News Desk |
Hyundai Nishat Motor (Private) Limited (Hyundai) has officially unveiled its hi-end vehicles, Santa Fe and Grand Starex, in Pakistan. Both vehicles were on display at the launch of Hyundai’s first of its kind digital retail store at Emporium Mall, Lahore at an opening ceremony on Monday, 25th February.
These two will be the first of the vehicles manufactured by the joint venture between Hyundai and Nishat Group under the Auto Policy 2016-21. According to a press release issued by the manufacturer, the Santa Fe is amongst Hyundai’s most popular and trendy SUVs with cutting edge design and technology making it a powerful presence on and off the road. While Grand Starex, a premium 12 seater, takes commuting to the next level with superior comfort and convenience on the go, the press release further read.
“We would like to introduce eco-friendly cars with the acute difference compared to existing Japanese manufacturers, but the quality of local fuel does not allow us,” he added.
Talking at the opening ceremony, Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai, Mr. Tatsuya Sato said, “I welcome you all to the launch of our Hyundai City Store, which marks our first milestone in Pakistan. This is the first step of our great journey to provide our customers with a first class experience. This particular digital showroom is a unique concept store looking to offer customers a friendly environment wherein they can explore Modern Premium Hyundai Vehicles. Our vision is to become the most “valued” and “loved” automobile brand and recreate the global success of Hyundai in Pakistan” he said.
On the flip side, talking to a group of journalists, Executive Vice President Marketing Hideo Takenaka said much had been talked about Hyundai’s hybrid electric vehicles and many locals wanted ‘Ioniq’ hybrid car to be part of Hyundai’s portfolio for the Pakistan market without realizing ground realities the country was facing.
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“Pakistan has a very unique problem of low-quality gasoline oil and this is restricting us from introducing hi-tech cars in Pakistan,” he said.
“We would like to introduce eco-friendly cars with the acute difference compared to existing Japanese manufacturers, but the quality of local fuel does not allow us,” he added.
Last year, Pakistan upgraded its fuel quality and shifted to RON 97 – high octane petrol – and that too after immense pressure from local auto players.
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Although that upgrade was marginal, it was helpful for Hyundai to launch its Euro-3 engine sports utility vehicle – Santa Fe, which is the company’s first variant for the Pakistan market.