Pak Suzuki is intending to discontinue 800cc Suzuki Mehran by 2018, as reported by Dawn. Subsequently, they are planning to replace it with locally manufactured 660cc Suzuki Alto. The move is expected to take place regardless of local vendors making a fuss about the decision. There is no doubt that domestic dealers will oppose this move and the primary reason of conflicting interest would be enormous sales of Suzuki Mehran accessories.

It is pertinent to mention that Suzuki Mehran is the cheapest car in Pakistan starting from PKR 0.65 million. In addition, 70% of its contents are manufactured locally. There are no second thoughts that Mehran is one of the most successful cars in Pakistan.

According to Pak Suzuki, the replaced version of Mehran i.e. Suzuki Alto 660cc would be 100% manufactured within Pakistan.

This information was shared with the Senate Standing Committee on Industries and Production which visited Pak Suzuki Motor Company Limited (PSMCL) plant on Thursday. The delegation was led by Senator Hidayatullah which included Khalida Parveen, Kalsoom Perveen and Chaudhry Tanvir Khan. Furthermore, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Industries and Production, Sher Ayub Khan and Engineering Development Board CEO, Tariq Ejaz Chaudhry were also part of the delegation.

In its presentation to the delegation, Pak Suzuki unveiled its plans and informed the senators that the company has already started the arrangements for local manufacturing of Suzuki Alto 660cc.

Suzuki Cultus to be replaced too

Suzuki Mehran is not the only car to be replaced. Instead, Pak Suzuki has also planned to replace Suzuki Cultus with Suzuki Celerio 1000cc in March next year. It is pertinent to mention that Cultus replaced Suzuki Khyber back in 2000. Similarly, Mehran also replaced Suzuki FX in 1988.

According to well-informed sources, the car assembler would also introduce imported Suzuki Grand Vitara SUV and 1,300cc Sedan Ciaz in 2017. Based on the feedback, Pak Suzuki would consider assembling these vehicles in Pakistan.

Do you think Suzuki Mehran will be discontinued by 2018 as per the plan?