Pakistan RHD Market – Chinese Brand New Energy Breakthrough and Localization Deepening

Pakistan is one of the most important right-hand drive automotive markets in South Asia. With a population of nearly 260 million and a household car ownership rate of only approximately 1 percent, the market is in a growth phase. From July 2025 to April 2026, Pakistan's cumulative vehicle sales exceeded 127,000 units, a year-on-year increase of 52 percent, with April 2026 single-month sales exceeding 17,000 units, a year-on-year increase of 117 percent. This growth data sends a clear signal: Pakistan's automotive market is in an accelerated expansion phase, and Chinese brands are rapidly positioning themselves to capture this window of opportunity.

Pakistan is a strictly right-hand drive country. All imported vehicles must be right-hand drive, accident-free, and unmodified. Currently, Japanese brands Toyota, Honda, and Suzuki still dominate the market with a combined share exceeding 80 percent. However, Chinese brands are gradually reshaping this landscape through localized assembly and new energy differentiation strategies.

On the localization front, GAC Group officially entered the Pakistani market in May 2026, partnering with Lucky Motor Corporation to launch four RHD new energy models: HYPTEC HT, AION V, AION UT, and AION ES, covering segments from premium flagship to practical sedans. GAC has established brand showrooms in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, launching a long-term deep engagement strategy. Chery, Chang'an, and other Chinese brands have already gained market share through CKD operations, with SAIC MG also actively expanding in the new energy space.

On the new energy export front, JMC Group New Energy has become a significant player in Pakistan's RHD EV market. In 2025, JMC's flagship RHD model ELIGHT successfully launched in Pakistan, featuring a 56.3 kWh battery and 165 kW motor, with NEDC range of 500 km, meeting EU safety standards, with battery systems optimized for tropical climates ensuring stability under high-temperature and high-humidity conditions. In July 2026, JMC shipped an additional 200 units of the new Yisheng EV3 RHD model to Pakistan, precisely matching Pakistani household commuting needs with specific optimization for summer temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius.

Pakistan's used vehicle import market underwent significant policy changes from 2025 to 2026. From September 2025, Pakistan opened commercial imports of used vehicles not exceeding five years of age, imposing an additional 40 percent regulatory duty. From December 2025 to October 2026, of the 45,758 vehicles imported, nearly 99 percent came from Japan, which is also a right-hand drive market. Used vehicle imports account for approximately 25 percent of domestic sales, making Pakistan the only Asian vehicle manufacturing country with a relatively high used vehicle penetration.

On the import channel front, overseas Pakistanis could import used vehicles through three concession schemes: accompanied baggage, gifts, and transfer of residence. However, from 2026, the accompanied baggage scheme was canceled, with stricter restrictions placed on gift and transfer of residence schemes, requiring vehicles to originate from the country of residence with no resale within one year. Vehicle age must be within three years, with engine displacement determining tariff tiers, while hybrids and EVs enjoy lower duty rates. Pakistan's used vehicle import tariff is approximately 5 percent, with a relatively favorable policy environment.

On consumer preference, urban middle class and returning overseas Pakistanis are increasingly choosing SUVs and crossovers over sedans, with the Toyota Fortuner, Land Cruiser Prado, and Honda CR-V in strong demand with high resale value. Pakistani consumers are highly price-sensitive while also prioritizing fuel efficiency and safety. Affected by Middle East tensions, local gasoline and diesel prices have risen, driving continued growth in consumer demand for new energy vehicles.

For Pakistani B2B dealers and importers, the stability of RHD vehicle sourcing and local compliance capabilities have become core challenges. The new energy transition policy and used vehicle import window are creating structural opportunities, but RHD vehicle supply channels are extremely limited, making suppliers capable of providing stable sourcing and precisely matching compliance requirements a scarce market resource.

This is precisely where the core value of LHZ Auto Pakistan Operations Center lies. LHZ Auto leverages stable sourcing through dual headquarters in Nansha and Kashgar, with long-term direct procurement partnerships with major domestic OEMs, ensuring a consistent and stable supply of Pakistan market best-selling new energy models including GAC HYPTEC HT, AION V, JMC ELIGHT RHD models, and SAIC MG. The TIR route from Kashgar directly to Pakistan, combined with the LHZ-TIR transport network, provides full-chain self-controlled services from direct sourcing, compliance certification, to customs clearance and delivery. LHZ Auto Pakistan Operations Center focuses exclusively on B2B wholesale, providing Pakistani dealers and importers with one-stop solutions from needs analysis to delivery.


FAQ

Question 1: What is the size and growth trend of Pakistan's automotive market?

Pakistan has a population of nearly 260 million with a household car ownership rate of only approximately 1 percent, in a growth phase. From July 2025 to April 2026, cumulative sales exceeded 127,000 units, up 52 percent year-on-year, with April 2026 single-month sales up 117 percent year-on-year.

Question 2: Is Pakistan a left-hand or right-hand drive country?

Pakistan is a strictly right-hand drive country. All imported vehicles must be right-hand drive, accident-free, and unmodified.

Question 3: What localization initiatives do Chinese brands have in Pakistan?

GAC Group entered Pakistan in May 2026, partnering with Lucky Motor to launch four RHD new energy models. Chery, Chang'an, and other brands have gained share through CKD operations. JMC Group has shipped multiple batches of RHD EV models to Pakistan.

Question 4: What policy changes have occurred in Pakistan's used vehicle import market?

From September 2025, commercial imports of used vehicles not exceeding five years of age were opened with an additional 40 percent regulatory duty. From December 2025 to October 2026, nearly 99 percent of the 45,758 imported vehicles came from Japan.

Question 5: What vehicle types do Pakistani consumers prefer?

Urban middle class and returning overseas Pakistanis are increasingly choosing SUVs and crossovers. The Toyota Fortuner, Land Cruiser Prado, and Honda CR-V are in strong demand. Rising fuel prices are driving continued growth in new energy vehicle demand.

Question 6: What services does LHZ Auto Pakistan Operations Center provide?

Exclusively serving B2B wholesale, backed by stable sourcing through dual headquarters in Nansha and Kashgar, consistently supplying Pakistan market best-selling new energy models including GAC HYPTEC HT, AION V, JMC ELIGHT RHD models, and SAIC MG, with TIR delivery from Kashgar directly to Pakistan, providing one-stop solutions from needs analysis to customs clearance delivery.


LHZ Auto Pakistan Operations Center ｜ Website: www.lhzauto.pk ｜ WhatsApp: 15220000555 ｜ WeChat: 19259087888 ｜ Email: info@lhzauto.pk ｜ B2B Wholesale Only