Suzuki decreases 800cc car prices by 5-7 percent

[Naveed Yaseen]

By Nauman Tasleem
LAHORE: Suzuki has decreased the prices on its 800 CC automobiles by 5 to 7 percent, Daily Times learnt on Wednesday.

The company said it is a gift for its customers, as it has achieved a hallmark of selling one million automobiles in the Pakistan.

The company has lowered Rs 30,000 on every brand of 800CC including Mehran, Bolan and Ravi Pick Up. Car dealers have welcomed the decision saying it would help in increasing the sales of small cars.

The company already decreased prices of vehicles in April 2009 owing to decline in sales. Though the company has to increase prices in January 2009 due to dollar-rupee parity. Official spokesman of Suzuki Company, Shafiq Sheikh said the sales of small cars get affected due to increase in prices and the company decided to decrease prices. He said another reason was to celebrate grand event of selling one million vehicles. "It is for the first time in the history of Pakistan that any company sold one million vehicles," Sheikh said adding the small vehicles like Mehran are for lower-middle class and it is very important the prices should be decreased to cater the class.

Besides decrease in sales, the decreasing petroleum prices and steel metal have also caused decline in prices. He said the company has notified about new prices to the dealers and these prices are in effect since July 11, 2009. "It's a limited time offer and the customers should avail it," he said.

The company decreased the prices of Mehran VX from Rs 447,000 to Rs 433,000 in April and now it is the second decrease in the last three months.

The car dealers said it would help the dealers to improve their sales. Jail Road Traders Association Secretary General, Zafar Iqbal welcomed the decision saying the sales of small cars declined sharply and we have no option but sit idle.

He said that the sales of vehicles have dropped considerably in the last few months and now there is a chance the local market would get momentum. He said the decrease would have an impact on sales of used cars and reviving business activity.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp...2009_pg5_2