KARACHI: Chery Automobile Co Ltd has partnered with Ghandhara Nissan Limited for local assembly and distribution of Tiggo Series sports utility vehicles (SUVs).

The Chinese company plans to initially arrange for assembly of two SUVs — Tiggo 4 Pro and 8 Pro — with eight dealers across Pakistan. The assembly plant, which is being set up at Port Qasim, will have the capacity of 16,000 units a year which would be increased to 32,000 units a year.

Sales of the first locally-built vehicles are expected to begin in Pakistan within the ongoing fiscal year. Ghandhara’s investment of $10 million over the first four years would provide the industry with a much-needed financial boost as well as help expand a retail network and create job opportunities, a press release said.

Currently, Pakistan’s automotive industry accou­nts for almost nearly four per cent of the GDP. Chery’s Executive Vice President Charlie Zhang said the company’s entrance into Pakistan’s automotive market represents a significant step for China-Pakistan economic growth.

With the close collaboration and support of the Pakistani government, this will deliver sustainable benefits for the national economy, customers, partners and Chery, he said.

General Manager Pakis­tan Chery Felix Hu said after the start of local assembly, the company aims to export SUVs to Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

Published in Dawn, December 15th, 2021