Buraq Automobile to Assemble Moto Morini Bikes Locally
Buraq Automobile is gearing up to assemble Moto Morini motorcycles locally in Pakistan, marking a notable shift in the country’s premium bike segment. This move signifies one of the first efforts to move from solely importing fully built units to assembling high-end motorcycles domestically.
Local Assembly Plans and Timeline
The company’s CEO, Mobeen Ahmed, revealed in an exclusive discussion that their assembly plant is expected to be operational by December 2026. Production of the first locally assembled Moto Morini motorcycles will begin by January 2027. The initial focus will be on the Alltrhike 450, a high-displacement adventure model from the Italian brand, followed shortly by a 300cc version designed to appeal to a wider market.
Besides Moto Morini, Buraq Automobile has plans to assemble another major international motorcycle brand, though details will be disclosed later. This initiative positions Buraq as a pioneering assembler in Pakistan’s motorcycle industry, especially for premium and high-capacity bikes.
Impact on Pricing and Market
Moving to local assembly is expected to substantially reduce costs for consumers. Since completely knocked down (CKD) kits attract lower import duties compared to fully built imports, the company plans to translate these savings into more affordable prices. Mobeen Ahmed illustrated that the Moto Morini Alltrhike 450, which currently costs around Rs 26 lakh as a CBU import, will be priced around Rs 19.95 lakh when assembled locally. This represents a reduction of approximately 23%, potentially lowering prices by up to Rs 6 lakh.
Further potential relief could come from the forthcoming draft Auto Policy in Pakistan, which suggests reducing duties on CKD petrol motorcycles. If approved, this would help decrease motorcycle prices even further, a benefit Buraq Automobile intends to pass on to buyers.
Significance of EFI Bikes and Local Industry Development
In addition to lowering prices, Buraq Automobile’s venture will introduce electronic fuel injection (EFI) bikes assembled domestically for the first time in Pakistan. EFI technology offers improved acceleration, horsepower, and fuel efficiency compared to the carburetor systems widely used here. Though concerns exist regarding the service and repair infrastructure for EFI motorcycles, Ahmed compared this transition to the automotive sector’s earlier switch from carburetors to EFI, which was eventually embraced nationwide.
Historically, Pakistan’s motorcycle manufacturing was dominated by Japanese brands like Honda and Suzuki, with Yamaha entering and exiting production over recent years. The arrival of locally assembled premium motorcycles with advanced technology like EFI marks a significant milestone, potentially attracting a new segment of consumers looking for sophisticated two-wheelers.
For Pakistani riders eager for premium adventure and performance motorcycles, Buraq Automobile’s local assembly strategy promises increased accessibility and more competitive affordability, potentially catalyzing growth in the motorcycle market.
