Passenger car sales jump 56pc in September

KARACHI: Passenger car sales by members of the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA) rose sharply by 56 per cent year-on-year (YoY) in September 2025, signalling a strong recovery in demand amid improving economic conditions.

According to PAMA data released on Friday, total passenger car sales stood at 12,126 units in September 2025, compared with 7,794 units in the same month last year. On a month-on-month (MoM) basis, sales were up 21 per cent from 10,057 units in August 2025, showing continued momentum in the sector.

During the first quarter of FY26 (July-September), cumulative passenger car sales climbed 46 per cent to 29,318 units, compared with 20,068 units in the same period last year. Analysts said the recovery in sales was mainly driven by improved supply of completely knocked down (CKD) kits, easing import restrictions, and greater consumer confidence due to stable exchange rates and declining interest rates.

Breaking down the numbers, cars with engine capacity of 1,300cc and above saw the strongest growth, with sales rising 64 per cent to 6,224 units in September 2025, against 3,792 units last year. The 1,000cc segment recorded sales of 433 units, up from 241 units in the same month last year. Vehicles below 1,000cc also showed a 45 per cent rise, with 5,439 units sold compared with 3,761 units last year.

Dewan’s Honri-Ve model continued to gain traction, with 95 units sold during the month.In the commercial vehicle segment, sales of buses and trucks surged to 824 units in September 2025 from 319 units in the same month a year earlier. Similarly, sales of jeeps and pick-ups more than doubled to 5,048 units from 2,503 units last year, also showing a month-on-month increase.

However, the tractor segment remained under pressure, as sales fell to 790 units in September 2025 from 1,076 units last year. Market analysts attributed the decline to higher taxes imposed on agricultural machinery last year, which continue to dampen farmer demand despite strong performance in other segments.

Rickshaw and motorbike sales also posted robust growth, increasing to 158,941 units in September 2025 from 130,960 units in the same month last year. Honda led the market with 135,603 units sold. Yamaha, which halted local production in September, reported only seven units sold.

According to Topline Securities, the increase in motorcycle sales reflects improving consumer sentiment, price stability, and easier financing conditions amid a gradual decline in interest rates. The overall trend suggests the auto sector may continue its recovery trajectory in the coming months if macroeconomic stability persists.