In a move that signals a significant development for Pakistan’s auto industry, Sazgar Engineering Works Limited (Sazgar) has announced the commencement of pre-bookings for its new locally assembled Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), the HAVAL JOLION HEV.
The company made the official announcement through a filing on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Monday, April 2nd, 2024. The filing stated that the commercial rollout of these HEVs is anticipated for this very month, marking a significant step forward for Sazgar’s growing presence in the electric vehicle (EV) landscape of Pakistan.
“We are delighted to announce the commencement of pre-bookings for a new model of locally assembled Hybrid Electric Vehicles under the brand HAVAL JOLION HEV,” the company declared in the filing. “The CKD rollout of these vehicles for commercial-scale operations is expected in April 2024.”
This launch comes on the heels of Sazgar’s successful introduction of Pakistan’s first Electric Vehicle (EV) in February of this year. The company has been steadily expanding its footprint in the automotive sector, having completed the manufacturing facilities for Haval SUVs in 2022.
Beyond its domestic dominance as the largest rickshaw manufacturer in Pakistan, Sazgar has also ventured into the export market for these three-wheeled vehicles. Additionally, the company played a key role in bringing another Chinese automaker, BAIC, to Pakistan. BAIC has since introduced a range of vehicles in the Pakistani market, including the D20, X25 crossover, and the BJ40-Plus off-roader SUV.
The pre-booking announcement for the HAVAL JOLION HEV signifies a new chapter for Sazgar as it continues to diversify its product portfolio and cater to the evolving needs of Pakistani consumers. With a growing focus on environmental sustainability, the introduction of this locally assembled HEV is likely to generate significant interest among Pakistani car buyers seeking eco-friendly options.
This development is expected to contribute to Pakistan’s efforts to promote environmentally conscious transportation solutions and reduce reliance on conventional fuel sources. The success of the HAVAL JOLION HEV could pave the way for further advancements in Pakistan’s domestic EV production and potentially encourage other automakers to invest in the country’s burgeoning EV market.
