KARACHI: Overall sales of locally assembled cars rose to 52,879 units in July-December 2013-14 from 50,587 units in the corresponding period last year.

The slight downfall in sales of small cars 800cc was covered up by increase in sale of higher engine power cars (1,300cc and above).

Sales of 1,300cc and above rose to 25,365 units in July-Dec 2013-14 as compared to 23,955 units in corresponding period last year.

Except for decline in Suzuki Liana and Suzuki Swift sales, consumers bought 4,247 Honda Civic and 5,742 Honda City in the last six months as compared to 3,719 and 4,574 units respectively.

Facing stiff competition from Honda cars, sales of Toyota Corolla marginally crawled up to 12,875 units as compared to 12,429 units. Suzuki Liana and Suzuki Swift sales remained flat at 87 and 2,414 units as compared to 110 and 3,123 units.

Data released by Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA) revealed that in 1,000cc category, Suzuki Cultus sales increased to 7,255 units as compared to 6,193 units. In below 1,000cc segment, Suzuki Mehran sales fell to 13,701 units from 14,803 units while Bolan sales rose to 6,558 units from 5,565 units.

Due to year end phenomenon, the buyers, however, lifted 7,213 units in December 2013 as compared to 8,437 units in November 2013.

In LCV, vans and jeeps segment, a total of 243 Sigma Defender vehicles were sold out as compared to 212 units while Suzuki Ravi sales jumped to 5,477 units from 4,530 units. Toyota Hilux sales stood at 2,077 units as compared to 2,199 units.

In July-Nov 2013-14, total cars imports plunged by 53pc to $80m from $169m.