Husain Haqqani
@husainhaqqani
Pakistan’s Nishat Group has earmarked $100 million to build electric-powered vehicles in partnership with one of China’s largest car exporters, Chery Automobile Co.
Local car assembling starts in October, & manufacturing will follow.
@business
reports.

https://x.com/husainhaqqani/status/1951209832200958217

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Faseeh Mangi
@FaseehMangi
Pakistani tycoon Mian Mansha is setting up a factory to build EV cars with one of China’s largest car exporters, Chery Automobile

The conglomerate has earmarked about $100 million

They plans to debut five cars today and start local assembling in Oct.

https://x.com/FaseehMangi/status/1951189257227223537

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Nishat, Chery launch Omoda, Jaecoo

https://www.dawn.com/news/1928185/nishat-chery-launch-omoda-jaecoo

LAHORE: One of Pak­istan’s leading business conglomerates, Nishat Group, has partnered with Chery International — China’s largest automobile exporter — to launch its global brands, Omoda and Jaecoo, in the local market. The high-profile unveiling event was held on Friday.

The group announced plans to establish a car manufacturing facility near Faisalabad, with local assembly of electric vehicles (EVs) expected to commence in November. An investment of $100 million will be made through its subsidiary, Nexgen Auto, to support EV manufacturing and marketing operations in Pakistan.

In a significant industry first, five car models were unveiled simultaneously — more than typically seen at automotive laun­ches. The line-up included two long-range battery electric vehicles (E5 and J6), two plug-in hybrids (J7 and C7), and a hybrid vehicle (J5). The event was attended by a broad spectrum of participants, including political figures, environmental advocates, automotive influencers, and car enthusiasts.

Speaking at the event, Nishat Group Chairman Mian Mohammad Mansha welcomed the government’s focus on electric mobility, calling it a timely move to address climate and economic challenges. He said the group had chosen to partner with Chery International due to its commitment to environmental sustainability.

“The introduction of electric vehicles will help combat pollution and significantly reduce the country’s oil import bill,” he said. He added that his group’s existing automotive venture, Hyundai, has already sold over 50,000 units. Mr Mansha also announced plans to offer bank financing for electric cars through MCB Bank, another entity under the Nishat umbrella.

Mr Qi Joe, President of Chery International South Asia, expressed confidence in the partnership, stating that the collaboration would help position Omoda and Jaecoo among Pakistan’s top car brands.

In a statement, the company said the launch highlighted Nishat Group’s commitment to innovation and excellence. “The unveiling of a future-ready line-up, tailored to the evolving needs of Pakistani consumers, reflects Nishat Group’s strategic vision for the country’s automotive industry,” it noted.

The event marks a milestone for Nexgen Auto in its goal to redefine mobility in Pakistan by introducing cutting-edge technology, sustainable design, and intelligent performance. With the entry of Omoda and Jaecoo, the company aims to bring global innovation and a modern driving experience to local roads, setting a new industry benchmark.

Hybrids save $27m in fuel imports - Business - DAWN.COM

https://www.dawn.com/news/1952253

KARACHI: More than 30,000 hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have hit Pakistani roads over the past two years, saving an estimated 30 million litres of fuel and reducing the oil import bill by around $27 million.

Lucky Motor Corporation (LMC) Chief Executive Mohammad Faisal said the savings could multiply if hybrids accounted for 25-30pc of the overall vehicle market. Pakistan’s auto market, including cars, vans, SUVs and pickups, averages 180,000-200,000 units annually, with HEVs now holding over 50pc share in the sport utility vehicles (SUV) segment during the first quarter of FY26.

Since 2021, 13 new electrified models have been launched in Pakistan, nine of which are hybrids from Korean, Chinese and Japanese assemblers. Mr Faisal said the trend reflects growing consumer conf­idence in HEVs due to easier maintena­nce, consistent fuel savings and better res­ale value compared to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).

Faseeh Mangi
@FaseehMangi
Signs are emerging that the latest conflict is hastening Pakistan’s transition to EVs

VLEKTRA Electric Motorcycles expects battery-powered two-wheelers to account for 10% to 15% of the market in 2026, up from less than 1% two years ago.

https://x.com/FaseehMangi/status/2037545212139188341?s=20

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Iran War Is Pushing Consumers to Break Up With Fossil Fuels
EVs, solar panels, induction stoves and heat pumps, now cheaper than ever, are becoming more attractive as the conflict upends oil and gas markets.

By Todd Woody

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2026-03-26/war-oil-price-sh...

Just weeks ago, the US electric car market looked moribund. Amid plummeting EV sales, dealers were offering discounts as Detroit automakers scrapped electric lineups to make more gas-guzzling SUVs.

Then oil prices surged after the US and Israel attacked Iran.

Now, a used electric car showroom in San Francisco suggests the tide is turning again. As gasoline prices climb — hitting $6.81 a gallon at a nearby station on Wednesday — a flurry of drivers are making appointments to check out Ever’s lightly used EVs, many priced under $30,000.

“Gas prices are coming up in almost every customer conversation,” said Maximilian Quertermous, Ever’s co-founder and chief operating officer. “The momentum of the last few weeks is among the strongest we’ve seen.”

Ever is just one dealership, but signs of a shift are playing out across the world. In Southeast Asia, buyers are flocking to Chinese EV giant BYD Co.’s stores, while electric rickshaws are selling out in Pakistan. A shortage of cooking oil in India is driving a run on electric stoves. From Germany to Nigeria, interest in rooftop solar is surging. And in the UK, some homeowners are taking the plunge on expensive heat pumps.

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In neighboring Pakistan, solar took off after the Ukraine war. Now, signs are emerging that the latest conflict is hastening the nation’s transition to EVs after the price of gasoline jumped more than 20%.

Syed Raza Mohsin, founder of VLEKTRA Electric Motorcycles, said he expects battery-powered two-wheelers to account for 10% to 15% of the market in 2026, up from less than 1% two years ago. “Solar is a very good example of how private citizens themselves found a solution for high energy prices,” he said. “We are seeing similar trends in motorcycles.”

Electric rickshaw maker Tezmo Motors has already sold out its March inventory, according to founder Moez Naseer, and is expecting a “very huge surge of orders.” Naseer said two fleet operators have placed orders since the Iran war started. “We are so petrol reliant, so people are finally figuring it out that we cannot rely on this anymore,” he said.

In the Philippines, the government is stepping in to fill the gap. This week, a state-owned pension fund started offering loans of up to 500,000 pesos ($8,300) for home solar panels after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a national energy emergency due to the war.