Suzuki Bolan: This car is probably older than you think. Thankfully, Pak Suzuki discontinued it after 40 years of service in Pakistan’s commercial pickup industry. That’s the most historic moment in Pakistan’s automobile industry history. While Bolan is getting replaced by Suzuki Every, but still, Bolan has its own iconic image in Pakistan.
In this historic moment, let’s take a look at Bolan’s history in Pakistan.
International History of Suzuki Bolan
Internationally, it was the Suzuki Carry, and the specific model that we got in Pakistan was the 7th generation Carry, also known as the “Suzuki Carry ST-90” model, which was produced internationally between 1979 and 1985.
In 1985, it was discontinued and replaced by the 8th generation Carry, also known as the “DA-71 Carry.” However, in the same year, Pak Suzuki decided to introduce the obsolete and discontinued 7th generation Carry to Pakistan and renamed it “Suzuki Bolan.” And the rest is history.
A Timeless Icon in Pakistan’s Automotive History
Bolan revolutionized the local commercial market. Prior to Bolan in 1985, commercial pickup owners had only one choice: buy a full-size commercial pickup like Shehzore or Minivan.
Then, Bolan came into the market. Its blend of practicality and affordability was exactly what the market needed at that time. It was small, cheap, and had a small engine, and it was super adaptable for every commercial purpose.
- Loading and delivery? Check!
- Mobile shop? Check!
- School pick and drop? Check!
- Kidnapping? Check!
- Ambulance? Check!
- Wedding vehicle to load the whole family? Check!
- Postal van? Check!
Due to its super cheap price, it became a super hit in the country and one of the favorite commercial vehicles by small businesses. It was so popular that Suzuki kept this car in production for 40 years without any change. But today it’s confirmed from the source that Bolan’s production has been discontinued in the factory.
Upgrades in Bolan in these 43 Years
After 24 years of being in production, in 2012, Suzuki decided to replace Bolan’s carburetor engine with an EFI engine. No, they didn’t do it on their own, but due to government regulations and compliance with EFI engines on every brand-new vehicle manufactured in Pakistan.
Along with that, Pak Suzuki introduced a major facelift, changing the dashboard color from yellow to grey and changing the shape of the headlights from round to square. Since then, it has remained the same without any changes.
In 2022, Suzuki also tried to fit AC in the Bolan, but this project utterly failed and eventually just after 4 months, they removed the AC variant from Bolan’s lineup.
Suzuki Every – Replacement of Suzuki Bolan
As you can see from the above picture, Suzuki has finally discontinued Bolan’s production assembly after 36 years. This is the last Suzuki Bolan being manufactured in the factory.
Soon, maybe in October’s first or second week, Suzuki will introduce the locally assembled Every to the market to replace the Bolan.
Bhai, make your facts correct PakSuzuki or PACo (Pakistan Automobile Corporation) never introduce the ST90 as Bolan, it was introduce as Carry when it was low or flat roof version and then when they goes for the high roof version it was called Hi-Roof. Until early 90’s all the Suzuki models were called with their original names like Alto, Swift, Swift Sedan, Carry, Pickup. In the early 90’s they have played a marketing gamble and change the names with the local names Mehran, Khyber, Margalla, Bolan and Ravi respectively.
Sir ab jen logon ky pas bolan hai unko eske resale value kam melay.ke ya zayadq
Dear author please note that even now, despite availability of Chinese vans, Suzuki Bolan remains choiciest vehicle for commercial users including trusts, hospitals, school van drivers, business owners operating via a mobile business model. Do you know why, its body is better than cheap steely Chinese van body, parts are dirt cheap, it is easy to repair and very fuel efficient as well. Aside that its gear ratios make it a far superior vehicle than any Chinese box on wheels when it comes to driving over steep roads.
These characteristics make it a very appealing fixed asset for any business owner looking to maintain net profits.
PS I have even seen school van drivers having its wheelbase stretched for accommodating another row of three-seater seat.
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