The late delivery of cars is not a new issue in Pakistan as consumers have been long complaining about it. The problem became more serious during the COVID-19 and even continued as aftershocks of the pandemic. There were multiple reasons behind it including lockdowns globally, unavailability of containers, import restrictions and lack of raw materials among others. Although, a number of companies have worked on it but Al-Haj Automotive or Proton Pakistan is one of the major companies facing the late delivery problem, hurting their business and above all the consumers who have booked its crossover SUV, Proton X70.
Affected Consumers
Last week, one of the affected consumers of Proton Pakistan contacted PakWheels.com sharing the details. He claimed that there are around 130 people who have “made full payments to Al-Haj Automotive for X70 but still waiting for the delivery even after one year.”
“We want to share our story with the world as we have detailed payment documents, consumer court cases details,” the buyer said, adding that the affected ones are depressed both mentally and financially. He mentioned that some of the customers have made payments in September-October 2022, but haven’t their vehicles. “Around 130 have made full payments in January 2023,” he claimed.
Sharing more details of grave situation, the consumer stated that the bank cheques by Proton Pakistan for July 2023, have bounced. “Earlier, they said they will honour these in August but now they have extended it to September,” he stated. Hence, the affected have decided to hold a protest against the car company on 28th of August.
Questions by Customers
Talking about their concerns and queries, the consumer said that we want to ask some questions from Al-Haj Automotive, which are:
- Import restriction was lifted in January 2023. Why Al-Haj remains unable to supply vehicles?
- Proton Saga kits are arriving. But not x70. Is it true that Saga LCs are with National Bank, and X70 with Bank of Khyber?
- Is it true that Bank of Khyber is not opening LCs of Al-Haj group for some previous payment of Rs. 300 million?
- Is it true that there has been no LC with Bank of Khyber since Oct 2023?
- How many customers have made full payment of Rs. 7.2 million and waiting for vehicles. Is it true that 130 customers are waiting for their vehicles?
- The dealerships are saying that vehicles will be delivered in September 23. If there are no LCs, how is this possible? If LCs are opened today, how long do you think would take to deliver the vehicle?
- When LCs were not open and plant was closed, why did Al Haj receive full payment from customers. Due to inflation and dollar price, customers are feeling mental and financial stress. How does proton plan to win customers trust?
Proton Pakistan’s Reply
To get the answers of these questions, we contacted representative of Proton Pakistan. He told PakWheels.com, “stock is ready in Malaysia, as soon as we open the LC, it can be shipped to Pakistan immediately. Usually it takes 15 to 20 days to reach Karachi port.”
Answering the question about issue of non-deliveries, he said that non delivery was due to banks restrictions on dollars and opening of LCs. “Expected deliveries to be made till September-October 2023,” he claimed. However, he didn’t answer the rest of the questions, stating “information regarding banks is confidential. It cannot be discussed on any platform.”
Are you one of the affected of late deliveries of Proton X70? Tell us in the comments section.
