Xiaomi SU7, Airlink Set to Debut in Pakistan
Xiaomi is gearing up to introduce its electric vehicle, the Xiaomi SU7, to the Pakistani market, with a base variant priced at ¥215,900, roughly equivalent to PKR 8.5 million. This positions the Xiaomi SU7 among the ranks of luxury vehicles in Pakistan, a market where high-end electric vehicles (EVs) have limited traction. Given this market scenario, Xiaomi could potentially adopt an export-oriented approach from Pakistan, focusing on right-hand drive markets globally, similar to the strategies of Changan and Master Motors.
The Xiaomi SU7 has been competing head-to-head with major industry players like BYD and Tesla in China. Its planned debut in Pakistan will be an important day for the EV industry there and might present consumers who care about the environment with a high-tech alternative. Due to structural limitations and pricing concerns, the adoption of electric vehicles in Pakistan has been moderate. However, Xiaomi’s arrival might rock the country’s EV sector.
Airlink’s Role and Expansion Plans
Alongside the Xiaomi SU7, Airlink, a key partner in bringing Xiaomi products to Pakistan, has other significant growth plans in the works. From November 2024, Airlink will begin generating revenue from its smart TV sales, adding a new revenue stream to its portfolio. Additionally, the company is in the process of acquiring a 5G license from the Government of Pakistan. This will significantly boost its earnings and help enhance the country’s connectivity landscape, which could provide long-term benefits to both Airlink and the government.
The 5G license will not only improve technological connectivity but also bring substantial financial rewards. Moreover, Airlink is actively working with the government to address inconsistencies in import and export duties, particularly in the mobile equipment sector. One significant issue is the 80% duty on importing charger parts, whereas fully assembled chargers have zero duty. This discrepancy hampers local manufacturing, but the government’s efforts to rectify this could create new export opportunities for Airlink and Xiaomi.
Future Prospects of Xiaomi and Airlink
As Xiaomi and Airlink strengthen their presence in Pakistan, the success of the Xiaomi SU7 and other technological advancements could offer new opportunities for local manufacturing and export. These initiatives may drive growth in Pakistan’s tech and automotive sectors, fostering an ecosystem that promotes both innovation and sustainability.
