Auto sales rise 43pc in July-February

KARACHI: As the tractor sector continues to struggle, sales of cars, sport utility vehicles, pickups, and vans reached 17,121 units in February, showing a 42 per cent increase year-on-year (YoY) but a 26pc decrease month-on-month (MoM).

This took 8MFY26 cumulative sales to 128,498 units, up 43pc YoY from 89,770 units in 8MFY25.

The sharp MoM decline is mainly due to a high base effect, as January sales usually increase because of new-year vehicle registrations, combined with fewer working days in February.

Meanwhile, the strong YoY growth was supported by new market entrants, lower interest rates, easing inflation, and improving macroeconomic sentiment, Myesha Sohail of Topline Securities said.

Sazgar Engineering reported sales of 1,682 units in February, up by 90pc YoY but down 16pc MoM. Its 8MFY26 sales surged by 54pc YoY to 10,896 units.

Indus Motor Company (IMC), the assembler of Toyota vehicles, reported a 46pc year-on-year growth, although it declined by 25pc month-on-month to 3,817 units. Total sales in 8MFY26 increased by 59pc year-on-year to 29,440 units.

Honda Atlas Cars Ltd (HACL) witnessed a 3pc year-on-year increase but fell 42pc month-on-month to 2,114 units in February 2026. HACL sold 57pc more vehicles, reaching 17,773 units in 8MFY26 compared to the same period last fiscal year.

Hyundai Nishat Motors was the only company to record a YoY decline while maintaining a non-negative MoM trend, with sales of 1,021 units, down 3pc YoY and flattish MoM. However, Hyudai’s 8MFY26 sales surged by 38pc YoY to 8,754 units.

Pak Suzuki Motor Company (PSMCL) recorded a 53pc YoY increase but fell 25pc MoM to 8,160 units. Its 8MFY26 sales, however, rose by 31pc YoY to 59,456 units.

Despite challenges, we’re on course to reach 200,000 cars, SUVs, pickups, and vans in sales volume this year, said auto sector expert Mashood Ali Khan.

In two- and three-wheeler sales, there was a 24pc increase YoY but a 12pc decline MoM, reaching 159,512 units in February. This brought the total 8MFY26 sales to 1.3mn units, a 31pc rise YoY.

Atlas Honda Ltd (AHL), the maker of the popular CD70 bike, recorded sales of 136,000 units in February, up 26pc YoY but down 13pc MoM.

Tractor sales posted a 12pc YoY increase but were down 31pc MoM to 1,717 units in February. In 8MFY26, sales plunged by 21pc YoY to 17,151 units.

Truck and bus sales surged by 37pc YoY, but fell 40pc MoM to 664 units in February. However, sales grew by 82pc YoY in 8MFY26 to 5,296 units.

Mr Mashood stated that motorcycle sales are experiencing strong growth, while trucks and buses are gradually increasing. Tractor sales are under pressure due to policy issues. Auto parts manufacturers are struggling with increased costs, and price adjustments are needed across the board, he said.

Myesha Sohail expects positive momentum in auto sales to continue in 2026, supported by lower interest rates and new hybrid and plug-in hybrid models.

Published in Dawn, March 11th, 2026