PakWheels held its Auto Show in Islamabad at Centaurus Mall this time. As always the show was a great success. For helping us bringing the show to the people of the Twin Cities, CEO of Centaurus Group, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan played an important part. So we are bringing you a brief conversation PakWheels had with Sardar Yasir at the PakWheels Auto Show 2017.
PW: Tell us about yourself and also what Centaurus group is doing now and is planning to do in the future?
SYIK: I am CEO and Group Director of Centaurus Group—a group with diverse options of business ventures such as a modern state of the art Mall and Hospitality Management. And we are set to venture into other businesses as well such as in Media, and real-estate. The group is gritty to launch a housing society in the next coming months.
PW: How did you develop your interest in cars, especially in sports cars and motorsports?
SYIK: I do love heavy bikes and sports cars, and I have been a passionate motorist from when I was very juvenile. When I was 18, I got my hands on Corvette z06 which I still drive fearlessly, and also I own a Lamborghini Murcielago—a high power comfy car. One can get the idea from my choice how colossal horsepower cars I use and drive. Apart from these cars I also have many other exotic and luxury cars. Collecting and driving glamorous cars is a great obligation to me not a mere matter of boasting.
PW: What cars do you have currently?
SYIK: I have blessed with many cars, and the prominent one is Ranger Rover which has been modified by Lumma design and Startec companies. Moreover, as I said before, I have Corvette and Lamborghini.
PW: Are you planning on buying new cars?
SYIK: Yes, of course, many new cars are coming to join my fleet and I will reveal it in due time.
PW: What do you think about auto-industry of Pakistan?
SYIK: With great aspiration, I would say that the industry is growing steadily and the buying power of people is rising, locals have bought many exotic cars like BMW, Audi, etc. which is evidence enough that people have enough capacity to buy cars. Furthermore, many international players are also committed to enter the local market which will diversify the local market in even further. Even indigenous manufacturers are trying to give variation to the consumer, so I am fully confident that local automotive industry and enthusiasts will prosper.
PW: How do you maintain such wide range of cars?
SYIK: Many products and techniques have entered the local market, which are helping the people to maintain the cars. I maintain cars myself. If one has bought a car, the responsibility lies on his shoulders. It is my advice that always washes the car yourself nothing is demeaning about it, people in the west are progressing because they do work with their own hands, be it cars or clothes.
PW: Your message for youngsters!
SYIK: Always feel proud of the automotive community. It is sad that Pakistan doesn’t have any tracks for local motorists. And that is why young guns drive fast and rashly on roads; it is my humble request to them that always try to drive safely as you can. Follow the traffic rules and respect the traffic police.
