Suzuki Mehran
Suzuki MehranPak Suzuki

Pak Suzuki Motor Company Limited (PSMCL), the Pakistan subsidiary of Japanese carmaker Suzuki, is all set to introduce Alto hatchback with 660cc engine. The Alto 660cc will replace the Mehran in Pakistan, which is the rebadged Maruti Suzuki 800.

The Senate Standing Committee on Industries and Production, which was visiting the PSMCL plant recently, has shared the new development, reports the Dawn.

Reports indicate the company has already started the process of localisation of parts for the new 660cc car with local vendors. In addition to the Alto 660cc, Pak Suzuki will also launch Celerio 1000cc by March 2017 that will replace the Suzuki Cultus.

Pak Suzuki also plans to introduce imported Grand Vitara SUV and Ciaz 1300cc sedan in 2017. Depending on the response, the carmaker would consider assembling these vehicles in Pakistan.

Pak Suzuki also told the Senate delegation that the company has already invested Rs 15 billion into its plant in the country.

Similar to the 800cc version in India, the Mehran is on sale in Pakistan for a long time. Mehran was launched in Pakistan in 1988 and continued without major changes so far.  According to the Dawn, local vendors are not in favour for discontinuation of Suzuki Mehran due to brisk sales of parts and accessories and its localisation content of over 70 percent.

Maruti Suzuki India sells the Alto in 800cc engine and 1000cc engine only. The Alto 660cc will use an engine from Suzuki's global portfolio.