Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD is expected to begin local vehicle production in Pakistan in December 2026, with the Sealion 6 plug-in hybrid SUV set to be its first locally assembled model.
The latest timeline was shared by Hub Power Company (HUBCO) management during an analyst briefing, according to a report by Arif Habib Limited.
The development would mark a shift for BYD, whose passenger vehicles in Pakistan have so far largely been supplied through imports.
The upcoming assembly plant near Karachi is expected to have an initial production capacity of around 25,000 vehicles a year, operating on double shifts.
According to the report, the capacity could eventually be expanded to approximately 50,000 units annually.
HUBCO had previously indicated that operations would begin before the end of 2026.
The Sealion 6 was earlier identified as the first model planned for local assembly and was displayed at the Pakistan Auto Parts Show (PAPS) 2026.
HUBCO management also said cumulative BYD sales in Pakistan had crossed 10,000 vehicles.
The analyst report said the company’s electric mobility business generated a profit of about Rs1.5 billion during the latest quarter, of which HUBCO’s share was approximately Rs780 million.
The company expects sales to gain momentum after local production begins.
HUBCO management is also evaluating additional vehicles for the Pakistani market, particularly models in the higher-volume B and C segments.
The Denza B8 and B5 were among the models mentioned in the report, alongside the Sealion 6.
Both the Sealion 6 and Denza B8 were previously showcased at PAPS 2026.
The start of local assembly is expected to reduce BYD’s reliance on imported, fully built vehicles. However, the initial production phase will still depend heavily on imported components.
HUBCO has indicated that local content will increase gradually, with a long-term localisation target of up to 80%.
The start of local production does not necessarily mean an immediate reduction in vehicle prices. Any impact on prices will depend on production costs, imported components and the pace of localisation.
December 2026 remains the latest target for the start of production, with the Sealion 6 expected to lead BYD’s local assembly operations in Pakistan.
