Karachi: Bestway Group officially launched Chinese automobile manufacturer Geely Auto in Pakistan on Saturday, October 24, marking its entry into the country's automotive sector through a partnership covering vehicle distribution, assembly and after-sales services.
The launch ceremony took place in Islamabad, with representatives of Bestway Group and Geely Auto attending. Bestway Automotive, a subsidiary of the group, has been appointed Geely's sole authorised distributor in Pakistan. It will oversee vehicle sales, dealership operations and after-sales support.
The company has acquired the former Proton assembly facility at Port Qasim in Karachi, which will be prepared for local production of Geely vehicles.
Which Geely vehicles are coming to Pakistan?
The company introduced three models covering electric and hybrid vehicle categories. The Geely EX2 is a compact electric hatchback designed for urban travel, while the EX5 is an electric sport utility vehicle (SUV).
The third model, the Starray, uses technology combining electric propulsion with a petrol engine, allowing drivers to travel beyond the limitations of battery only operation.
Bestway plans to introduce imported vehicles initially before moving towards local assembly. The Port Qasim facility covers approximately 24.71 acres and has an existing annual assembly capacity of up to 25,000 vehicles.
The company aims to introduce locally assembled Geely vehicles during 2027, although a confirmed production schedule has not been announced.
Plans for local production and charging infrastructure
Bestway Group Managing Director Irfan Sheikh said the company's strategy would focus on localising vehicle production and developing charging infrastructure. The group also plans to establish a dealership network across Pakistan and provide maintenance and customer support through authorised facilities.
According to the company's announcement, charging infrastructure will be developed through Bestway Renewable Technologies.
Bestway said it had invested more than $350 million in Pakistan over the past three years, generating approximately 20,000 jobs across its existing businesses. The group already operates in sectors including cement manufacturing and banking.
Geely Auto International Corporation Vice President Evin Ye said Pakistan was the company's first market in South Asia. He also highlighted Geely's investment in satellite technology, including its low Earth orbit satellite network.
What does Geely's entry mean for Pakistan's automobile industry?
Geely's arrival comes as Pakistan's automotive market sees increasing participation from Chinese manufacturers offering electric and hybrid vehicles. The entry adds to competition among existing assemblers and importers, particularly in the market for vehicles using alternatives to conventional petrol engines.
The move towards local assembly could create opportunities for component suppliers and automotive workers, depending on the scale of production and the proportion of parts sourced within Pakistan.
However, the transition from imported vehicles to domestic assembly will depend on production arrangements, market demand and the company's investment in manufacturing facilities.
The expansion of electric vehicles also brings attention to charging infrastructure, which remains a consideration for customers planning to switch from petrol powered vehicles.
Bestway has not yet announced final Pakistani prices, confirmed booking dates or delivery schedules for the three models.
These details, alongside local production timelines and the availability of charging and after-sales services, will determine how the vehicles are introduced to Pakistani consumers.
