Pakistan Automobile: Sales thriving amid declining interest rates – By Foundation Research
Jan 15 2025
Foundation Securities
- Automobile (PC&LCVs) sales swelled 69% YoY (↓3% MoM) in Dec’24 to 9.8k units. During 1HFY25, sales have grown by a sizeable 54% YoY to 60,676 units given declining interest rates and attractive auto financing schemes. Total automobile sales clockedin at 17,043 units (↑/↓ 100/22% YoY/MoM) in Dec’24 while 1H sales almost touched 80k units (↑ 25% YoY). Player-wise breakdown unveils impressive volumetric jump of 74/45% YoY in INDU/HCAR respectively over 1H.
- Sales underscoring solid recovery trend: The automobile sector witnessed a surge in sales during the month of Dec’24 as 800/1300cc sales shot up by an impressive 96/67% YoY. While sales of 1000cc segment have declined 23% YoY. During 1HFY25, automobile sales recorded an increase of 54% YoY to 60,676 units led by growth in INDU, HCAR & Pak Suzuki at 74%, 45% and 45% YoY respectively. The robust increase in volumes is a result of (1) monetary easing (expectations of further reduction in interest ratesin Jan’25), (2) attractive auto financing schemes by banks amid increasing market competition, (3) stable exchange rates and HRC prices, and (4) improving macroeconomic environment.
- INDU: INDU recorded volumes of 1,655 units, up 2.4x YoY (↓25% MoM) during Dec’24 despite 16 day plant shutdown. The surge in sales is driven by a rise in sales of Corolla+Cross+Yaris to 1,156 units, up 2.1x YoY (↓37% MoM) supported by the reduction in Cross prices of up to PKR 400k in Nov’24. Additionally, Fortuner+Hilux sales grew 3.8x YoY (↑34% MoM) to 499 units due to low base effect, however, we expect lower sales in Jan’25 due to launch of JAC T9 Hunter (LCV). During 1HFY25, sales of Corolla+Cross+Yaris/Fortuner+Hilux swelled 82/52% YoY to 9,633/2,908 units respectively.