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A significant milestone in Pakistan’s automotive industry was marked as the delegation from Indus Motor Company, led by Vice Chairman Shinji Yanagi and Chief Executive Ali Asghar Jamali, presented the country’s first locally-manufactured Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the PM’s Office recently.
The meeting was attended by esteemed guests, including Yoshiki Konishi, President of Toyota Asia and Chief Engineer of the Corolla Cross, and Mitsuhiro Wada, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan. Cabinet members, including Federal Minister of Finance Ishaq Dar and Federal Minister of Industries & Production Makhdoom Murtaza Mehmood, were also present to witness this momentous occasion.
Admiration by PM Shehbaz
Expressing his admiration, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Toyota’s initiative in bringing the first locally-manufactured hybrid SUV to Pakistan. He emphasized the need for further localization efforts in the country and urged the delegation to focus on expanding exports. The Prime Minister reassured the delegation of the government’s commitment to upholding incentives for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) as outlined in the AIDEP 2021-26 Policy.
Federal Minister of Finance Ishaq Dar echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiments and applauded the Corolla Cross Hybrid for its potential economic and environmental benefits. He highlighted the positive impact the adoption of this new technology could have on Pakistan.
Addressing the gathering, Yoshiki Konishi, President of Toyota Asia, expressed gratitude for the support received from the government and people of Pakistan over the past three decades. He regarded the Corolla as a beloved symbol in Pakistan, a “people’s car” that aligns with Toyota’s vision of “Mobility for All.” Konishi expressed confidence that the Corolla Cross HEV would pave the way for accessible electrification in Pakistan, as it requires no additional infrastructure and utilizes a relatively small battery. He further emphasized that the vehicle has been proven to reduce carbon emissions and improve fuel consumption by 30 to 50%, based on research conducted by external agencies in various countries.
The introduction of the locally-manufactured Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Electric Vehicle represents a significant leap forward for Pakistan’s automotive sector, combining cutting-edge technology with environmental sustainability. With the government’s support and Toyota’s commitment, the future of the country’s automobile industry looks promising, setting the stage for further advancements and greater export potential in the years to come.
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