KARACHI (Reuters) – Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD on Saturday announced plans to open a car manufacturing plant in Pakistan where it will also start selling three models through a partnership with Mega Motors.
BYD is the first major company to enter the new electric vehicle space in the Pakistani market, where there is a lack of charging infrastructure.
“Our entry into the Pakistani market is not just about providing advanced vehicles to consumers,” said Liu Xueliang, general manager of BYD Asia Pacific.
“It’s about pushing a broader vision of environmental responsibility and technological innovation.”
The company also plans to open three “flagship stores and experience centres” 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 a sedan from the fourth quarter of 2024.
Mega Motors is a subsidiary of Hub Power Co Ltd (HPWR.PSX), Pakistan’s largest private utility company, commonly known as Hubco.
“We will set up Pakistan’s first new energy vehicle assembly plant… dedicated to producing BYD’s advanced new energy vehicles,” said Hubco CEO Kamran Kamal, calling the deal a “landmark investment.”
The new plant will start operating in 2026, Kamal told Reuters.
Hubco will set up fast charging stations across all major cities, highways and expressways to boost the charging infrastructure in Pakistan.