Honda Atlas begins exporting cars from Pakistan

Honda Atlas Cars (Pakistan) Limited, a subsidiary of Japan’s Honda Motor Co., has started exporting completely built vehicles, marking a milestone for Pakistan’s auto industry.

The first shipment, consisting of 40 Honda City sedans, was sent to Japan, according to a statement released Saturday by Pakistan’s Ministry of Industries and Production.

“The hard work and dedication of Honda Atlas is commendable,” said Haroon Akhtar Khan, special assistant to the prime minister, during an export ceremony. “Pakistan’s auto sector is ready to emerge on the global stage.”

Khan said the move aligns with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision of export-led industrial growth. Pakistan’s auto industry, dominated by Toyota’s Indus Motors, Honda Atlas and Pak Suzuki, has traditionally relied on imported parts for local assembly.

In recent years, however, automakers have taken steps to position Pakistan as an export hub. Last July, Indus Motor Company, the assembler of Toyota vehicles in Pakistan, began exporting some models to other Toyota-affiliated companies.

Despite progress, the sector faces challenges, including high production costs, supply chain disruptions and volatile exchange rates.

Khan reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the auto industry through favorable policies and urged local manufacturers to expand into global markets, saying increased exports would boost industrial growth.