Low Localization and the Need to Shift to EVs

Car prices in Pakistan have always been highly vulnerable to exchange rates, despite the fact that up to 70% localization is said to have been achieved. This is simply because only basic components such as electrical harnesses, bumpers, seats, rims, and other small spares are made locally. Complex parts such as engine & transmission etc are still imported at large.

Surprisingly the vending industry also blames exchange rate fluctuations as they are heavily dependent on imported raw materials for making locally made parts. Both automakers & vendors never seem to have taken advantage of the policy to set up manufacturing plants by actually importing equipment that makes it possible to completely build the required components locally. Perhaps all they wanted was lower duties so they could just import parts and assemble them here instead of setting up pipelines to locally produce something from the ground up.

Even the vehicles launched recently by existing assemblers as well as new entrants also have low localized parts, which is why prices remain volatile. The investment, technology transfer, and import substitution that has happened over the years in the automobile value chain has not been enough. Furthermore, there is no check & balance by the government on whether the industry has really localized as per perceived targets. High-value sophisticated technical parts requiring an advanced level of engineering—including the CKD kits are still being imported.

During all these years subsequent governments did not create an environment for new auto investments to come in the sector while keeping highly protectionist policies in place on imported cars which fended off any whiff of competition for automobile assemblers operating in the country for decades. There is perhaps no example of technology transfer or acquisition of an outdated vehicle platform that exists in our country.

Car assemblers also blame auto part makers that the sophistication required to build complex parts, lacking among the local vendors because of which complex parts need to be imported. In response, vendors argue that localization comes when volumes will come because they need economies of scale. So it’s basically a never-ending blame game. However we see, that volumes have been there (evidenced by high used car imports, consumers waiting for months for delivery and paying premium rates to investors/ scalpers and getting cars on time), but even more than 30 years into it, the localization into advanced parts never grows.

Also, the current range of products doesn’t meet the customer demand because of which the volumes are low. For example, there is a huge demand for small hatchbacks in the market but Honda and Toyota never seemed interested in introducing something even when they have quality options offered in other regional markets. Products are not offered according to the purchasing power, and the industry including new entrants is happy to launch super expensive vehicles in the toughest of economic times and then there is a hue & cry that volumetric sales are on a decline.

Furthermore, the quality of cars assembled in Pakistan is yet to meet export standards. You buy a PKR 7 million Toyota Corolla only to find misaligned tail lights and improper fit & finish here and there. Even people who bought PKR 18.5 million+ Fortuner can be seen complaining about its questionable built quality on social media. What Pak Suzuki rolls out is a well-known reality, so no need to discuss it. Despite a relatively low production volume such abysmal quality control and the absence of basic features & safety equipment is not justified at all.

The lack of advancement in technology is another key factor as Pakistan is still stuck with Euro-2 emission standards which were already phased out by 1999 elsewhere. It is the compromised quality and the lack of features & equipment because of which even 10-year-old used JDM imports without any warranty whatsoever, are considered a threat to locally assembled brand-new cars.

In the absence of any real competition or the motivation to modernize, innovate, and invest, automobile companies continued to build profits while doing barely the minimum. Perhaps it’s time we just give up on the dream of having a thriving traditional automobile industry after we’ve failed to establish one for decades and look ahead to the future since the world is already shifting to electric vehicles (EVs).

EVs are not only cheaper to build as they require a very small number of moving parts, but they are beneficial for the environment, plus they will also greatly help reduce the country’s oil import bill. For this Pakistan needs to implement its EV policy toot sweet and encourage the introduction of small electric vehicles in the country.

Originally published on CarSpiritPK.com

CarSpiritPK