The prices of Proton’s X70 and Saga models have been taken down the prices from their website in Pakistan, where they are the only two models available for sale. An authorized dealership has indicated that despite the pause in local production, the prices of Proton cars are likely to increase soon.
On ascertaining the details, Sources informed the PakWheels that the company will have the kits soon and prices will be announced as per rupee performance against dollar clearance rate
Reports suggest that Proton’s assembly operations in Pakistan have been halted for over a month, with no automobiles being produced since the start of May 2023. Sources state that once the Completely Knocked Down (CKD) parts arrive, assembly operations will resume. However, the end-user prices are expected to be higher due to significant currency depreciation. It is currently unknown when assembly operations will restart and new vehicle deliveries will begin.
Proton is facing difficulties as the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has not issued a letter of credit (LC) for importing parts. As a result, since Proton has not yet localized the production of Saga and X70 parts, their only option is to import them for assembly and sale.
The Economic Effect
Mind you, proton is not the only company facing the misfortune, following BIG 3, other new entrants are facing the same fate. production shutdown, low sales, dwindling profits and shattering car finance narrate the whole story. To avert the economic effect, automakers are announcing special, and again the aim is to at least maintain the footfall at their deserted dealerships.
Special Offers
In a recent development, Kia Lucky Motor comes with a limited-time ‘ready delivery’ for all its car models. Meaning, customers can avail of this offer as an instant delivery. Suffice it to say, there is zero wait for delivery and no near future price hike.
Picanto, Sportage, Stonic, Sorento, and Carnival are the variants come under this immediate delivery offer.
Following Kia Motors, Chery Pakistan (Gandhara Automobiles Limited) announced the same. The company is offering a ‘ready delivery’ of Chery Tiggo 8 Pro for its customers.
It’s been around 6 months.
Proton the only brand who’s not looting customers.