Pakistan Auto Show 2020: Check out all the highlights!
Pakistan’s biggest auto show has come to an end leaving behind a lot of excitement for the people in the shape of new cars introduced by different auto manufacturers in the country. Although these cars have not been officially launched by these companies but revealed their upcoming plans in the auto sector of Pakistan.
Where was the auto show held?
The 3-day mega event was organized by the Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) from 21st to 23rd February 2020 at International Expo Centre Lahore. PakWheels.com was the digital media partner of the grand event. The exhibition was divided into Hall 1, Hall 2 and Hall 3 covering 120,000 square feet of exhibition area. The provincial capital of Punjab witnessed various new and exciting prospects and hundreds of people turned out to visit the mega event.
Who stole the show?
Undoubtedly, Hyundai Nishat Motors and Sazgar – BAIC stole the show and remained in the limelight throughout the duration of the auto show. Apart from both of them, the Japanese auto giants including Honda Atlas Cars Pakistan Limited (HACPL) and Pak Suzuki Motor Company (PSMC) participated in PAPS 2020. Also, different auto parts manufacturers such as Servis tyres, Panther tyres, international enterprises and local companies, service providers, etc. were part of the event. On this occasion, PAAPAM was representing more than 3000 small, medium and large companies at the exhibition and helped them portray their technology.
Why was it held and how the crowd responded?
The event aimed to promote “Made in Pakistan” products and showcase the technology offered by the local industries. Over 200,000 visitors witnessed the mega auto show in three days and turned out to be a huge success. The idea was to expose the local talent and attract foreign investors to manufacture quality spare parts in the country. At the same time, the mega exhibition gave the local industry a great opportunity to get familiar with international standards. This event was surely not to miss out but in case you missed the action and all the happenings of the show, we have compiled a complete overview of Pakistan International Auto Show 2020. So, have a brief look at how this year’s edition turned out.
Hyundai – Nishat Motors:
Hyundai – Nishat Motors remained in the limelight for the right reason as it showcased its upcoming cars in the country. In this way, the company also got a chance to interact with the potential buyers of its cars and get feedback on their upcoming prospects in the local auto sector. The South Korean automaker displayed a compact crossover SUV Tucson alongside its compact sedan car Elantra. The show reached another level of excitement for the visitors when the automaker brought Hyundai Sonata to its display outlet on the last day of the event.
Hyundai Tucson:
Hyundai Tucson is powered by a 2.0-litre MPI engine producing 155 hp and 192 Nm of torque with an all-wheel-drive system (AWD). The compact SUV looks stunning and won the hearts of many visitors at the auto show. It’s a competitor of KIA Sportage and Toyota Fortuner in the local auto sector. The expected price of the upcoming compact crossover is PKR 5,500,000. Slide to view the pictures of Hyundai Tucson.
Hyundai Elantra:
The show was lit up by the unveiling of the Hyundai Elantra on the first day of PAPS 2020. It’s a compact sedan car equipped with a 1.6-litre MPI engine that generates a power of 126 hp and 154 Nm of torque under the front-wheel-drive system (FWD). The car comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission gearbox. Hyundai Elantra will compete with Toyota Corolla Grande and Honda Civic in the local market.
Hyundai Sonata:
There was a lot of anticipation regarding Hyundai Sonata at Pakistan’s biggest auto show of 2020. However, the company took off the curtains from the vehicle on the 3rd day of the event and advertised it as a surprise for its customers. Hyundai Sonata has a 2.5-litre MPI engine mated to a 6-speed transmission that churns out an output power of 178 hp and 232 Nm of torque under the front-wheel-drive system (FWD). Sonata will be a great competitor of Honda Accord and Toyota Camry in Pakistan.
Apart from these new prospects, Hyundai Nishat also displayed its existing cars including MPV Grand Starex and Ioniq HEV at the event.
Sazgar – BAIC:
The other highlight of the event was Sazgar Engineering Works Limited as it captured the attention of many visitors. Sazgar has collaborated with BAIC and will soon launch its vehicles in the country. The company displayed three exciting cars from different segments at the Pakistan Auto Show 2020 including BAIC BJ40 Plus, Senova X25 and Senova D20. The people did welcome the upcoming cars and considered it as a great initiative by Sazgar, previously known as the 3-wheeler manufacturer. Let’s have a quick overview of these cars.
BAIC BJ40 Plus:
BAIC BJ40 Plus is an off-road vehicle offered by the company in both, 2.0-litre engine producing 145 hp and 270 Nm of torque and 2.3-litre engine churning out 184 hp and 350 Nm of torque. The former one comes under both 2WD and 4WD whereas the latter one is only available in a 4WD option. The vehicle’s body looks extremely rigid and meant to be driven on rough tracks and would be a wonderful addition to the local sector.
BAIC Senova X25:
BAIC Senova X25 is powered by a 1.5-litre engine with Euro V emissions standard mated to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. The compact crossover is built under the Senova brand. It has a bold and aggressive design with outstanding aesthetics. Senova X25 was also highly appreciated by those who had a close at the vehicle. In the local market, it will compete with Honda BR-V and Toyota Rush.
BAIC Senova D20:
The introduction of BAIC Senova D20 is a highly-anticipated move by the company as there is a lot of demand for hatchbacks in the country particularly at this time when car prices have surged massively. BAIC Senova D20 fills that lack of competition in the local sector as it will compete with Suzuki Cultus and KIA Picanto. BAIC Senova D20 is a 5-door hatchback equipped with a 1.3-litre engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and 1.5-litre engine paired to a 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmission.
Pak Suzuki Motor Company (PSMC):
The Japanese auto giant in the country, Pak Suzuki Motor Company participated in the event but unlike last year; it didn’t have anything new to offer to its customers. Last year, the company unveiled its all-new Suzuki Alto at the Pakistan Auto Show which has been a success story for the automaker so far. However, the company displayed the 660 cc Suzuki Alto alongside 1000 cc Cultus for promotion purposes. Considering the extraordinary decline in sales of Pak Suzuki, the company is looking to boost up its sales through these two top performers of the current fiscal year. Pak Suzuki also showcased the 4th generation of Jimny it launched last year in the country. Suzuki Jimny is an off-road vehicle and to portray its abilities, the company parked it on a self-made rough floor.
Gixxer SF 150 and DR-Z 125 L:
Apart from the cars, the company was exhibiting its sporty Moto GP edition of the Gixxer SF model at the auto show. It’s powered by a 155 cc 4-stroke single-cylinder air-cooled engine with a fuel injection system paired to 5-speed constant mesh transmission. The motorbike also comes in two more colors i.e. Red and Black. Despite the presence of Gixxer SF 150 cc at the show, an exciting dirt bike of the DR-Z series remained in the spotlight. Pak Suzuki showcased DR-Z 125 L dirt bike as an off-road package. It has a 4-stroke single-cylinder 125 cc SOHC engine mated to a 5-speed constant mesh transmission. Slide to view the pictures from the auto show.
Honda Atlas Cars Pakistan Limited (HACPL):
Honda Atlas Cars Pakistan Limited (HACPL) was also present at the Expo Centre. The Japanese automaker exhibited the following cars at the mega-event:
- Honda Civic RS Turbo
- Honda BR-V
The company recently launched the Turbo version of 1.8-litre Civic Oriel to add another option for its loyal customers. On the other hand, Honda BR-V also received a facelift some time ago but none of the company’s cars have managed to save the overall sales of the automaker in the local market.
Master Motors Corp. Pvt. Limited:
Master Motors also made it to the Pakistan auto show 2020 with its wide range of Foton and Changan vehicles. It displayed Changan M9 pick-up alongside Foton pick-up, vans and trucks line-up. Changan M9 was also available for test-driving for the visitors.
Atlas Honda Limited:
Atlas Honda Group also participated in the Pakistan International Auto Show 2020. However, there was no new product introduced by the country’s largest motorbike manufacturer. The company just displayed its wide range of motorbikes at its designated exhibiting area. Atlas Honda Limited showcased its motorbikes in different engine capacities starting from 70 cc and up to 250 cc. It included the following:
- CB 250 F
- CB 150 F
- CB 125 F
- CG 125 SE
- CG 125
- CD 70 Dream
- CD 70
The company holds the largest market share in terms of sales in Pakistan. Nonetheless, it was a great opportunity for visitors to personally experience these motorbikes and plan their purchase accordingly.
Ravi Automobile Private Limited:
Ravi Automobile Private Limited showcased some of its motorbikes at the Pakistan auto show 2020. It also displayed an Aprilia heavy bike alongside 70 cc Ravi Humsafar and 70 cc Ravi Premium R1.
Millat Tractors:
Millat Tractors Limited is one of the largest tractor manufacturers in the country. The company manufactures robust and durable Massey Ferguson tractors which are highly popular in the local market. Massey Ferguson also holds the largest market share in the tractors segment. The company did participate in the event and displayed its tractors.
Other companies and activities:
Apart from the above-mentioned car and motorbike manufacturers, there were several other auto parts companies, suppliers and service providers present at the event. PAAPAM also organized some interesting and interacting activities for the general public which included PAAPAM Skill Development Centre (PSDC), Sculpture and Live Drawing, etc. Let’s have a quick look at all these companies and activities held at Expo Centre Lahore.
Classic cars on display:
Pakistan Auto Show 2020 was not only limited to the 3 halls of the Expo Centre. There were a large number of people being entertained by the classic cars displayed in the parking area. There were many antique cars spotted during the auto show including:
- 1978 Toyota FJ 40
- 1959 Austin Healey
- 1964 Mini
- 1976 Datsun 280Z
- 1936 Ford Phaeton
- 1967 Mercedes and many more.
Slide to view the pictures of these iconic classic cars.
Service Industries Limited:
Service Industries Limited is one of the largest exporters of tyres and tubes in Pakistan and manufactures different categories of tyres in the local industry. The company participated in the auto show of 2020 and displayed the range of tyres and tubes it produces.
Panther Sports & Rubber Industries:
Panther Tyres Limited is one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of quality tyres, tubes, lubricants and spare parts in Pakistan. The company displayed all its products at the auto show and remained an engaged stall as it can be seen in the picture below:
TPL Trakker:
TPL Trakker Limited offers tracking solutions through the central command centre and integrated mobile app for vehicles. The company also remained engaged with the public as it offered several innovative solutions to the market needs.
PakWheels.com:
PakWheels.com was the digital media partner of Pakistan International Auto Show 2020. PakWheels also participated in the event as it had set up an outlet where the general public was facilitated. The expert team members of PakWheels.com also provided information on different automobiles, the services it offers and upcoming auto events, Car Melas and rallies.
INER-Z Automotive Private Limited:
INER-Z Automotive Pvt. Limited is Pakistan’s first EV research, design and engineering company which also remained in the spotlight as it introduced its electric motorbike at the grand event. The company claims that their electric motorbike will offer a range of 65 km after a charge time of 4.5 hours. The motorbike is powered by a 20 A battery and the company will start taking pre-orders of its first EV motorbike from the 3rd quarter of 2020. See the pictures below:
NUST Car:
NUST Formula Student Team participated in the event with their NAS 19’ Formula Car made of carbon fiber-reinforced fiber body shell under steel space frame chassis.
PAAPAM Skill Development Centre (PSDC):
Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) also arranged its Skill Development Centre (PSDC) at Pakistan Auto Show. The main objective of its training sessions is to serve as a platform to deliver the information related to global practices adopted in the automotive industry and discuss challenges faced by the local sector.
Pakistan’s biggest auto show didn’t only make the headlines due to the new vehicles introduced by different automakers but also helped in displaying as many as 34 innovative projects in terms of technology. Students from private and public universities took part in this event. This segment of the auto show enabled the talented students to interact with local and foreign investors that could eventually get them a potential investor for fulfilling their project cost. A hybrid motorbike was also present which was also made by a group of local students. Moreover, a solar-powered scooter was also displayed as an innovative project at the mega-event.
Sculpture and Live Drawing:
Another interesting activity arranged at the 2020 edition of the Pakistan Auto Show was the sculpture and live drawing of the automobiles displayed at the event. The general public did show a lot of interest in the activity and showcased their extraordinary drawing skills and sketched different motorbikes and cars present at the event. A wall was dedicated to displaying all the sculptures and drawings made by the artists among the public to encourage them.
Nonetheless, it was an entertaining and spectacular event that had something of interest for everyone. A large number of people attended the auto event throughout its 3 days with their families and friends. Did you attend the event held at the Expo Centre Lahore? What was the most exciting aspect of the show in your sight? Do let us know and drop your valuable opinion in the feedback section. Stay connected with PakWheels blog for more updates.
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