Customers who booked the GWM Tank 500 shortly after its launch in Pakistan are reporting significant delivery delays, with some claiming they are still waiting months after placing their orders.
According to posts shared in public forums, several customers who made bookings in January have yet to receive their vehicles. Some buyers allege that customers who booked later, along with certain dealers and investors, have already taken delivery. These claims, however, have not been independently verified.
Several customers have questioned whether deliveries are being processed according to the original booking sequence. One buyer said they booked the SUV on January 23 but are still awaiting delivery despite later bookings being fulfilled. Another customer claimed to have reserved the Tank 500 PHEV before official bookings opened but has yet to receive the vehicle, while units are reportedly available at dealerships in Lahore.
Buyers have also expressed concerns over payment requirements, with some alleging they were asked to pay a substantial portion of the remaining vehicle price before delivery. One customer claimed they were required to pay Rs20.3 million for the PHEV, in addition to any taxes applicable at the time of delivery.
The Tank 500 was launched in Pakistan with introductory prices of Rs20.5 million for the hybrid (HEV) variant and Rs22.5 million for the plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
Initially, the company estimated a three to four month delivery period. However, it later revised the timeline to six to eight months for the PHEV and seven to nine months for the HEV, citing strong demand. Buyers who placed orders before the revised schedule argue that the original delivery timeline should still apply to their bookings.
Responding to the issue, Sazgar Engineering Works said the delays are linked to an industry wide production disruption. According to the company, production of hybrid and plug in hybrid vehicles has remained suspended following the expiry of the previous auto policy on July 1, while the industry awaits the announcement of a new policy.
The company explained that uncertainty over applicable tariffs has temporarily halted production of HEV and PHEV models, although assembly of petrol-powered vehicles continues. As a result, deliveries scheduled for July 26 are expected to be delayed by the same number of days production remains suspended.
The upcoming auto policy has also created uncertainty for buyers, as any changes to taxes or duties on hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles could increase the final invoice price of pending orders, potentially leaving customers who booked months ago paying more than originally expected.
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