Indian car exports alone is four times more than Pakistan's total car production

Data accessed from the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association reveals an embarrassing statistic for the automotive industry in Pakistan.

Latest numbers from Pakistan, when compared with those of India, show that exports of cars produced in India are four times that of total vehicles produced and sold in Pakistan. Such is the disparity between the two economies of South Asia.

India sold nearly 23.56 Lakh passenger cars in its domestic market in 2014-2015 as compared to a meagre 1.52 lakhs by Pakistan in the same year. However, the statistics get more interesting when we compare Indian exports. At 5.74 lakh passenger vehicle units exported by India in 2014-2015, the number is 4 times that of total vehicles produced and sold in Pakistan.

"The data has left us red faced, we are nowhere in the picture. No comparison with India," said a member of the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA), who wished to remain unnamed in this report.

Pakistan, which some consider to be the gateway to Central Asia, has no indigenous car manufacturer, whereas Indian car manufacturers have embarked on an aggressive overseas expansion. TATA, Mahindra, Ashok Leyland, Hero Group are some examples of Indian car manufacturers who have made a mark on the international stage. Overseas acquisitions have gathered steam too with TATA's acquisition of Jaguar and Land Rover and Mahindra & Mahindra buying up SSyangYong Motors.

With lax automotive safety and quality standards enforced in Pakistan, a significant number of Pakistanis are turning to Japanese cars which give better value for money and safety standards that outstrip those of their Pakistani counterparts.

The member of the Pakistani Automotive Manufacturers Association who is quoted in this article, further went on to say that Pakistan has become a dumping ground for second hand cars from Suzukis to Humvees to Toyotas...Pakistanis will have to wait a long time for a viable indigenous, affordable car.

"How can we say 'Make in Pakistan' when no Pakistani has 'Made in Pakistan' before," said the Pakistani Automotive Manufacturers Association member when asked if they will replicate the success of the 'Make In India' campaign.