Honda Atlas Cars and Indus Motor Company have resumed operations after the govt eased the nationwide lockdown imposed to examine the spread of novel coronavirus COVID-19 within the country, both companies said in separate announcements on Tuesday.
“In view of the relief allowed to automobile industry from the present situation of lockdown because of COVID-19 by the authorities, Honda Atlas Cars (Pakistan) Limited has resumed its operations from May 19, 2020, with all precautionary measures aimed toward preventing pandemic’s spread,” said Maqsood-ur-Rehman, company secretary and vice president during a bourse filing.
Toyota Corolla 12th Generation Expected To Launch in Pakistan Soon
Indus Motors, the manufacturers of Toyota in Pakistan also notified the PSX about the beginning of its operations.
“With regard to our earlier disclosure of material information dated 27 March 2020, regarding the temporary suspension of plant operations of the company because of the outbreak of the COVID-19 within the country. The management of the company in line with relaxation/approval given by the Sindh government has decided to resume plant operation and its offices with adequate measures aimed toward preventing the pandemic’s spread,” said Muhammad Arif Anzer, Company secretary of Indus Motors, in a communication sent to PSX.
Sagar, the maker of auto-rickshaws also commenced operations after seeking approvals from Punjab and Sindh governments.
Analysts say automotive manufacturers already operate under clean working conditions, where adopting precautionary measures and following standard operating procedures directed by the govt, won’t be a difficult task for them to manage.
Mashood Ali Khan, an auto parts manufacturer, told that they had not received any notification from the Sindh government. “We are expecting it and can’t commence operations without notification,” Khan said.
Toyota, Suzuki, and Honda haven’t sold or produced a single unit of their cars in April 2020, however, on the opposite hand, Toyota sold 5,256 units of Corolla in April 2019 and 2,089 units in March 2020, whereas Suzuki sold 453 units, 2,191 units, and 2,641 units of Swift, Cultus and Wagon R in April 2019. The company didn’t even sell or produced a single unit of its Alto 660cc in April 2020.
Hope things will soon recover for the local auto industry. That’s it from our side, drop your thoughts within the comments section below.
