Pakistan - The OEM has secured a manufacturing and licensing agreement with Ghandhara Nissan, which is owned by Bibojee Services Limited (BSL), to make Datsun models in the country. The cars will be built at Ghandhara's plant in Port Qasim, Karachi.
“This entrance to the Pakistan automotive market represents a significant step in the ongoing development of local manufacturing infrastructure and economic activity,” commented Peyman Kargar, Nissan's senior vice president for Africa, Middle East and India (AMI). “We are confident that, with the close collaboration and support of the Pakistani government, this will deliver sustainable benefits for the national economy, customers, partners and Nissan.”
As part of the agreement, Ghandhara has promised to invest around US$41m to update its plant and create a retail network. “Together with Ghandhara, we’ll be working actively with suppliers to localise and exchange technology and skills, which will provide a lasting benefit to the emerging local component industry,” Kargar added.
Demand for new vehicles in Pakistan is growing, and several other major OEMs are also looking to take advantage. At the end of 2017, Hyundai Nishat Motors broke ground at an assembly plant in Faisalabad where it will build the Tucson, while Renault signed an agreement with Al-Futaim.
