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While India’s automotive sector thrives with affordable cars and government incentives like GST 2.0, car buyers in neighboring Pakistan face skyrocketing prices. Popular models like Maruti WagonR, Honda City, Toyota Fortuner, and Suzuki Swift cost several times more than in India due to high taxes, low local production, and supply issues.
Pakistan’s Car Market is Out of Reach
New Delhi: The automobile sector in India not only contributes to the national economy but also creates millions of jobs. Popular cars from companies like Maruti, Honda, and Toyota are affordable for the average Indian family. However, these same cars are prohibitively expensive in neighboring Pakistan. For example, the WagonR costs Rs 4.98 lakh in India, while it sells for Rs 32 lakh in Pakistan.
The previous generation model of the popular Honda City is priced at Rs 47.37 lakh (approximately Rs 14.75 lakh) in Pakistan. This car is available in the base trim with a 1.2-liter petrol engine and a manual gearbox. The top-end ZX CVT automatic variant in India is priced at Rs 14.31 lakh (ex-showroom).
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The Fortuner base model in India costs Rs 33.64 lakh (ex-showroom). In contrast, it costs Rs 1.49 crore (Pakistani Rupees).
The previous generation Swift hatchback is available in Pakistan for ₹44.60 lakh (Pakistani Rupees). In India, the same car is available for Rs 5.37 lakh (Indiai Rupees).
The Hilux, which is also considered an expensive SUV in India, is sold in Pakistan as the Revo. Its starting price in Pakistan is Rs 1.23 crore (approximately Rs 38.31 lakh), while in India it is available for Rs 28.02 lakh (Indiai Rupees ex-showroom).
There are several reasons behind the high price of cars in Pakistan:
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In India, the government implemented GST 2.0, taxing vehicles at a uniform rate, making economy cars more affordable. The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso, the cheapest car in the country, starts at just Rs 3.50 lakh.
While ordinary families in India can easily afford four-wheelers, the same cars in Pakistan sell for crores of PKR. This price difference has created a significant imbalance in the auto market.
