ISLAMABAD: Car sales in Pakistan experienced a significant 52% year-on-year growth in January 2025, according to data from the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA).
The report revealed that passenger car sales reached 11,868 units in January 2025, compared to 7,802 units during the same period last year. Cumulatively, sales for the first seven months of FY25 (July 2024–January 2025) stood at 58,266 units, marking a 51% increase from the 38,464 units recorded in the corresponding period of FY24. Additionally, January 2025 sales rose 51% compared to 7,868 units sold in December 2024.
Mashood Ali Khan, former chairman of the Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM), attributed the growth to renewed consumer interest at the start of the year. He highlighted that Japanese, Korean, and Chinese car models were particularly popular among buyers.
However, he cautioned that the sustainability of this trend would depend on the policies outlined in the upcoming fiscal year’s budget.
Khan also pointed out challenges in the tractor market, which continues to struggle due to the imposition of sales taxes, failing to meet its target sales volume. On the other hand, the truck industry showed signs of recovery, driven by demand from the construction sector, and bus imports increased, supported by provincial projects. He suggested that strategic government initiatives could attract major automotive players, encourage investment, and position Pakistan as a potential exporter of electric buses.
In terms of vehicle categories, sales of 1,300cc and above cars grew 35%, reaching 5,518 units in January 2025 compared to 4,091 units in January 2024. In the 1,000cc category, 717 units were sold, including 475 Suzuki Cultus and 242 Suzuki WagonR units, up from 593 units last year.
Cars below 1,000cc saw the most substantial growth, with sales surging to 5,633 units from 3,118 units in January 2024, driven by Suzuki Alto’s sales rising to 5,039 units from 2,983 units. Dewan Motors also recorded 15 units of its electric vehicle, the Honri-Ve, sold in January 2025.
Sales of buses and trucks rose to 621 units in January 2025, compared to 242 units in January 2024. The sale of jeeps and pickups increased to 5,127 units from 2,734 during the same period last year. Conversely, tractor sales declined sharply to 2,761 units from 4,020 units in January 2024.
Meanwhile, sales of motorcycles and rickshaws climbed to 139,161 units in January 2025, up from 104,619 units in January 2024. Sazgar Engineering Works provided combined sales data for its three-wheelers and four-wheelers for December 2024 and January 2025, as it had not released figures for December.
The data underscores strong growth across most automotive segments, signaling recovery and rising consumer demand despite challenges in specific markets like tractors.
