulsion motor
• REEV propulsion is exclusively electric
• REEVs fall under PCT 8703.80 (electric vehicles)

This ruling establishes uniform national treatment for range-extended architectures entering Pakistan’s market, including vehicles such as Deepal REEV and Forthing REEV.

Strategic Implications for Pakistan’s EV Transition

Public Notice C2/2026 carries implications far beyond tariff coding. It influences how Pakistan’s mobility transition will evolve across policy, industry, and market adoption.

1. Regulatory Certainty
Manufacturers, importers, and investors now have clear classification guidance for REEV technology.

2. EV Market Expansion
REEVs can be positioned as electric-drive vehicles with extended range — addressing range anxiety, a major barrier in Pakistan’s EV adoption.

3. Policy Calibration Challenge
Although tariff-classified as EVs, REEVs are not zero-emission vehicles. Future fiscal incentives and environmental policy may need to differentiate propulsion from emissions.

4. Alignment with Global Standards
Pakistan’s classification now mirrors international HS interpretation, strengthening trade consistency and regulatory credibility.

Technology vs Tariff: The Defining Insight

Perhaps the most important lesson from Public Notice C2/2026 is conceptual:

A vehicle can be technologically a hybrid yet legally an electric vehicle for customs purposes.

This occurs because:

• Engineering taxonomy classifies by energy architecture
• Tariff law classifies by propulsion mechanics

REEVs sit precisely at this intersection — technologically hybrid, mechanically electric.

Conclusion: A Turning Point in EV Classification

Public Notice C2/2026 resolves a complex classification challenge created by next-generation propulsion systems. By confirming that Range-Extended Electric Vehicles fall under PCT 8703.80, Pakistan has aligned itself with global customs interpretation while enabling regulatory certainty for an emerging EV segment.

The ruling ultimately rests on a simple but decisive principle:

If only the electric motor drives the wheels, the vehicle is classified as electric — even when an engine generates the electricity.

As Pakistan advances toward electrified mobility, this decision marks a pivotal step in integrating new propulsion technologies into both policy and market reality.

Here is another exclusive article has been published in Automark’s March-2026. Written by @asif-mehmood

Pakistan’s automotive landscape could be on the verge of a major shift as the Chief Executive Officer of the Engineering Development Board, Hammad Mansoor, has indicated that a fully electric “Made-in-Pakistan” car priced at around Rs1 million may enter the market by June 2026.

Speaking to journalists at an Iftar dinner, the EDB chief made a striking claim that such an affordable electric vehicle could soon become a reality, potentially opening the door for a new segment of cost-effective mobility in Pakistan.

A Potential Game-Changer for the Market

The announcement comes at a time when the prices of two-wheelers, conventional vehicles, and electric cars have risen significantly, putting vehicle ownership out of reach for many consumers. A locally manufactured electric vehicle priced near Rs1 million could therefore represent a major breakthrough in accessibility and affordability.

If realised, it would likely become the lowest-priced electric car in the country, creating opportunities for a broader shift toward electrified mobility.

Possible Tax Relief in Upcoming Budget

During the interaction, the EDB chief also hinted that the upcoming federal budget may bring significant reductions in vehicle-related taxes, which could further support the growth of the auto sector.

According to him, such policy adjustments could make hybrid, electric, and conventional vehicles more affordable, while encouraging greater competition within the industry.

The move is expected to align with the government’s broader efforts to promote local manufacturing and technological development in Pakistan’s engineering and automotive sectors.

Increasing Competition in the Auto Industry

Another notable point raised during the discussion was the possibility that the longstanding dominance of a few large automobile companies in Pakistan may gradually diminish.

With new manufacturers entering the market and localisation efforts gaining momentum, the EDB believes vehicle prices could decline significantly. Mansoor suggested that car prices could potentially fall by as much as Rs2.5 million as production volumes increase and local component manufacturing expands.

This shift could lead to a more competitive environment where new entrants challenge traditional industry leaders.

Localisation to Play a Key Role

The affordability of a Rs1 million EV would largely depend on local production of components, particularly batteries and electronic systems, which account for a substantial portion of EV costs.

Greater localisation would not only reduce import dependency but also strengthen Pakistan’s engineering ecosystem by encouraging domestic manufacturing of critical components.

A Vision Yet to Be Realised

While the announcement has generated significant interest, further details about the vehicle—such as its manufacturer, specifications, range, and production plans—have yet to be disclosed.

Industry observers note that achieving a Rs1 million price point would require innovative design, strong localisation, and supportive government policies.

Nevertheless, if such a vehicle successfully reaches the market, it could mark an important milestone in Pakistan’s transition toward affordable electric mobility and a more competitive automotive sector.

and eco-friendly vehicles. Among the latest innovations are Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) — cars that combine traditional petrol engines with electric power to reduce fuel consumption, cut emissions, and give drivers greater flexibility in everyday use. Several PHEVs are currently locally assembled and available in Pakistan, including the powerful Tiggo 9 PHEV from Chery, the well-established MG HS PHEV, the capable Haval H6 PHEV, and emerging alternatives like the Dongfeng Forthing Friday (a range-extended hybrid).

This article explains why the Tiggo 9 PHEV stands out in the local market by comparing its performance, technology, range, comfort, safety, and value against its key rivals.

Can PHEVs be the Future in Pakistan!

Pakistan’s rising fuel costs, developing charging infrastructure, and evolving government policies on hybrid vehicles have made PHEVs increasingly attractive. PHEVs allow daily commuters to run on electric power for short city trips — reducing petrol costs — while retaining a petrol engine for long highway journeys. This removes “range anxiety” that pure electric cars still face due to limited charging stations. Because PHEVs are now assembled locally by several groups, buyers benefit from lower pricing, better after-sales support, and easier parts availability, compared with fully imported models.

Meet the Key Players

An overview of the main PHEVs currently assembled or launching in Pakistan:

1. Chery Tiggo 9 PHEV

• Flagship luxury PHEV from Chery Pakistan, locally assembled.
• Triple motor + 1.5 L turbo powertrain with high performance & range.
• Premium interior design and advanced technology.

2. MG HS PHEV

• One of the first locally assembled PHEVs in Pakistan.
• Focus on balance of fuel efficiency and city driving usability.
• Affordable entry point into hybrid SUV ownership.

3. Haval H6 PHEV

• A larger and more powerful hybrid SUV from GWM’s local assembly line.
• Emphasizes dynamic performance and comprehensive ADAS features.

4. Dongfeng Forthing Friday (Not a traditional PHEV but a Range-Extended Electric Vehicle)

• Uses a petrol generator to recharge the battery, delivering extended range while running fully on electric drive.
• A newer entrant, still building its service and parts support locally.

Market Trust & Local Investment

One important factor in choosing any vehicle is confidence in the brand and its support network in Pakistan. Local assembly plants and distributors play a major role in this:

• Chery Pakistan (Master Motors) has invested heavily in local assembly and dealer support, making PHEVs like Tiggo models more cost-effective and easier to maintain.
• MG Pakistan pioneered locally assembled PHEVs here and drew attention for making hybrid tech more affordable.
• Sazgar Engineering Works, in partnership with GWM, assembled the H6 PHEV and expanded it to AWD variants.
• Dongfeng’s Friday platform, though promising, is newer and its local service infrastructure is still forming.

In practical terms, local assembly often means shorter wait times, lower final prices (after taxes and duties), and better parts availability — important factors for long-term ownership.

Why Tiggo 9 PHEV Should Be Your Top Choice

With the basic comparison in mind, here are the key reasons the Tiggo 9 PHEV edges ahead of its competitors:

1. Best-in-Class Electric Range

The Tiggo 9’s claimed pure electric range (~145 km WLTP) is significantly higher than most rivals, including the MG HS and H6 PHEV. For many buyers, this means daily city driving without using petrol at all — reducing fuel costs and emissions.

This range is especially valuable in Pakistan where public charging stations are limited; users can rely on home charging and use fuel only for long trips.

2. Exceptional Combined Range for Road Trips

Tiggo 9 PHEV’s combined range — nearly 1,200 – 1,400 km — makes it ideal for not just city driving but also long road trips across the country without frequent refueling. This stretches far ahead of many competitors currently available locally.

3. Superior Power and Performance

With 610 hp and 920 Nm, Tiggo 9 PHEV is one of the most powerful hybrid SUVs in Pakistan’s lineup. This level of output gives drivers confident overtaking performance, robust highway cruising, and strong towing ability — all without compromising comfort.

4. Comprehensive Safety & Tech Suite

Safety remains paramount, and Tiggo 9 PHEV comes packed with advanced ADAS features, 10 airbags, 360-degree cameras, autonomous parking assist, and more — exceeding the basic ADAS packages found on some rivals.

Moreover, modern infotainment and connectivity options enhance daily usability, making it more enjoyable for both driver and passengers.

5. Luxury Comfort for Families

Unlike many five-seater ICE & PHEVs, Tiggo 9 PHEV is a true 7-seater, making it perfect for larger families, group travel, and weekend trips. Premium features such as massaging seats, panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seating, and 14 Sony speakers premium audio place it at the top of its class in terms of comfort.

Is the Higher Price Worth It?

It’s true that the Tiggo 9 PHEV sits in a higher price bracket than some competitors like the MG HS PHEV. However, given its performance, range, features, safety, and practicality, it offers value that extends far beyond its price — especially for buyers who plan to use the SUV as a daily family vehicle and a long-range traveler.

In many ways, the extra investment translates to long-term savings: less petrol consumption, better safety, and fewer compromises on comfort and tech.

Conclusion

The plug-in hybrid market in Pakistan is finally becoming mature, with choices spanning affordable entries to premium offerings. Amid this transformation, the **Tiggo 9 PHEV emerges as a clear leader for those seeking a versatile, powerful, and future-ready SUV. Its strong electric range, long combined driving range, advanced technology, and family-oriented features make it the most complete PHEV on offer locally.

While models like MG HS PHEV and Haval H6 PHEV offer excellent value or strong performance in their own rights, the Tiggo 9 combines the best of all worlds — performance, comfort, technology, and practicality — making it an ideal choice for Pakistani customers who want more from their next SUV purchase.

A rough Comparison of Tiggo 9 vs local Rivals

(Specs summarized and averaged from multiple sources — official figures may vary by model and variant.)

This exclusive article has been published in Automark Magazine’s March-2026 printed and digital edition. Written by Aqeel Bashir