Contracts have been signed to assemble and distribute Renault vehicles in Pakistan, a new market for the French automotive giant.Â
Groupe Renault and the UAE’s Al-Futtaim announced the signing of “definitive agreements for the exclusive assembly and distribution” of the French manufacturer’s vehicles.Â
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Al-Futtaim’s newly formed subsidiary, Al-Futtaim Automotive Pakistan, is expected to implement the agreements.Â
The UAE-headquartered automotive giant will establish a manufacturing and assembly plant in Pakistan’s capital city, Karachi, as well as carry out distribution operations for Renault vehicles across the country.Â
Construction works on the plant will begin in Q1 2018, and car sales are expected to begin in 2019.Â
While no details were revealed about the vehicle types or brands that these agreements covered, Renault said it would bring its products and technical know-how to the business operation.Â
Commenting on the agreements, Fabrice Cambolive, senior vice president and chairman of Groupe Renault’s Middle East, Africa, and India operation, said: “By partnering with Al-Futtaim, a very professional and renowned automotive partner, Groupe Renault aims to become a major player in Pakistan.
“We aim to bring our latest products and cutting-edge technology and set new benchmarks of safety and quality in the market.”Â
Len Hunt, the president of Al-Futtaim Automotive, added: “With a population of more than 200 million, a fast-growing economy, and a vibrant middle-class, Pakistan is undoubtedly a very important strategic growth market for us.
“We are very excited to represent Groupe Renault which is among the top automotive brands worldwide, and a leading European car manufacturer entering this market.
“Al-Futtaim also looks forward to a very long and successful partnership with Groupe Renault,” Hunt added.
