Car makers Honda, Suzuki, Toyota stop production in crisis-hit Pakistan

Three major automotive companies in Pakistan, including Honda Atlas Cars, Pak Suzuki Motor Company, and Indus Motor Company, have announced a temporary halt in production due to various reasons. Indus Motor Company, which is responsible for assembling Toyota vehicles in Pakistan, has suspended production for a month starting from October 17, 2023. Meanwhile, Honda Atlas Cars and Pak Suzuki Motor have separately announced temporary shutdowns of their production plants.

The production halt by Honda, Toyota, and Suzuki in Pakistan is attributed to an ongoing shortage of essential raw materials, according to official statements released by the three companies. Indus Motor Company’s production will remain suspended for a month, while Suzuki’s plant will be closed for just two days from October 25 to October 27, 2023. On the other hand, Honda Atlas Cars will halt production at its plant from October 24 to October 31, 2023.

“The management of the company has decided to shut down the automobile plant from October 25 to October 27, 2023, due to the shortage of inventory levels. However, the motorcycle plant will continue its operations,” stated the Pak Suzuki Motor Company’s company secretary. A similar announcement was made by Honda Atlas Cars, citing disruptions in operations caused by shortages in inventory and parts within their supply chain.

This production shutdown by global carmakers sheds light on a broader issue that has been plaguing Pakistan’s automobile sector for over a year now. Shortages in inventory levels have led to a series of temporary shutdowns across the auto industry. The country’s auto sector heavily relies on imports, and the government’s decision to curb imports due to dollar shortages and the depreciation of the rupee has significantly impacted the industry, making imports more expensive and driving up car prices, as per a report by The News.