Latest news with #SyedAsifAhmed
Express Tribune
12-07-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Industry demands shift in hybrid vehicle market
Listen to article As Pakistan unveils its long-awaited New Energy Vehicle (NEV) Policy 2025-30, aimed at reducing emissions and fuel dependence, voices from within the auto industry are calling for a shift in how new technologies are priced and positioned in the market. In a recent interaction with media in Lahore, Syed Asif Ahmed, General Manager Marketing Division at MG Motors, said that while the policy is a step in the right direction, the local Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) market remains largely unaffordable and does not pass on the benefits of technological advancements to the average Pakistani consumer. "HEVs in Pakistan have become a luxury for a niche market," Ahmed remarked. "Despite policy support, the real advantages have not trickled down to car buyers." He noted that the most expensive HEV SUV in Pakistan – a seven-seater – carries an ex-factory price tag of Rs16 million while five-seater variants range from Rs9.6 to Rs12 million. "The industry must think seriously about affordability," he added, "and consider shifting towards Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), which are better suited for urban use and offer real electric range." Unveiled by the Ministry of Industries, the NEV Policy 2025-30 introduces the official classification for EVs, PHEVs and hydrogen-powered vehicles as "New Energy Vehicles", in line with global standards. Ahmed was also critical of how earlier tax incentives were structured, allowing traditional hybrids to be labelled as NEVs, primarily to benefit large automotive players. "Unfortunately, these subsidies neither helped the environment nor the people. They only benefited the principal companies and their local partners." In contrast, PHEVs offer a more meaningful alternative, with pure EV driving capabilities for daily urban commutes and hybrid flexibility for long routes, helping tackle the range anxiety often associated with EVs. MG Motors has introduced Pakistan's first locally assembled Plug-in Hybrid SUV – the MG HS PHEV. It features a 16.6 kWh lithium-ion battery offering over 52 km of electric-only range, combined with a 1.5L turbocharged engine to deliver 260 HP and 370 Nm of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in just 7.1 seconds. Priced under Rs10 million, Ahmed described the MG HS PHEV as "the best value-for-money vehicle in its class," offering advanced tech, performance and fuel economy. He informed the media that MG has sold more than 16,000 vehicles in Pakistani market so far out of which approximately 2,000 were PHEVs.
Business Recorder
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
Budget 2025-26: Pakistan's auto industry seeks clarifications about EVs, hybrid cars
KARACHI: The automotive industry is seeking urgent clarification on recent measures proposed in the federal budget 2025-26 that could significantly impact the electric and hybrid vehicle markets, as conflicting tax rates threaten billions of dollars investments. Speaking to a group of journalists, Syed Asif Ahmed, General Manager of MG Motors Pakistan, highlighted a critical tax disparity that has persisted for years. Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) currently enjoy a preferential 8.5% GST rate, whereas Fully Electric Vehicles (EVs) face an 18% GST burden. 'This anomaly has existed for many years, giving an unfair advantage to HEVs over EVs,' Ahmed said. He pointed out reports circulating on social media, suggesting the government may increase GST on HEVs from 8.5% to 18%. Budget 2025-26: auto sector faces mixed fortunes amid tariff reforms, carbon tax Ahmed lamented that if the GST were increased to 18%, it could imperil huge investments poured into hybrid vehicle technology, contradicting commitments made under the Automotive Industry Development and Export Policy (AIDEP) 2021-26, which promised no tariff changes until June 2026. 'The Finance Bill remains silent on this critical subject,' Ahmed said, adding that what is needed is for EV GST to be reduced to 8.5% to match the HEV rate, rather than raising taxes on hybrid vehicles. The MG Motors executive also raised concerns about potential abuse of import regulations, claiming that used car importers are exploiting gift, baggage, and transfer of residence schemes for commercial trading purposes, circumventing normal import procedures. He said if commercial importers were allowed to import five-year-old used cars with reduced regulatory duties, it would create more challenges for the local auto assemblers. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
Budget 2025-26: Auto industry seeks clarifications about EVs, hybrid cars
KARACHI: The automotive industry is seeking urgent clarification on recent measures proposed in the federal budget 2025-26 that could significantly impact the electric and hybrid vehicle markets, as conflicting tax rates threaten billions of dollars investments. Speaking to a group of journalists, Syed Asif Ahmed, General Manager of MG Motors Pakistan, highlighted a critical tax disparity that has persisted for years. Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) currently enjoy a preferential 8.5% GST rate, whereas Fully Electric Vehicles (EVs) face an 18% GST burden. 'This anomaly has existed for many years, giving an unfair advantage to HEVs over EVs,' Ahmed said. He pointed out reports circulating on social media, suggesting the government may increase GST on HEVs from 8.5% to 18%. Budget 2025-26: auto sector faces mixed fortunes amid tariff reforms, carbon tax Ahmed lamented that if the GST were increased to 18%, it could imperil huge investments poured into hybrid vehicle technology, contradicting commitments made under the Automotive Industry Development and Export Policy (AIDEP) 2021-26, which promised no tariff changes until June 2026. 'The Finance Bill remains silent on this critical subject,' Ahmed said, adding that what is needed is for EV GST to be reduced to 8.5% to match the HEV rate, rather than raising taxes on hybrid vehicles. The MG Motors executive also raised concerns about potential abuse of import regulations, claiming that used car importers are exploiting gift, baggage, and transfer of residence schemes for commercial trading purposes, circumventing normal import procedures. He said if commercial importers were allowed to import five-year-old used cars with reduced regulatory duties, it would create more challenges for the local auto assemblers. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Automaker airlifts parts over geopolitical risks
Listen to article British automaker MG has said that they have taken swift action to overcome recent disruptions to its supply chain by airlifting critical vehicle components to Pakistan. The move comes in response to delays caused by geopolitical issues that temporarily rerouted shipments, affecting the delivery schedule for certain colour options for their HS PHEV – Pakistan's first locally assembled plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. To minimise customer inconvenience and get production fully back on track, the company opted for the faster, though more expensive, method of air transport for essential parts. MG Pakistan General Manager Marketing Division Syed Asif Ahmed stated that production has now resumed at full pace and deliveries are restarting immediately, emphasising that getting vehicles to customers with minimal further delay is their top priority. Managing logistics for automobile manufacturing in Pakistan poses significant challenges for global automakers, especially in today's world, where competition between Japanese, European and Chinese automakers is becoming intense in Pakistan and globally. The country relies heavily on imported parts, especially for new variants, which makes supply chains vulnerable to international shipping delays, port congestion, complex customs procedures and fluctuations in global freight costs. Geopolitical instability in surrounding regions can further complicate shipping routes, as MG Pakistan recently experienced, creating bottlenecks and forcing rerouting. Infrastructure limitations within Pakistan, including the transportation networks, also add layers of complexity to ensuring parts arrive at assembly plants just in time for production.
Business Recorder
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
MG upgrades its Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle
KARACHI: MG Pakistan has announced a significant upgrade to its Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HS PHEV) by introducing a 7KW fast charger as standard equipment, replacing the previously included portable charger. This enhancement aims to address customer feedback and improve the ownership experience of the company's hybrid SUV. The upgrade comes after the successful launch of the MG HS PHEV in Pakistan last October, with local production beginning in January 2025. Since then, over 500 units have been delivered to customers who have praised the vehicle's design, performance, and environmental benefits. However, some owners expressed concerns about the extended charging time of up to 8.5 hours required with the standard portable charger. The newly introduced 7KW fast charger will reduce charging time by approximately half, offering greater convenience for daily commuters. 'We are committed to transforming the Pakistan Automotive landscape by offering the latest technology and services,' said Syed Asif Ahmed, General Manager of Marketing Division at MG Pakistan. 'By upgrading to a faster charging solution, we're not just addressing customer concerns — we're enhancing the overall ownership experience and reinforcing our leadership in the new energy vehicle segment.' The new fast charger, valued at PKR 235,000, will be provided at no additional cost to customers, replacing the previously included portable charger. The portable version will remain available for purchase as an accessory item. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
