Atlas Honda, one of Pakistan’s leading motorbike manufacturers, has launched the company’s first EV motorcycle, the Honda ‘BENLY e,’ but has not announce when it will be available in the entire country.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, Atlas Honda announced the launch of Honda BENLY e at a ceremony held at its Sheikhupura Factory, marking the celebration of the company’s 60th year of operations in Pakistan.
Noriaki Abe, Chief Officer of Motorcycle and Power Products at Atlas Honda, stated during the event that the Honda BENLY e would undergo test marketing, with future product offerings shaped by market feedback to ensure that Honda meets the evolving needs of society and customers.
Abe emphasized the integral role Honda products play in the daily lives of many Pakistanis, acknowledging the longstanding collaboration between Atlas Group and Honda Motor Company since 1963, which has been instrumental in advancing motorcycle and auto parts manufacturing.
Speaking at the same event, Shinji Aoyama, Executive Vice President and COO of Honda Motor Company, highlighted that the mobility industry is undergoing rapid transformation, and Honda Motor is well-positioned for the future.
Saquib H Shirazi, President and CEO of Atlas Honda, noted the company’s expansion of its product lineup and the achievement of up to 95% localization. He highlighted Atlas Honda’s contribution to job creation, stating that the company’s extensive network of local auto parts manufacturers and dealers, comprising over 10,000 touchpoints, has provided direct employment opportunities for more than 150,000 people.
Despite challenges in the motorcycle industry, with a 152% increase in net profit reported for the first quarter of the fiscal year 2023-24, driven by robust sales and other income, motorcycle sales faced a decline. In October, sales fell 5% month-on-month and 11% year-on-year, with Atlas Honda, as the market leader, recording a 5% decline in sales to 90,000 units.
The broader motorcycle market experienced a 10% year-on-year decline in the first four months of the fiscal year, totaling 371,000 units. This decline was attributed to higher bike prices and the reduced purchasing power of consumers.
The article also highlighted challenges faced by electric vehicle (EV) bikes in Pakistan:
- Lack of Charging Infrastructure: The insufficient number of charging stations poses a challenge to the growing demand for EV bikes. Government investment and collaboration with the private sector are necessary to address this issue.
- High Cost and Low Range: EV bikes remain more expensive than conventional petrol or diesel bikes. Costly batteries with extended charging times and limited travel range contribute to the challenges faced by EV bikes.
- Low Awareness and Acceptance: Many Pakistanis are unfamiliar with the benefits and environmental impact of EV bikes. The government needs to launch awareness campaigns to promote understanding and encourage adoption.
- Inconsistent Government Policies: The lack of clear and consistent EV policies in Pakistan, with varying incentives and regulations, hinders the growth of the EV sector. Addressing issues related to taxation, standardization, quality control, and safety is crucial for a sustainable EV industry.
