Recently, Chinese companies like SAIC Motors, Great Wall Motor, and Chongqing Changan Automobile have entered the Pakistani market, where they will challenge the established presence of Japanese automakers like Toyota Motor and Honda Motor.
BYD, a leading Chinese manufacturer of electric vehicles, has announced its strategic expansion into Pakistan’s EV market by planning the development of a new facility in Karachi. This initiative is being undertaken in partnership with a local entity, aiming to tap into the country’s increasing demand for electric vehicles. The unveiling of this plan is set for the brand’s launch ceremony in Pakistan, where BYD will introduce three of its models, including an SUV and a sedan, with further plans to expand its lineup to include additional battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
A spokesperson from BYD highlighted the company’s commitment to entering the Pakistani market with a diverse range of battery-electric and plug-in hybrid models. Details regarding the scale of investment and other strategic insights have not yet been disclosed.
The entry of BYD follows the footsteps of other Chinese automotive giants such as SAIC Motors, Great Wall Motor, and Chongqing Changan Automobile, marking a significant shift in Pakistan’s automotive landscape which has traditionally been dominated by local branches of Japanese firms like Toyota Motor and Honda Motor. Despite these developments, the market share for electric vehicles in Pakistan remains relatively small.
In a notable move away from conventional dealership frameworks seen globally, BYD has partnered with Mega Conglomerate—one of Pakistan’s leading corporate entities—to establish a joint venture with Mega Motors, a subsidiary of Hub Power, the largest independent power producer in the country.
The planned facility, slated for completion in the first half of 2026, will be located near Port Qasim in Karachi—a hub that already houses assembly operations for major automakers such as Toyota, Suzuki Motor, and Kia. Details of the facility are currently being finalized.
Additionally, BYD plans to open showrooms in major Pakistani cities, including Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, with sales anticipated to commence in the last quarter of this year.
BYD has been actively expanding its global reach, having sold three million units in 2023 alone. The company, headquartered in Shenzhen, operates in over 80 countries and has recently embarked on ventures in Southeast Asia, Europe, and Latin America to solidify its position as a premier manufacturer of EVs and hybrid vehicles. Recent initiatives include setting up production facilities in Hungary, Turkey, and Brazil, along with launching its first factory outside of China in Thailand.
