These are trying times for Pakistan as the economic conditions are worsening, and the political landscape is unstable. In a time like this, when inflation is at its highest and car prices are increasing every day, it must be hard for consumers to buy new cars. However, recent sales figures reveal that the Toyota Hilux and Fortuner are beating the Suzuki Alto in popularity once again.
According to the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA), the Toyota Hilux and Fortuner have outperformed the Suzuki Alto in terms of sales for the second consecutive month. In February, the Hilux and Fortuner sold a combined 2,007 units, while the Alto sold only 1,384 units.
The Hilux and Fortuner are both known for their durability and versatility, making them ideal for Pakistani roads and terrain. The Hilux, in particular, is a popular choice for commercial purposes such as transportation and construction. The Fortuner, on the other hand, is a family-friendly SUV that can easily handle off-road adventures. Despite that, Fortuner’s baseline model costs Rs. 14,230,000, and the base variant of Hilux costs Rs. 12,969,000.
Meanwhile, the Suzuki Alto has long been a mainstay in the Pakistani car market due to its affordability and fuel efficiency. However, its sales have taken a hit in recent months.
The major reason behind this decrease in sales was supposed to be due to a hike in car prices and a decrease in purchasing power. But the figures reveal that the elite are still able to afford high-end vehicles no matter how expensive they get. Meanwhile, mid-range vehicles like Alto are usually bought by the middle class, who have lost their purchasing power in this inflation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the car industry as a whole, with production and sales taking a hit. Despite this, the Toyota Hilux and Fortuner have managed to maintain their popularity among Pakistani consumers. This might also be because IMC has been able to maintain its production with minimum non-production days.
It remains to be seen whether the Hilux and Fortuner will continue to outperform the Alto in the coming months.
What are your thoughts on this? Share with us in the comments below!
The elite as you put it are called elite because their capability to pay for luxury is never reduced as they are always on the roll when it comes to utilising skills and making money.
By the way, in ten years definition for living within means has expanded to taking loan and buying goods on instalment. I have had a person trying to buy our JDM Alto by offering 300k in cash and the rest as instalment. I told him to look for a cheaper vehicle rather than trying to cheat another person out of their rights.
Yet, we praise Hazrat Omar Raziallahoanho, do we even realise that he never took a loan in his life, why then like him when we hate to practice what he taught, is our liking now merely limited to words? In my view, it is high time for general public in particular non-elite to learn what Islam says rather than trying on emulating the elite and hating them for their well-deserved luxuries.
A good study in statistics. How many bought by individuals? How many of these belonging to people who have the legal means to make such a purchase?
It is economic science, during financial crisis, the luxury sector isn’t impacted, because the wealthy got the means.
Toyota fortuner and hilux are for high middle class.
And i guess it is only a beginning for alto, even cultus and wagon aren’t worth to buy anymore , Proton Saga is cheaper.
I guess the customers are ready to buy Saga, just waiting for the booking to open again.