In June 2025, Pakistan’s auto sector witnessed an unusual spike in sales of vehicles with engine capacities below 1000cc. According to the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA), 3,865 small cars were sold in May, while in June, sales jumped to 10,178 units — an increase of 6,313 cars within a month. This surge set a record for the highest monthly car sales in the past three years.
Billions in Pre-Pricing Boom Sales: Who Bought Thousands of Cars Before Prices Rose?
This increase came right after the federal budget was presented on June 10, proposing an increase in sales tax from 12.5% to 18% on cars up to 660cc, effective from July 1. Sources claim that between June 10 and June 30, companies rushed to deliver vehicles that were expected to see a price hike.
Who Bought These Vehicles? How Many of Each Model Were Sold?
According to PAMA, the sale of vehicles under 1000cc rose by 163% in June. Among these, Suzuki Alto saw the highest jump with a 179% increase — from 3,409 units sold in May to 9,497 units in June.
Suzuki Cultus sales also rose by 108%, from 252 units in May to 523 units in June. Sales of Ravi increased by 50%, and Every by 49%, while Wagon R saw a 32% decline in sales during the same period.
In contrast, there was no notable increase in the sales of cars above 1300cc. Sales of Toyota Corolla and Yaris dropped by 24%, Honda City and Civic by 9%, and BR-V and HR-V by 27%. However, Suzuki Swift sales went up by 125%.
Who Purchased These Small Cars and Why?
Experts believe these vehicles were not bought by ordinary consumers but by authorized dealers and investors linked to auto companies, aiming to resell them at higher prices post–July 1. Sources indicate that out of the vehicles sold in June, only 3,500 to 4,000 were delivered to actual consumers, while the remaining 6,000 were provided to investors via authorized dealers.
On July 2, Suzuki Alto’s price was officially increased by Rs. 186,000, immediately benefiting those who purchased in June with a windfall profit of millions.
Industry Reactions and Concerns Over Transparency
Chairman of the All Pakistan Motor Dealers Association, HM Shehzad, expressed concern over the situation, pointing out that regular consumers usually receive car deliveries after 3 to 4 months, while investors managed to secure thousands of units in just one month and are now selling them at inflated prices.
This revelation raises serious questions about transparency in the auto sector and the effectiveness of government regulation. Industry experts are calling for an urgent investigation into this “pre-price hike buying scheme” to restore consumer confidence and curb artificial profiteering.
, 3,865 small cars were sold in May, while in June, sales jumped to 10,178 units — an increase of 6,313 cars within a month. This surge set a record for the highest monthly car sales in the past three years.){kind=link}