KARACHI (Reuters) – Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD (SZ:.SZ) announced plans on Saturday to open a car production plant in Pakistan, where it will also start selling three models through a partnership with Mega Motors.
BYD is the first major new electric vehicle (NEV) to enter the Pakistani market, where there is a lack of charging infrastructure.
“Our entry into the Pakistani market is not just about bringing advanced vehicles to consumers,” said Liu Xueliang, BYD's general manager for Asia Pacific.
“It is about promoting a broader vision of environmental responsibility and technological innovation.”
BYD also plans to open three “flagship stores and experience centers” in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, the company said at a launch event in Lahore, adding that it plans to start selling two SUV models and one sedan from the fourth quarter of 2024.
Mega Motors is a unit of Pakistan's largest private utility company, Hub Power Co Ltd (HPWR.PSX), known as Hubco.
“We will establish Pakistan's first new energy electric vehicle assembly plant… dedicated to producing BYD's cutting-edge new energy vehicles,” said Hubco CEO Kamran Kamal, who described the deal as a “landmark investment.”
The new plant will begin operations in 2026, Kamal told Reuters.
Hubco will install fast charging stations in major cities, highways and roads to improve Pakistan’s charging infrastructure.
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