Pakistan’s high-displacement motorcycle segment is preparing for a transition toward domestic manufacturing as Buraq Automobile outlines plans to establish a local assembly plant. The proposed facility is aimed at assembling high-displacement Italian and Chinese motorcycles, a move expected to lower consumer prices by hundreds of thousands of rupees compared to fully imported units.
Timeline and Factory Preparations
According to Buraq Automobile Chief Executive Officer Mobeen Ahmed, the assembly facility is on track for completion by December, with commercial production scheduled to begin in January 2027. Buraq Automobile currently operates as an importer and distributor for international motorcycle manufacturers, handling brands including Benelli, Moto Morini, and QJMOTOR.
Initial Phase and Model Lineup
The manufacturing rollout will be led by Italian brand Moto Morini during its first phase. Operations will start with the local assembly of the Moto Morini Alltrhike 450 adventure bike, which will subsequently be followed by the introduction of an assembled 300cc model. In addition to these models, the company intends to bring another international motorcycle brand into the local assembly lineup, though the identity of that partner remains confidential.
Price Reductions and Import Tariffs
Transitioning from the importation of completely built-up (CBU) units to local assembly is designed to lower prices by cutting down on import duties. Ahmed pointed to the Alltrhike 450 to illustrate the fiscal impact of local production, noting that its retail price is expected to decrease from Rs. 26 lakh as a fully imported unit to a tentative Rs. 19.95 lakh once assembled locally. This reflects an anticipated price drop of roughly 23 percent.
Retail costs could see further decreases depending on broader regulatory developments. A proposed auto policy currently under consideration by the government seeks to reduce duties on completely knocked-down (CKD) motorcycle kits. Ahmed stated that if this duty relief is approved, Buraq Automobile will pass the resulting savings directly on to purchasers.
Adoption of Electronic Fuel Injection
The company also plans to manufacture locally assembled motorcycles equipped with electronic fuel injection (EFI) engines. Ahmed expressed confidence that the technological advantages of EFI systems—specifically superior fuel economy, enhanced acceleration, and higher power output—will attract local riders, even as the market continues to face a limited availability of specialized repair infrastructure for EFI platforms across Pakistan.
