Motorcycle and rickshaw sales in Pakistan dipped 12.3% during the first five months of the current financial year, a worrying sign for the country's automotive industry. According to data from the Pakistan Automobile Manufacturing Association, only 459,459 units were sold between July and November 2023, compared to 523,936 units in the same period last year. Honda, the country's dominant motorcycle brand, saw a 9% decline in sales, while Suzuki's sales plummeted 65.5%.

Yamaha and Roadprince also experienced significant drops, while United managed a slightly smaller decline of 9.1%. Sales of three-wheelers, including Sanghagar and Cheong Chee, were also down. The reasons for the slump are likely a combination of factors, including rising inflation, economic uncertainty, and increased fuel prices. These factors have dampened consumer demand, particularly for discretionary purchases like motorcycles and rickshaws. The automotive industry is now hoping for a rebound in the second half of the financial year, but the outlook remains cautious.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)