KARACHI (Reuters) – Chinese electric car giant BYD (SZ:.SZ) on Saturday announced plans to open a car manufacturing plant in Pakistan, where it will also sell three models through a partnership with Mega Motors.
BYD is the first major electric vehicle (NEV) entrant in the Pakistani market, which lacks charging infrastructure.
“Our entry into the Pakistani market is not just about offering advanced vehicles to consumers,” said Liu Xueliang, BYD general manager for Asia Pacific.
“It’s about encouraging a broader vision of environmental responsibility and technological innovation.”
BYD also plans to open three “flagship stores and experience centers” in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, the company said at a launch event in Lahore, adding that it plans to start selling from the fourth quarter of 2024 two SUV models and a sedan.
Mega Motors is a part of Pakistan’s largest private utility company, Hub Power Co Ltd (HPWR.PSX), known as Hubco.
“We will establish Pakistan’s first NEV assembly plant… dedicated to manufacturing BYD’s breakthrough new energy vehicles,” said Kamran Kamal, CEO of Hubco, describing the deal as a “landmark investment”.
The new factory will become operational in 2026, Kamal told Reuters.
Hubco will set up fast charging stations in major cities, highways and highways to improve Pakistan’s charging infrastructure.
