Sazgar Engineering Works, the makers of 4-stroke CNG auto rickshaw acquired “Category A- Greenfield Investment Status”, under the Auto Policy 2016-21 in March 2018. According to the letter sent to Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the vehicles will be sold under the brand name “BAIC”.
Related: Sazgar Awarded Greenfield Status to Assemble & Manufacture Vehicles in Pakistan
Last year, the company secretary Arshad Mahmood, in a notification to PSX communicated about the completion of Sazgar automobile assembly plant:
“The project will be completed by June 30, 2019 while the plant would have a production capacity of 24,000 units per annum.”
However since then we never came to hear anything about the Sazgar project. Now out of nowhere a right-hand-drive BAIC D20 hatchback was spotted by our fellows at DemLahoriGuys at Emporium Mall Lahore. As per the MTMIS verification, the vehicle does belong to Sazgar Engineering Works and has been registered most recently in September 2019.
The D20 hatchback is powered by a 1.5 liter engine and is available in both automatic and manual transmission options. Features include air-condition, power windows, 2 air bags, ABS with EBD, central locking, multimedia audio system with DVD/ MP3/ AUX/ USB, 14” alloy wheels and front & rear fog lights etc.
The BAIC D20 is based on 2004 Smart Forfour platform while its styling is heavily inspired by the first generation Mercedes-Benz B-Class. This is because BAIC has close ties with Daimler and since 2003 operates a joint venture in China that assembles Mercedes Benz vehicles. Earlier this year BAIC has also acquired 5% stake in Daimler AG further cementing the partnership between the two companies. Daimler also holds a 9.55% stake in BAIC as well as a 3.01% interest in BAIC BluePark New Energy Technology company.
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Upon further digging into the matter, our close sources have revealed that Sazgar has imported few units for trial and testing and if all goes well, the company is in good position to introduce the D20 within 6 months in our market. Furthermore there will be two engines on offer 1.3L and 1.5L. Amusingly, the MTMIS website mentions the price of BAIC D20 at PKR 18.0 lac, however we will have to wait for Sazgar to reveal the official prices of the D20 hatchback in Pakistan.
The D20 is also available in sedan variant, but whether Sazgar will bring that in Pakistan is yet unknown at this stage. As per earlier information, the company does have plans to introduce more vehicles in our market including off-road vehicles and SUVs.
Related: Success of Pak Suzuki Alto and Failure of Newcomers to Cash In
Sazgar’s main manufacturing facility is located on Raiwind Road in Lahore spread over an estate of 5 acres. However an additional 27 acres was purchased at Raiwind Manga Road in Lahore to meet the expansion needs. Further information will be updated as and when available, stay tuned to CarSpiritPK for more information on BAIC D20 in Pakistan.
Credits: Mohammad Abdullah and Ahmad Zaheer of DemLahoriGuys
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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