PAPS 2025 Event Recap: Pakistan’s Auto Industry Goes Electric, Local, and Ambitious

The Pakistan Auto Show (PAPS) 2025 marked a turning point for the local automotive industry. Across three high-energy days, automakers unveiled next-generation EVs, pickups, and mobility solutions, while emphasizing localization, technology adoption, and sustainability.

This edition of PAPS showcased a market that is maturing rapidly, with global and Chinese brands signaling serious investment in Pakistan as a long-term automotive growth hub.

Day 1: A High-Tech, High-Energy Kickoff

The Karachi Expo Center opened its doors to a flurry of activity as manufacturers presented state-of-the-art models, hybrid EVs, and connected mobility solutions.

Pak Suzuki: Fronx – Redefining the Urban Crossover

The Fronx, Pakistan’s first “XUV,” combined a youthful coupe-like design with practical urban dimensions. Its affordable pricing, sporty stance, and feature-rich interior position it as a key contender for first-time SUV buyers, appealing to younger demographics shifting away from traditional sedans.

Chery: Tiggo Hybrids Set Benchmark

Chery introduced the Tiggo 7, 8, and 9 PHEVs, combining hybrid efficiency with modern interiors and ADAS technology. The line-up reflects a strategic focus on hybrid adoption, bridging the transition from combustion engines to full EVs while maintaining reliability and brand familiarity.

Changan Deepal Series – Comprehensive EV Vision

Changan showcased two EVs across the premium, mid, and compact segments:

• E07 – Luxury fastback SUV emphasizing intelligent tech, minimalist design, and aspirational interiors.
• K50 – Compact urban hatchback targeting city commuters and first-time EV buyers.

The Deepal lineup illustrates Changan’s long-term strategy: a tiered EV ecosystem that prepares Pakistan for mass adoption while offering choice across budgets and use cases.

MG: Diversified Smart Mobility Portfolio

MG made a strong impression with multi-segment solutions:

• U9 Pickup – A global debut with a 2.5L turbo diesel engine and tech-rich cabin, aiming at Pakistan’s competitive commercial segment.
• Binguo EV – Compact hatchback with premium interiors, dual screens, and 300 km range, designed for urban EV adopters.

MG’s approach highlights a youth-focused, tech-first positioning that appeals to both urban commuters and commercial users.

Dongfeng 007: Futuristic Sedan Appeal

The eπ 007, officially known as the Dongfeng 007, captured attention with a sleek, fastback silhouette and advanced EV architecture, signaling that Chinese automakers are now serious competitors in Pakistan’s premium EV segment.

Capital Smart Motors: JMEV EV3 Teaser

CSM’s teaser hinted at an affordable city EV under PKR 5 million, designed for mass adoption and urban mobility, signaling an ambitious volume-based market strategy.

Toyota: Benchmarking Localization

Toyota showcased an exploded Yaris highlighting 55% local components, from body panels to suspension and wiring. This demonstration underscored Toyota’s deep supply chain and its strategic focus on affordable, repairable, and locally supported vehicles.

Day 2: Market Readiness, Pricing, and Strategic Moves

Day 2 emphasized product availability, pre-bookings, and aggressive pricing strategies, reflecting a maturing automotive market.

Zamyad PADRA+ and EX Pickups

Iranian automaker Zamyad entered the market with two rugged pickups, both featuring 2.4L engines and commercial-grade reliability. Their entry demonstrates growing regional competition in Pakistan’s utility segment, historically dominated by Japanese players.

CSM JMEV EV3 Official Launch

The EV3 attracted attention with:

• 271 km range
• LFP battery with DC fast charging
• Feature-rich cabin
• Higher variant launching in January

The EV3 represents practical urban mobility at an accessible price, showing that affordable EVs are now a viable market segment.

Dongfeng 007 Pricing Strategy

• Essence: PKR 11,900,000
• Prestige: PKR 12,450,000
• Excellence: PKR 13,900,000

Pricing signals confidence in Pakistan’s appetite for premium EVs while positioning the 007 as an aspirational yet accessible sedan.

MG U9 Pickup Pre-Bookings

The U9 challenges established pickups with a modern engine, tech-rich cabin, and robust chassis, expanding MG’s reach beyond urban EVs into commercial and lifestyle utility segments.

Jetour X70 Plus Promotional Push

A free registration campaign saved buyers up to PKR 205,000, demonstrating increasingly aggressive marketing strategies in Pakistan’s SUV market.

Day 3: Localization, EV Adoption, and Mobility Innovation

The final day highlighted industrial maturity, localized production, and inclusive mobility solutions.

• OEM Private Limited highlighted 85% localization in Pakistan’s motorcycle sector, underscoring supply-chain resilience.
• Metro Premium+ 3-Wheeler EV and EV Bikes/Scooters showcased inclusive, female-friendly, and urban-focused mobility solutions.
• Agri Auto highlighted locally produced components, signaling robust support for domestic manufacturing.

Day 3 reflected a maturing automotive ecosystem in which EV adoption, localization, and tech integration converge to create a more resilient, future-ready market.

Market Readiness: Can Pakistan Absorb This Surge?

While PAPS 2025 revealed a technologically advanced and diversified market, Pakistan’s broader readiness is nuanced:

1. Financing and Affordability
   • Vehicle loans are rising faster than average incomes. Premium EVs and pickups may attract early adopters, but mass adoption requires low-interest financing, leasing options, or government incentives.
2. EV Infrastructure and Energy
   • Charging stations are concentrated in major cities, and grid reliability remains a concern. Urban infrastructure and public awareness are crucial for adoption.
3. Consumer Awareness and Acceptance
   • Awareness of EV benefits—lower running costs, tech advantages, sustainability—is growing but remains urban-centric. First-time buyers are often cautious, favoring familiar ICE models.
4. Localization and Service Support
   • Toyota, OEM, and Agri Auto are strengthening local supply chains, but EV service networks and spare parts must expand for sustainable growth.

Bottom Line: Pakistan is ready for niche adoption among early adopters, urban commuters, and commercial users. Mass-market EV penetration will depend on financing options, infrastructure development, and education, while affordable models like JMEV EV3 and MG Binguo pave the way for wider adoption.

Key Takeaways: Pakistan’s Automotive Maturity

1. Electrification is mainstream: Multi-segment EVs from Deepal, Dongfeng, MG, and CSM show market readiness.
2. Pickups and utility vehicles are diversifying: Zamyad, MG U9, and Jetour X70 Plus highlight evolving commercial and lifestyle offerings.
3. Localization is strategic: Toyota, OEM, and Agri Auto showcase industrial depth and resilience.
4. Modern tech is expected: ADAS, smart cockpits, dual screens, and fast charging are emerging as baseline expectations.
5. China and global brands are shaping market dynamics: Changan, Dongfeng, and Chery demonstrate investment-led market expansion strategies.

Final Perspective: Pakistan Enters a New Automotive Era

PAPS 2025 demonstrated that Pakistan is no longer just a market for imported cars. It is emerging as a hub for EV adoption, technology-driven mobility, and localized industrial growth.

• Multi-tier EV adoption is now feasible for city commuters, premium buyers, and commercial users.
• Pickups and light commercial vehicles are increasingly competitive.
• Localization and tech adoption are accelerating industrial maturity.
• Financial, infrastructure, and awareness gaps remain the primary barriers to rapid mass adoption.

Pakistan’s automotive sector is strategically positioned for electrification, industrial self-reliance, and sustainable growth, marking the start of a dynamic new decade for mobility innovation.