Working Together With Ghandhara, Nissan Will Start Datsun Production in Pakistan

INDUSTRY.co.id - Jakarta - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. entered the Pakistani market by signing a manufacturing and licensing agreement with partner, Ghandhara Nissan Ltd., for local production of Datsun in Pakistan.

The agreement also covers the distribution field, which gives Nissan access to the Pakistani market, where demand for new vehicles continues to grow and reach more than 200 thousand units per year.

This is part of Nissan's strategy to enter the emerging automotive markets of the world, bringing brands and products to customer's likes. The first sale of local production Datsun vehicles is expected to start in Pakistan in fiscal 2019.

"Our move to enter the Pakistani market is an important step in the development of local manufacturing infrastructure and local economic activities," said Peyman Kargar, Nissan Senior Vice President, through a written statement received by INDUSTRY.co.id on Friday (6/4/2018).

He believes in the close cooperation and support of the Pakistani government, this step will provide sustainable benefits to the local economy, customers, partners and Nissan.

"Together with Ghandhara, we will be actively working with suppliers to improve local elements and exchange technology and skills, which will provide long-term benefits to the growing local parts industry," Kargar added.

By entering the Pakistani market, Nissan will provide a wide selection of new models and desirable designs, manufactured with modern automotive technology from Japan.

The Nissan move will also help significantly boost the auto industry, which accounts for about 4% of Pakistan's Gross Domestic Product. Ghandhara will invest 4.5 billion rupees of Pakistan during the first four years. This project along with the construction of the retail network will create more than 1,800 jobs.

Nissan and Ghandhara will work together to develop the Ghandhara facility in Port Qasim, Karachi, to become a world-class manufacturing plant. This partnership will be established and provide a wealth of local knowledge and experience. The project is eligible to enter the 'brownfield' category status in the Government of Pakistan's Automotive Development Policy.

"This agreement will bring world-class facilities and the best manufacturing technology from Japan," said Ahmed Kuli Khan Khattak, CEO of Gandhara.

He said, through the production of parts and parts in Pakistan as well as increasing the development of the automotive commodity supplier industry, Nissan will provide Pakistan technical assistance and support the partnership with Japan.