CBU and CKD are terms used in the automotive industry to describe the way vehicles are manufactured, imported, and sold in a particular market.
CBU (Completely Built Unit)
A Completely Built Unit is a vehicle that is:
- Fully manufactured and assembled in the country of origin.
- Imported into another country as a complete vehicle.
- Ready for sale to customers without any further assembly or modifications.
Examples: Imported luxury cars, fully assembled buses, etc.
CKD (Completely Knocked Down)
A Completely Knocked Down unit is a vehicle that is:
- Manufactured in the country of origin, but not fully assembled.
- Shipped to another country in knocked-down condition (i.e., disassembled).
- Assembled locally in the destination country using local labor and resources.
Examples: Cars manufactured in Japan, then shipped to Pakistan for local assembly.
Key differences:
CBU vs CKD
- Assembly: CBU is fully assembled, while CKD is assembled locally.
- Import duties: CKD kits often attract lower import duties.
- Localization: CKD promotes local industry development and job creation.
- Quality control: CBU ensures consistent global quality standards.
- Pricing: CKD vehicles are often priced lower due to local assembly.
Which one is better?
CBU offers:
- Consistent quality
- Faster delivery
- Warranty support
CKD offers:
- Lower costs
- Local employment opportunities
- Potential for customized features
The choice between CBU and CKD depends on market conditions, consumer preferences, and government policies.