Suzuki Pakistan has once again raised the prices of its bikes, marking the second increase in just a month. This move has left many potential buyers, particularly middle-class families, grappling with soaring costs that seem to be moving out of reach.
On September 15, 2023, Suzuki implemented the first price hike, with two of its models seeing substantial increases. The Suzuki GR150 jumped by a staggering Rs. 26,000, taking its price from Rs. 521,000 to Rs. 547,000. Simultaneously, the GSX125 saw an Rs. 11,000 increase, bringing its cost to Rs. 499,000 from Rs. 488,000.
Adding to the woes of motorcycle enthusiasts, Suzuki Pakistan has now raised the prices of the Suzuki GD 110S and Suzuki GS 150 models by up to Rs. 18,000, effective from October 1, 2023.
Here are the revised prices post the latest hike:
- Suzuki GD 110S: Rs. 352,000, up by Rs. 17,000 from Rs. 335,000.
- Suzuki GS 150: Rs. 382,000, reflecting an increase of Rs. 18,000 from the previous price of Rs. 364,000.
Suzuki Pakistan has indicated that the retail prices include ex-factory and freight charges and could be subject to further changes without prior notice. Additionally, government taxes will be applied to the final consumer price.
The unexpected and substantial price hikes are causing concerns among potential bike buyers, particularly the middle-class families for whom these two-wheelers serve as essential daily transportation. Unfortunately, Suzuki has not provided any clear reasons for these repeated increases.
Previously, auto companies often cited volatile exchange rates as a justification for price hikes. However, it’s worth noting that in the last two weeks, the Pakistani rupee has strengthened against the US dollar, moving from Rs. 285 to approximately Rs. 288 per US dollar, indicating a mere 1% increase. In contrast, Suzuki bike prices have surged by 5%, a significant discrepancy that many consider unjust.
Suzuki had already raised prices earlier in May 2023 when the exchange rate was 1 USD to Rs. 285. With the current rate at around Rs. 288, the increase is minimal, leaving buyers perplexed by the substantial and frequent price hikes.
In summary, the frequent and substantial price increases in Suzuki bikes are causing concern among potential buyers, particularly the middle-class segment. The absence of a clear explanation from the company, coupled with the recent strengthening of the Pakistani rupee, has left many questioning the fairness of these hikes.
