Pakistan Car Blog | The Pakistani Automotive Scene

98% of vehicles are parked for 8 hours

2008-07-15T10:59:00.000+06:00

KARACHI: Statistics show that 98 percent of Karachi’s 1.7 million road-plying vehicles are parked for an average of eight hours a day and many of them, both private and commercial, are parked on roads and streets.

A well-placed official in the CDGK told Daily Times on Monday that migration to the city, an increasing population, and easy leasing combined to put a heavy load on the city’s 11 sites reserved for parking. This results in illegal encroachment of land by transporters, coupled with the involvement of the traffic police and the lack of proper planning by the competent authorities.

Parking on the street accounts for 70 percent of all parking and 24 percent of parking is done on walking spaces or encroached land. Four percent is on privately-owned land, often associated with buildings while the remaining two percent of parking is controlled by the CDGK at 11 parking sites, auctioned to private contractors for a year.

The auctioning generated Rs 90 million in 2005 and Rs 11,928,000 in 2007-08, while bids for 2008-09 amount to Rs 15,409,000.

In Saddar, the total well-arranged parking capacity is for 1,799 vehicles at a time, but on average 22,724 vehicles are being parked, including on the street. Tariq Road has a parking capacity for 630 vehicles but 12,394 vehicles are being parked there.

The CDGK has opted to construct eight multi-storied parking plazas, of which one, the Lines Area plaza, near Saddar Dawa Khana, is being completed at a cost of Rs 293 million, with a capacity of 710 cars and 300 motorcycles, said the official. One near the KPT underpass, spread over 2,932 square yards, with a capacity of 500 cars and 100 motorcycles, will cost Rs 225 million. Tenders for two more plazas have been invited, one at Civic Centre for 679 cars and 300 motorcycles, estimated at Rs 264 million, and the other near Empress Market for 1,980 cars and 220 motorcycles, estimated at Rs 1.6 billion.

An underground plaza under construction on Dr Ziauddin Ahmed Road will house 600 vehicles, while a project is under study at Jheel Park near Tariq Road for 3,000 vehicles. Work has been suspended on two plazas, one at Railway Stadium on I.I. Chundrigar Road and the other opposite the Stock Exchange Building at Merewether Tower, each for 3,000 cars, due to a failure to obtain possession of the required land from Pakistan Railways.

CDGK EDO Transport Badar Jamil Mendro said that different mafias in the city have encroached on land because of the negligence or involvement of the authorities concerned.

Work on inner city railway yet to begin: Plans for a Light Rapid Rail Mass Transit System (LRRMTS), studied by the World Bank in 1990, have yet to see the light of day, despite federal approval in 2004, well-placed officers in the City District Government Karachi’s (CDGK) Mass Transit Cell revealed to Daily Times, adding that the lack of interest by federal and provincial governments has made this an orphaned project.

The officer explained that there are two main routes planned for the inner city railway. Corridor I is from Sohrab Goth to Merewether Tower, covering 18 km at a cost of US$ 350 million, while Corridor II will cover 17 km from Orangi Town to Cantt Station and will cost US$ 300 million.

The project has come under fire from various social and political factions and the building of colonies not included in the initial plan has made things worse.

The LRRMTS is capable of lowering traffic congestion in Karachi by 50 percent and will open numerous doors for revenue generation for the Sindh government and provide livelihood for more than 5,000 families, noted the officer.

The project can be operational within three years and is expected to generate up to Rs 2 billion in direct income from fares and indirect income from the establishment of over 500 retail outlets, tuck shops, restaurants and other small establishments associated with the system.

Unfortunately, no authority has been given the responsibility of clearing the land for the projects, which seems to be one of the bigger hurdles in the way. Karachi Port Trust, Pakistan Railways (PR), Evacuee Property Trust and some private parties are the primary landowners concerned. These areas have been grossly encroached and slums with legal gas, power and water connections are widely spread there. The land mafia, with the help of the area police and some officials have taken over the land, explained the sources.

With a capacity of over 70,000 passengers per trip per hour, the LRRMTS looks like the only logical solution to traffic congestion in the city.

What the Corolla really wants, what it really really wants: To be a VW Beetle

2008-07-14T14:55:00.004+06:00

If you haven’t already figured it out, what you see above is not made in Germany. Or is it? Nope… definitely not. Its the product of German inspiration, Japan sheet metal and Pakistani ingenuity. Yeah you read that right, I said ingenuity. In a country where Volkswagens are not officially sold and importing one privately can cost up to $60,000, things can get pretty desperate for fans of Bavarian chick mobiles. So much so that one man has dug through piles of car parts to build his own Beetle. The problem though is that none of the parts come from a Beetle. Not even a VW. The chassis is from a Toyota Corolla AE-100, the door handles off a Toyota Corolla E-120, side mirrors nicked from a Honda Civic and seats right out of a BMW. If you’re looking for authenticity, I’m sorry to say you won’t be happy. Well, that’s unless you can find comfort knowing the only original parts are the badges and lights.

Source: Japancarblog

Top Gear Season 11 Episode 4 Rapidshare Links S11E04

2008-07-14T02:44:00.001+06:00

Here you go....
http://rapidshare.com/files/129466181/top.gear.s11e04.xvid-river.avi.part1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/129465814/top.gear.s11e04.xvid-river.avi.part2.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/129464241/top.gear.s11e04.xvid-river.avi.part3.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/129464566/top.gear.s11e04.xvid-river.avi.part4.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/129466100/top.gear.s11e04.xvid-river.avi.part5.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/129466013/top.gear.s11e04.xvid-river.avi.part6.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/129466374/top.gear.s11e04.xvid-river.avi.part7.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/129463681/top.gear.s11e04.xvid-river.avi.part8.rar

Enjoy!!

Top Gear - Season 11, Episode 4 - 2008.07.13 - Torrent Link

2008-07-14T02:42:00.001+06:00

Jeremy Clarkson attempts to drive the new Nissan GT-R across Japan faster than Richard Hammond and James May, who make the same journey on the legendary Bullet Train. Plus, Richard tries Toyota’s idea of personal transport for the future, the sensational Alfa Romeo 8C brings glamour to the Top Gear track, and newsreaders Fiona Bruce and Kate Silverton are the Stars in the Reasonably Priced Car.

Torrent Link : http://www.mininova.org/tor/1594135

Source : Finalgear

Pakistan yet to adopt fuel emission standards

2008-07-13T17:57:00.001+06:00

KARACHI: The world is moving towards Euro III and Euro IV fuel emission standards to protect the environment and keeping with that trend the developing world has to adopt European emission standards.

These standards are a set of requirements defining acceptable limits for vehicle emissions. Pakistan has yet to implement these emission standards in order to introduce environment-friendly vehicles. It has missed the earlier deadline, which was July 1, 2008 for Euro II compliance in the case of petrol and the new deadline is January 1, 2009. Similarly, Euro II compliance deadline for diesel has been extended and the new deadline is January 10, 2012.

An official of the Environment Protection Agency said the government was working with all segments concerned to adopt Euro II standards. In this regard, a pivotal role is being played by the Ministry of Petroleum along with the Ministry of Environment and auto manufacturers. Roadmaps are already there and all sectors are working on them extensively but one of the major barriers is the cost.

He said the Ministry of Environment had constituted Clean Fuel Committee in 1995-96 and in that regard work and recommendations were made to work on CNG, biofuels, lead-free fuel, etc. Lead-free fuel was introduced in 2000 and CNG introduction and promotion also took place after 2000.

He said in order to comply with Euro II standards the refineries were needed to be upgraded which required heavy investment. However, the refineries are working to produce Euro II-compliant petrol and diesel but the production cost is very high. In the case of diesel, the cost is much higher than petrol. Upgradation of diesel refineries requires $700 million, which is very high.

Similarly, he said, auto manufacturers are required to come up with Euro II vehicles and they have based some of their models on Euro II and Euro III standards. Pak Suzuki’s Liana, Indus Motor’s Toyota Altis and Honda Civic are Euro III standard vehicles.

The auto sector said there were a few models which complied with Euro II standards and talks were going on with the government to exempt imports of Euro II standard engines and parts from certain duties as the local vendors were not yet prepared to meet the demand.

Sources disclosed that it was expected that within a few months more and more Euro II standard vehicles would be available in the country. Most of the imported vehicles in the country are Euro II and Euro III compliant, but fuel is not yet available in the market.

The EPA official said lead-free fuel was partially complying with Euro II standards. He said the Euro II standards were for all private and public vehicles, which were on roads and in that regard a roadmap had been made to gradually phase out old public vehicles. The Punjab government is working on it and they have already started phasing out old two-stroke auto rickshaws and are introducing new green CNG auto rickshaws.

On the other hand, Aftab Husain, General Manager Commercial & Corporate Pakistan Refinery Limited, said “for petrol we have been meeting the Euro II specifications since 2002. But for diesel we are going to install diesel hydro-treater to remove sulphur from the fuel and make it possible to meet the specifications in 2012.”

He added there were no standards for vehicular emission monitoring, fitness, maintenance, tuning and technology in Pakistan. The NEQS for motor vehicle exhaust and noise was introduced in 1993 and revised in 1999. Vehicular pollution can cause life-threatening diseases such as cardiovascular effects, bronchial irritation, lung cancer, anemia, asthma, eye irritation, nervous system impairment and lowering of IQ. Most major urban centres experience significant and persistent air quality problems.

He said fuel quality improvement required mega investment. Because of financial problems and government relaxation, Pakistan is still behind to meet the Euro II specifications of diesel.

Many developed countries have shifted to European emission standards and developing countries are also moving towards this.

Moscow has banned entry of pre-Euro II standard vehicles in the city centre in order to protect environment.

Bikes rates up on rupee fall, high steel prices

2008-07-13T17:56:00.000+06:00

By Moonis Ahmed

KARACHI: In the wake of losing strength of the rupee against dollar and rising rates of steel, the Japanese and Chinese motorbike producers have increased prices.

Frequent increase in the bikes’ prices during the last two months along with recent decision of price hike by the assemblers on different models has affected the sales of motorbikes, which have declined by around 20 percent in the past month, dealers at Akber Road told Daily Times.

They said that due to ever sky rocketing petroleum prices and increase in bikes’ prices, the demand for motorbikes has plummeted all over the country.

The three leading motorcycles including Atlas Honda Limited, DYL Motorcycles and Pak Suzuki Motorcycle Limited have raised prices on their models by Rs 1,000 to Rs 4,000 per unit.

The Atlas Honda motorcycle makers have increased the rate of CD-70 to Rs 56,400. In April, its price was Rs 50,500 and in March Rs 49,900.

Similarly, the CD-100 by Atlas Honda is now priced at Rs 61,400 from Rs 57,000 in May.

The popular model by the Honda CG-125 is tagged at Rs 76,400, however it was available at Rs 71,000 two months ago.

The Pak Suzuki Motor Company Limited has increased its prices by Rs 1,000 to 4,000 as well. The Suzuki-110 CC is available at Rs 53,800 from Rs 49,800. The price of Suzuki-125 is tagged at Rs 66,800 while it was available at Rs 64,800 previously. Suzuki-150 is available at Rs 72,800, as compared to Rs 68,800.

Similarly, DYL Motorcycles Limited has also jacked up the rates. The YD-100 is now priced at Rs 63,300, its previous price was Rs 61,300 and the price of 100-CC Junoon is Rs 65,250 as compared to the former price at Rs 63,300.

Similarly, Chinese bike makers have also spiked their price by Rs1,500 owing to rising cost of material and parts. They had increased the rates by same amount last month.

Chairman, Association of Pakistan Motorcycle Assemblers, Mohammad Sabir Shaikh, said that the average wholesale price of a Chinese bike was now Rs 37,000 as compared to Rs 35,000 last month.

China has also increased raw material prices due to which Chinese assemblers have raised the prices as well.

About 350 to 400 bikes per day were being sold four months ago, but now the condition has worsen and hardly 100 bikes are being sold all over Karachi. In December 2007, one dollar was equal to Rs 61 as compared to Rs 71 in May. If the rupee fails to gain its value against the dollar the bike makers will face problems and they will have to further increase the rates.

He added that Chinese bike makers had enhanced the rate twice since April, while the Japanese made three times increase in prices.

The bike-maker had assured that within five years capability would be developed for local manufacturing through vendors.

Car sales dropped 13pc in FY08

2008-07-12T12:28:00.000+06:00

Saturday, July 12, 2008
By our correspondent
The News

KARACHI: Local car market suffered another year of declining sales in 2007-08 as car purchases dropped by 13 per cent due to various factors.

The weak sales during the year had been primarily due to uncertain political and economic conditions, halt in auto financing by banks due to loan defaults, increase in interest rates resulting in expensive auto financing, rise in prices due to imposition of withholding tax and excise duty, further increase in prices because of rising costs and continued influx of second hand imported CBUs (completely built units), said Bilal Hameed, auto analyst at JS Global Capital.

According to figures for auto sales released by the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA), he said auto sales (cars and light commercial vehicles) dropped 8 per cent at 187,412 units in FY08 compared to 204,212 units sold last year. Interestingly, on month-on-month basis, auto sales rose 11 per cent in June this year.

He said the increase in monthly sales had been due to the year-end effect. Assemblers as well as their distributors need to achieve their targets by the end of the year for which aggressive marketing policies are implemented. The assemblers offer incentives to their distributors in terms of higher commission on sales if targets are achieved. Moreover, sales of LCVs rose on account of harvesting season.

Looking at car sales alone, it showed a poor performance during FY08 and fell by 11 per cent to 147,441 units against 165,268 units last year. The share of cars and LCVs in total auto sales came to 79 per cent and 21 per cent respectively.

He added all four major vehicle assemblers depicted a negative growth during the year under review.

However, Pak Suzuki and Indus Motor performed relatively better as their sales dropped by 7pc and 2pc respectively. Other assemblers, Dewan Farooque and Honda Atlas, posted negative growth of 25pc and 23pc respectively.

Another auto analyst Mohammad Rehan Khan at First Capital Research said the fall in overall market could be attributed to price hikes made to pass on the impact of rising input costs, followed by a slowdown in car financing amid rising mark-up rates, political instability and presence of alternatives like CBUs.

Completely knocked down (CKD) kits share improved to 91 per cent in the local market despite an 8 per cent lower volume. Performance of locally assembled vehicles or CKD remained sluggish during FY08. Cumulative sales of locally made private cars and light commercial vehicles stood at 187,000 units during the year against 204,000 the previous year, he added.

With shrinking trading and economic activities, the performance of LCV segment also remained muted, recording a meagre growth of 3 per cent at 40,000 units compared to 39,000 previously. The share of LCVs in CKD pie during FY08 increased to 21pc against previous level of 19pc.

He said the market share of used CBUs had kept shrinking owing to the restrictions imposed on import of higher age cars. Their share in the total market dropped to 9pc compared to 13pc the previous year.

During FY08, 18,000 CBUs (6,000 new and 12,000 used) were imported.

In the overall market, used cars captured 6pc share, which was 10pc a year earlier.

“It is not expected that local car sales will resume the previous growth trend in the near term owing to slowdown in auto finance amid rising mark-up rates and pass-on impact of cost rises while the newly imposed levies on car purchase are likely to increase prices over the affordability level of buyers,” he said.

Moreover, the margins of the sector are also anticipated to remain under pressure owing to rising steel prices and an unfavourable exchange rate.

More highways to be handed over to NH&MP

2008-07-10T14:41:00.000+06:00

The News
Thursday, July 10, 2008

All the current and upcoming highways under the control of the federal government and the National Highways Authority (NHA) will be handed over to the National Highways and Motorway Police (NH&MP), credible sources told ‘The News’ here Wednesday.

A decision to this effect was taken at a high-level meeting of the Ministry of Communications. The National Highways and Motorway Police, which is already under pressure to maintain its standards of patrolling on the current jurisdiction, will be put to test when the Rawalpindi-Murree-Muzaffarabad highway known as the Pindi-Murree Super Highway and the Quetta-Karachi Highway known as the RCD Highway is handed over to it later this year. It has also been learnt that the Hasanabdal-Manshera section of the famous Karakuram Highway will also be handed over to NH&MP after its widening to a double carriage road by NHA.

According to well-placed sources, NH&MP is patrolling the Quetta-Karachi highway for which a total number of 450 officers against a request of 1,200 have been provided to it in the first phase while the remaining will be available in two more stages. Similarly, NH&MP has requested the federal government for another 70 officers for the Pindi-Murree Super Highway and another 230 for the Hasanabdal-Manshera section.

Replying to a question regarding increase in the number of accidents on motorways and highways, an official said, it was the increase in the number of traffic on the same roads that was resulting in increased number of accidents. “How can you control the accident rate when the number of vehicles entering and leaving the roads with the same infrastructure and width is increasing every passing day? We are, however, training our officers in different hospitals of the country to provide first aid to injured passengers,” he maintained.

Muslim eight to manufacture car

2008-07-09T14:54:00.002+06:00

The Group of Eight Developing Islamic Countries has given the green light to a proposal by Iran on producing a joint automobile brand.

"The Iranian-introduced proposal must be taken into consideration and acted upon by the private sectors of all D-8 members," said D-8 Secretary-General Dipo Alam in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur on Monday.

Alam added that in order for this plan to succeed D-8 members must closely cooperate, as 'budget shortfalls do not allow these governments to independently supply the high costs of auto production'.

The proposal was first floated by the Middle East's largest automaker, Iran Khodro Company.

In 2007, Iran's Foreign Ministry conferred on the proposal with the other seven members of the D-8 group, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey.

"Each year, Muslim countries import over 17 million vehicles from industrialized states, whose companies make handsome profits through these imports," read an introduction to the Iranian proposal, presented by Deputy Foreign Minister, Ali-Reza Sheikh-Attar in October 2007.

The 6th Summit of the Group of Eight Developing Islamic Countries will open on July 8, 2008 in Malaysia.

Fastening of seatbelts will be made mandatory

2008-07-09T14:08:00.000+06:00

The Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) would launch a campaign to motivate motorists to fasten seatbelts and avoid use of mobile phones while driving.

The ITP would educate motorists on these two things this month and start issuing tickets from August 1, said SSP (Traffic) Muhammad Zubair Hashmi while addressing a press conference here on Thursday.

He said that an agreement has been signed by the Nadra chairman and the IGP for collection of fines through ‘e-Sahulat Scheme’. The 21 branches of National Bank of Pakistan in Islamabad will collect fine tickets till 3 p.m. However under the agreement, motorists would be able to deposit the fine money round-the-clock like utility bills through ‘e-Sahulat Scheme’,” the SSP said. He said that the ITP is maintaining data of those motorists who repeatedly violate traffic rules like over-speeding and jumping the red signal.

He said that the ITP issued tickets to 258,863 violators, including 219 VIPs, during last six months. Fines of Rs64,874,900 were imposed on violators. The ITP also took action against public service vehicle drivers for not completing their respective routes and impounded 1,164 vehicles, cancelled route permits of six vehicles and 18 driving licenses. Tickets worth Rs82,200 were issued to 2,055 motorcyclists for wheeling.

Source : The News

Top Gear Season 11 Episode 3 Rapidshare Links

2008-07-07T13:02:00.002+06:00

Here you go....
http://rapidshare.com/files/127690384/top.gear.s11e03.xvid-angelic.part1.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/127690834/top.gear.s11e03.xvid-angelic.part2.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/127690557/top.gear.s11e03.xvid-angelic.part3.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/127689526/top.gear.s11e03.xvid-angelic.part4.rar
http://rapidshare.com/files/127689938/top.gear.s11e03.xvid-angelic.part5.rar

Enjoy!!

The gas gaffe and the man from Sindh

2008-07-07T12:34:00.000+06:00

Monday, July 07, 2008
Kamal Siddiqi

The writer is editor reporting, The News

Only in Pakistan can we have a situation where a minister wrongly announces a rate for fuel and gets away with it. Earlier this week, the right-talking foreign minister, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, who is also burdened with the petroleum portfolio because the PML-N ministers do not want to share the same table with their PPP counterparts, made an error for which the people of Pakistan ended up paying billions.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi announced that the price of CNG, the fuel of choice for most Pakistani motorists now, had been raised by Rs13/kg to Rs52/kg. It later transpired that the raise was of Rs5.58/kg. But the drama did not end there.

The CNG Dealers Association said that this raise was not fine by them, while the government played confused and in limbo when people protested. In the meantime, thousands of motorists all over the country paid extra and fought at CNG pumps as confusion reigned supreme. There seemed no one in charge. When the petroleum minister does not know what he is saying, one can only wonder what is happening.

The minister, for his part, did not even apologise for his blunder. In fact, no one from the government has done so. The only assurance we have is from the minister for information who has promised action against “officials,” despite the fact that it was her cabinet colleague who was the man responsible. Who will hang for the sin of the powerful?

But things have been “settled” in true Pakistani style. The CNG dealers had their way and Pakistanis will now pay Rs47.25/kg, not what the government had earlier suggested. One wonders who is regulating whom.

Speaking of which, we were blessed again with multiple visits by US officials of varying importance. The US is also insistent that it has the right to enter, attack and kill on Pakistani soil. Our prime minister and government insist this is not the case. Again, we are left at a loss as to whom we believe. Punters say that the US are a better bet. At least they are consistent in what they say.

As Pakistanis, however, one sometimes feels offended at the manner in which US officials seems to have something to say and dictate with regards to our internal matters and affairs. US official Richard Boucher told Mian Nawaz Sharif to “go soft” on Musharraf. Let us see how Mian Nawaz, who has promised not to take foreign dictation this time round, reacts to this advice.

The next day, Boucher advised our government to focus on extremism, food and the power crisis. He termed President Musharraf as a “non-issue.” No one from the Pakistani side protested this statement.

In these troubling and depressing times, we are struck with the good news that a former leading TV host has now joined the ranks of the government mouthpiece on a package that nears Rs1 million per month. This right-talking man seemed to have a price which has now been paid. The less said the better. In all this, one looks to the information queen for some guidance. The head of Radio Pakistan is a friend of the leader. How can she justify these appointments? After all, the money will come from the public exchequer.

Possibly, one idea would be to raise the TV license fee that we pay through our electricity bills. This brilliant idea of our former prime minister, who we are told is now too scared to come back to Pakistan, is another example of how the government squeezes from the poor to reward the rich.

The information minister, like all her predecessors, has her own tales to spin. Now she has come out with a statement that tells us something. That the members of the coalition are “not telling the entire truth” when they say that they were not taken on board about the Bara operation. Is it that our leaders also deceive each other, not just the masses? Now that is a thought worth considering.

The bad news from Sindh has been the transfer of IG Shoaib Suddle. Dr Suddle was brought into Sindh for the wrong reasons and has been shunted out, again for the wrong reasons. When he was drafted to head one of Pakistan’s most corrupt and notorious police forces, Dr Suddle was under the impression that he would come in to make some inroads into crime – particularly that which is linked to politics.

Instead, he had been brought in to make a point and now that this has been done, he has been “rewarded” with the post of chief of the country’s Intelligence Bureau.

Alliances were formed after the Suddle transfer had the desired effect in Sindh. But then Suddle became a burden for the party when he was staunch in his refusal to allow stuffing of police posts with party workers. The soon-to-begin recruitment drive will now be held without a hitch – the thorn has been removed.

With the exit of Suddle, we now have an IG in Sindh who claims to come from an “aristocratic family.” When he released a picture of himself to the media, it was one that was of him when he was 20 years younger. The accompanying press release stated that this new IG “was the man for the job.” So much for leaving things for others to decide.

The Karachi police chief is also an interesting appointment. With his handlebar moustaches – a somewhat unclipped imitation of what our finance minister sports – this officer also served as de-facto interior minister Rehman Malik’s man in the FIA in Sindh during the Karachi operation. Now we know who calls the shots.

It is not comforting to know that when all these transfers and changes were being made by the people that be, the issue of rising crime in the province was not the factor that played any role in the decisions.

On other fronts, patience is wearing thin. Naheed Khan and Makhdoom Amin Fahim are finally breaking their vow of silence. Naheed Khan told a TV channel that the Mohtarma spoke of no new will with her. Makhdoom Amin Fahim speaks of a split in the party where the old guard is now being sidelined. Where is the party heading? The rumble from the old guard is getting louder.

July brings with it prospects of another round of talks between Asif Zardari and Mian Nawaz Sharif. Once again, despite the media hype that goes with such events, in all probability not much will come out of it.

Observers say that, instead, the chances are more of a change in the Presidency. The “man from Sindh” may well be Aftab Shaban Mirani, known for his cool-headedness. But, as we saw in the case of Makhdoom Amin Fahim, one cannot speculate what is going on in the head of Mr Zardari.

Not to be unfazed by any of this, our brave lawyers have once again taken to the streets. They observed yet another strike and are chalking out plans for another bout of street protests. One has to give them marks for consistency. At least some things in Pakistan can be counted upon.

Same is the case with inflation. After a round of rises in fuel and CNG prices, we are told the next hike will be in the power rates. Given the massive load-shedding that we see in the country, the only silver lining here is that power bills will remain the same. To every cloud there is a silver lining.

Top Gear - Season 11, Episode 3 - 2008.07.06 - Torrent Link

2008-07-07T12:02:00.000+06:00

In this episode:

Jeremy makes some smoke in the new Bentley Brooklands
Cheap Alfa Challenge: the boys are each given £1,000 to buy Alfa Romeos with which will be used in a series of challenges
James Corden and Mathew Horne of the BBC comedy Gavin & Stacey

Torrent Link : http://www.mininova.org/tor/1572975

Source : Finalgear

TGTV episode 3

2008-07-05T15:18:00.001+06:00

We've just returned from checking out the filming for this Sunday's Top Gear, and what a belter it's going to be.

First up there's Bentley's awesome Brooklands. It's one of life's great ironies that supercars are designed to appeal to kids, not the people who can afford them (i.e. middle-aged men who are more interested in having a nice sit down than setting a new lap record at the 'Ring). But with the Brooklands, Bentley figures it has the answer.

JC investigates... by taking the £250,000, 530bhp Brooklands on a quiet sojourn around our Dunsfold test track. Well, we say quiet...

Next up there's a 'Cheap Alfa Romeo Challenge'. Continuing the TG tradition for 'cheap challenges' (think supercars, Porsches etc.) the Alfa task sees Clarkson, Hammond and May buying a bargain Romeo and, well, you know the score...

All our esteemed presenters maintain that you can't be a true petrolhead unless you've owned an Alfa. The producers beg to differ, so it's up to the boys to demonstrate the joys of owning a car from the pride of Milan.

In the studio, Gavin and Stacey's BAFTA award-winning actor and writer James Corden is this week's celebrity hoping to add his name to the upper reaches of our celeb board.

Old hand Rob Brydon joins James to show him the ropes, having cut his teeth on our test track in series 3 and setting a lap time quicker than his mate and petrolhead Steve Coogan.

In the news, there are some exciting updates about the Dacia Sandero, and Jeremy continues his new campaign against signs.

Check it all out, this Sunday (July 6) on BBC2 at 8pm.

Source : Topgear

The R8-TT

2008-07-03T00:57:00.001+06:00

Do you own a TT but hanker after an R8? If so, Siegen-based tuner B&B has the answer. Yes, why bother trading up when you can transform your TT into this?!

OK, so the B&B TT is no looker - but the engine stats make interesting reading. With various inlet, exhaust and turbo modifications, B&B has squeezed 362bhp out of the 2.0-litre TFSI four-cylinder engine.

The result is a 0-62mph time of 4.6 seconds - the same as an R8 - and a top speed of 175mph. That's 12mph shy of Audi's supercar.

Adjustable suspension is also fitted, as are a set of 20-inch wheels and what B&B calls an 'aerodynamik' bodykit. Nooiice.

Source : Topgear

Buyers show keen interest in bulletproof vehicles

2008-07-02T11:12:00.000+06:00

LAHORE: Most of the visitors at the LOS impounding lot, where the government is auctioning official vehicles, on Tuesday took great interest in the five high security bulletproof vehicles parked there.

The government will re-advertise their auction to attract more buyers. They will be auctioned on July 5, the last day of the auction.

Cars auctioned: On the second day the auction committee auctioned 125 vehicles and earned around Rs 35 million in open bidding. Excise and Taxation Minister Mian Mujataba Shujaur Rehman supervised the auction on the second day.

A black bulletproof Toyota Land Crusier had been replaced with a similar gray coloured car on Tuesday. Officials said that the black car had been replaced since its air-conditioner was not working.

One of the visitors, Hassan, who was inspecting a bulletproof vehicle, said that an official had told him that the former chief minister’s son had been using the car.

Muhammad Ali, another visitor, said that he had just come to see how the former rulers had utilised funds from the public exchequer. He demanded that the government should recover the amount from those who used them if the vehicle fails to fetch a reasonable price in auction. Services and General Administration Department Secretary Fawad Hassan Fawad said that the reserved prices of high security bulletproof vehicles were being calculated and would be disclosed to buyers on the auction day.

Land Rover popular in Asia: UK HC

2008-07-01T14:16:00.002+06:00

ISLAMABAD: Land Rover, a British auto brand, is becoming equally popular in Asia as it is in its home country of Britain, said British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Robert Brinkley on Friday.

In a launching ceremony of Land Rover, all new Freelander 2 and Defender at British High Commission, he said that the company’s new brand would be successful because of extremely attractive vehicles with highly sophisticated technology.

He further said that Land Rover Discovery is his favourite vehicle, as he used the vehicle in his last appointment in Central Asian States, where he drove the vehicle in extreme cold temperature.

The Land Rover, assembled under the local authorised dealer of Sigma Motors Limited at Karachi, is also supplied to military and other law enforcement agencies, BHC said.

Syed Zafar Uddin Ahmad, CEO Sigma Motors Limited, said that the company since its inception is maintaining its position as Pakistan’s premier automobile company specialising in 4X4 vehicles.

Land Rover had made a commitment to a sustainable development and environmental policy and is also participating in global conservation projects, thereby protecting fragile environments and endangered wildlife, he added.

31% rise in gas rates; CNG price to soar too

2008-06-30T20:23:00.003+06:00

KARACHI: Government has decided to raise the gas prices by 31 per cent which as a result will make the CNG expensive by at least Rs13 per kilogram.

The rate of CNG will jump to Rs51 from the existing Rs38.25 per kg.

Acting Federal Minister for Oil and Gas Shah Mehmood Qureshi announced to increase the gas price at a press conference here on Monday.

He said the rise will not affect the domestic consumers of 200 cubic meter gas per month.

The Minister maintained that 91 per cent households will not be affected by this decision. “The government will get Rs61 billion from the increase in the gas rate,” he added

Source : GEO TV

Pakistan Raises Gasoline Prices After Crude Oil Rises to Record

2008-06-30T11:39:00.001+06:00

By Farhan Sharif

June 30 (Bloomberg) -- Pakistan raised gasoline and diesel prices by 10 percent, the fifth increase in four months, after record crude oil prices drove up import costs for refiners.

The price of gasoline was raised by 6.88 rupees (10 cents) a liter and diesel by 4.46 rupees, the Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority said in a statement on its Web site. The changes took effect yesterday.

Pakistan reviews domestic oil prices fortnightly, to reflect movements on global markets. Oil has climbed 47 percent this year and reached a record $142.99 a barrel in New York on June 27. The South Asian country imports about 85 percent of the oil it uses domestically.

Pakistan subsidized oil-product prices for four years until March to shield consumers from high energy costs and to curb inflation. The payments cost the nation as much as 14.5 billion rupees a month, according to JS Global Capital Ltd. in Karachi.

The latest increases take the price of gasoline to 75.69 rupees a liter and diesel to 49.05 rupees.

Higher fuel prices may stoke inflation, which accelerated to a five-year high in March. Consumer prices jumped 14.1 percent from a year earlier, according to the Federal Bureau of Statistics.

Pakistan State Oil Ltd., the biggest fuel retailer, and Shell Pakistan Ltd., the second largest, sell gasoline, diesel, lubricants and compressed natural gas to consumers in Pakistan.

Source : Bloomberg

Top Gear - Season 11, Episode 2 - 2008.06.29 - Torrent Link

2008-06-30T11:28:00.001+06:00

In this episode:

Jeremy compares the new Subaru WRX STi against the new Mitsubishi Evo X
Richard in the new Audi RS6 Avant races some French skiers down a mountain in the Alps
Top Gear Stuntman returns to attempt a barrel roll like the one seen in the James Bond movie “The Man with the Golden Gun”
The return of the Cool Wall
Jeremy takes the Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black to Wales
Star in a reasonably priced car: Rupert Penry-Jones and Peter Firth of Spooks

Torrent : http://www.mininova.org/tor/1551584

Source : Finalgear

TGTV update: episode two

2008-06-28T00:33:00.001+06:00

Right, show one's out of the way, the BBC switchboard is busy fielding the complaints, the British police are urgently reviewing their police car policy, and everyone's sold their Prius and bought an M3.

This week though, I doubt we'll have the same impact on the nation, because obviously we're up against the Euro Final.

Still our policy is to stick our head in the sand and make the best programme we can for whoever wants to come and watch it. All seven of you.

This week, we've got the new Evo X on the track, power ballet sliding round the new Impreza nutter bastard, and Jeremy takes the CLK Black for a drive and practically ends up marrying it.

Meanwhile in the Alps, Hammond is racing the Audi RS6 against some skiers, but when I say skiers, don't think a Foxton's Estate agent on holiday.

You have never ever ever seen skiing like this. They are French, good looking, and I loathe them.

Reading back through that lot, you may notice something quite worrying - basically his week we've made a car programme, and you know what, it feels really nice.

Everyone loves the films where we do challenges and cock about and explode, but they are a rod for our backs because of the pressure to keep doing them - top that, bigger laugh please etc etc, and this week we've said no, here's some beautifully shot stuff and we do hope you like it, but if you don't then we certainly did.

I honestly think this is where the show will end up one day. The massive millions of audience will drift off, and we'll be left with a respectable few million still buying our albums - filling arenas rather than stadiums.

Anyway, that's a while off yet hopefully, and as for the rest of the show, we've got the guys from Spooks in the Reasonably Priced Car - Rupert Penry-Jones is a nutcase at the wheel by the way - and Top Gear stuntman gets his second outing.

Now let me just dwell on him for a second. People watched him last week, and we knew what would happen - nobody got the point of him.

But stick with him, because hopefully he gets funnier with repetition. Think back to the Fast Show - Jessie's diets or Unlucky Alf only got funny after they did the same thing 20 times.

I remember during the first series of Top Gear in 2002, the crashing sound of uncomprehending silence from the audience as we introduced the Stig. And now, where would we all be without that lovely backward speedy fellow?

Anyway...

Source : Topgear

CNG price to cross Rs50/kg

2008-06-27T17:25:00.000+06:00

KARACHI, June 24: The price of compressed natural gas (CNG) will cross Rs50 per kg after 30 per cent increase in its rate and levy of five per cent gas development surcharge from July 1, 2008.

Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association and CNG Dealers Association Abdul Sami Khan Chairman said on Tuesday that the government “aims to bring the CNG price at par with the diesel” to generate revenue. Currently, CNG costs Rs38.25 per kg.

He said putting burden on the industry through various levies will impede investment by the private sector, besides hurting the future plans of many vendors, who are preparing to make dispenser, CNG kits and other parts in Pakistan.

The ministry of petroleum in a proposal submitted to the ECC of the cabinet this month said that it was in the process of finalising a summary for revision in gas prices and would be recommending 44 per cent increase in CNG price so as to bring it at 60 per cent parity of petrol price. With this proposed increase the CNG price would become 84 per cent of the price of diesel.

Besides, the government is also imposing five per cent GDL on CNG.

The petroleum ministry further informed the ECC that the CNG “does not fall with the definition of petroleum products” as provided in petroleum products (Petroleum Development) Ordinance 1961 (PDL Ordinance 1961) Annex-II, therefore, PDL cannot be extended to CNG until and unless an amendment in PDL Ordinance is brought about.

The ministry said that it was felt that any further burdening of the end- consumer in the form of proposed surcharge/levy would increase CNG price to a level where the use of diesel would become relatively more attractive, which is already subsidised and imported.

Sami Khan told a press conference on Tuesday that the association had been opposing the imposition of GDL as it will badly hurt the CNG industry and millions of investment will be lost.

On petroleum products’ shortage, he said, diesel and petrol availability is getting worst day by day since the oil marketing companies (OMCs) have reduced the supplies.

He said that the situation was alarming in the interior Sindh and Punjab. Diesel is in short supply in NWFP as it is being smuggled to Afghanistan.

He said in a meeting with OGRA, it was decided amicably that the matters relating to the OMCs would be put in a meeting of OMCs and PPDA but the Oil Companies Advisory Committee (OCAC) has not called a single meeting during last couple of months.

He said dealers and even the consumers did not know as to how much quantity of petrol and diesel was being supplied, imported and produced. Even the OCAC did not inform the dealers about the country’s position of POL stocks.

The OCAC is doing nothing for the consumers so this organisation should be abolished, the PPDA chief demanded.

DAWN

Pictures of Locally Assembled New Corolla (Pakwheels)

2008-06-27T17:09:00.006+06:00

Another Great News for all Corolla Fans local assembling of the New Corolla is about to start not sure about the Exact date. The pics posted are again from Pakwheels.com Indeed an awesome site for Pakistan's Auto Scene. Enjoy the Pics!!

At The Assembly Bay

Altis front

Altis BackXli CNG Source:Pakwheels

Italian auto giant to manufacture bikes in Pakistan

2008-06-27T14:14:00.000+06:00

LAHORE: A leading European company has signed a deal with a local entrepreneur to produce 125cc Euro-II motorcycles in the country, challenging the monopoly of Japanese and Chinese bike manufacturers.

“Italian auto giant Piaggio has decided to introduce European automobile technology in Pakistan,” said the company’s Senior Vice President Ricardo Mastronardi after signing of a memorandum of understanding between Piaggio and HKF Engineering at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Ricardo said “Piaggio is one of the leading motorcycle manufacturers in the world and the first two-wheeler scooter in the world Vespa is its masterpiece.”

He said Piaggio’s comeback to Pakistan and joining hands with a leading local motorcycle manufacturing company HKF Engineering showed the Europeans had faith in Pakistan’s economy.

The phenomenal growth of motorcycle production in Pakistan had impressed European automobile circles, he said, adding “they now realise that growth potential of this country is much higher.”

He hoped bike-lovers in Pakistan would appreciate the difference between the technology being introduced by Piaggio and the existing one.

Speaking on the occasion, LCCI President Mohammad Ali Mian said the auto industry was one of the important sectors as it was not only providing direct jobs to more than 500,000 people but also contributing to the national exchequer in a big way. He said Pakistani entrepreneurs would learn a lot from latest European technology in the wake of the MoU between the two big organisations.

Under the agreement, HKF Engineering will launch its first joint product Ravi Piaggio 125cc motorcycle, the first Euro-II motorcycle in Pakistan, followed by many future products. HKF Engineering Chief Executive Officer Haroon Arshad said the motorcycle industry had been registering a 25 per cent growth for the last five years. He said the first European technology-based motorcycle would be launched on August 14 this year.

Six car lifters arrested

2008-06-27T14:11:00.000+06:00

* CPO claims criminals arrested within a week

Staff Report

RAWALPINDI: City Police Officer (CPO) Saud Aziz told a press conference on Saturday that Waris Khan police have arrested six alleged car lifters and recovered three stolen cars and other goods worth Rs 50,000 from them.

He said a police team was formed to reduce car thefts cases especially in Saddiqabad, New Town and Waris Khan under the supervision of Rawal Town Superintendent of Police (SP) Khurum Shahzad.

‘Car lifters caught within a week’: He said the team had arrested the car lifters within a week. He said car theft cases had been reduced following the arrest of the gang. He said the alleged car lifters had been identified as Waheed Sadiq, Sajid Mehmood, Zahid Gul, Muhammad Ramzan, Shahid Mehmood and Khalid Naeem. He said the six had confessed to stealing 38 cars from Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

He said the gangsters were expert in unlocking vehicles of Suzuki company, adding the company’s locking system was less efficient. He said the police had also seized different kind of tools to unlock the vehicles from the gangsters.

He said the gangsters had been released on bail in the past and that they used to shift the stolen cars from Punjab to NWFP, Abbotabad, Kashmir, FATA and Swat, where a car was sold only for Rs 40,000-50,000.

He said Sadiq, the ringleader, wore fake police uniform. He said the gang tempered registration numbers of stolen vehicles.

Separately, he said intelligence reports had clearly mentioned that law enforcement agencies, politicians, bureaucrats, foreigners and other dignitaries were on the hit-lists of suicide bombers. He said the police would never step back from its duties and security had been tightened for sensitive places.

Who says petrol is expensive :)

2008-06-27T12:19:00.002+06:00

I filled up my car's fuel tank, and I thought fuel has
become really expensive after the recent price hike.

But then I compared it with other common liquids and did
some quick calculations, and I felt a little better.

To know why, see the results below â€" you'll be
surprised at how outrageous some other prices are ! !

Diesel (regular) : Rs.50.22 per litre

Petrol (speed) : Rs.68 per litre

Coca Cola 330 ml can : Rs.20 = Rs.61 per litre

Dettol antiseptic 100 ml Rs.20 = Rs.200 per litre

Radiator coolant 500 ml Rs.160 = Rs.320 per litre

Pantene conditioner 400 ml Rs.165 = Rs.413 per litre

Medicinal Mouthwash like Listerine 100 ml Rs.45 = Rs. 450
per litre

Red Bull 150 ml can : Rs.75 = Rs.500 per litre

Corex cough syrup 100 ml Rs.57 = Rs. 570 per litre

Evian water 500 ml Rs. 330 = Rs. 660 per litre

Rs. 660 for a litre of WATER !!

And the buyers don't even know the source (Evian
spelled backwards is Naive.)

Kores whiteout 15 ml Rs. 15 = Rs. 1000 per litre

Cup of coffee at any decent business hotel 100 ml Rs. 50 =
Rs. 500 per litre

Old Spice after shave lotion 100 ml Rs. 175 = Rs. 1750 per
litre

Pure almond oil 25 ml Rs. 68 = Rs. 2720 per litre

And this is the REAL KICKER...

HP DeskJet colour ink cartridge 21 ml Rs.1900 = Rs. 90476
per litre!!!

Now you know why computer printers are so cheap ? So they
have you hooked for the ink !

So, the next time you're at the pump, don't curse
anyone just be glad your car doesn't run on cough
syrup, after shave, coffee, or God forbid, printer ink!

Source : Pakwheels

Delhi Govt announces consessions for ELECTRIC CARS

2008-06-27T12:12:00.002+06:00

NEW DELHI: Governments do not usually launch cars. Companies do. Wednesday, however, was different as Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit launched the battery-operated vehicle Reva and announced a 29.5% discount on the vehicle. The Delhi government also announced that it would consider incentives for and subsidies on hybrid cars—the automobile industry's latest answer to environmental pollution and rising fuel prices.

"We will certainly consider concessions for the hybrid cars and welcome any new technology that helps improve air quality," Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit said after unveiling a new version of 'Reva', India's only electric car that is getting concessions from the government.

In April this year, the cabinet had decided to give a 29.5% concession to purchasers of battery-operated vehicles. The concession includes a 15% subsidy on the base price of the vehicle, a VAT refund of 12.5% both of which will be paid through the air ambience fund that was created out of the 25p cess the state government had imposed, about three months earlier, on every litre of diesel. A 2% concession on road tax and registration expenses will also be sourced from the same fund. The state government has already earned Rs 10 crore from the cess, Dikshit said.

Reva is the first car to be accorded that benefit. After the concession, the price of the Rs 4.25 lakh vehicle will come down to Rs 2.99 lakh for the base model. Reva Electric Car Company (RECC) Deputy Chairman Chetan Maini said the company planned to increase the production of electric cars over the next three years as it would be launched across many metros in India and even targeted at markets in Europe and South-East Asia.

Dikshit said that buyers of battery-operated two-wheelers might also be able to avail of similar concessions soon. The government's decision to consider similar concessions for hybrids come as good news for companies that plan to launch hybrid vehicles. Honda launched India's first full hybrid vehicle in a new petrol-electric version of the 'Civic' sedan, although the high cumulative duties on the model have doubled the price of the vehicle to Rs 21.5 lakh from Rs 11 lakh for the petrol-only version. Others like Toyota, Mahindra and even Tata are likely to follow soon.

"We welcome the intention of the Delhi government to consider concessions for hybrids. We have already apprised the central government about our technology and are open to approaching the Delhi government," a spokesperson for Honda said.

Pointing out that almost 1000 new vehicles were registered in Delhi every day, Dikshit said, "We are deeply concerned about what will happen to the air quality with the increasing number of cars in Delhi. Diesel as we all know is the greatest polluter." People who could afford more than one car should explore options like electric vehicles, she said.

Source :

At Reva Launch Govt Welcomes Hybrids

Ferrari California Begins Production on New Line

2008-06-27T11:59:00.000+06:00

Ferrari has been very stingy when it comes to information on the new California coupe-convertible, leaving it to German Autobild to be the first to release new images other than the few studio shots. But at least there is now photographic proof that production of the new front-engined Ferrari has started.

Manufacturing is taking place at Ferrari's brand new production line, the latest phase in Ferrari's Formula Uomo program which started in 1997 to improve production, safety and employee happiness. “Excellence is the driving force behind all of Ferrari’s activities,” says President Luca di Montezemolo. “We intend to create a working environment unlike any other anywhere in the world.” In 2007 the Maranello factory took home the European 'Best place to work' award.

Finalizing the Formula Uomo is the new car assembly lines and a brand new restaurant. “With the addition of these two new buildings,” stressed the Ferrari President, “we have completed the renovation of the entire Car Production Area that began in the late 1990s, and has involved the investment of over 200 million euro. Next year we will be going one step further when we begin work on the new facility for the Ferrari Formula One team.”

Source : Ferrari

Mock-up of new Nissan Z, details of V8 performance version

2008-06-27T11:45:00.000+06:00

The gang at 7Tune has scanned an article from the latest issue of BestCar where bondo and stickers have been combined to make a full-size mock-up of what the next Nissan Z could look like. Due out later this year, the real 370Z will resemble the 3.7 liter V6 commonly found on the Infiniti G37. But according to BestCar, the Z34’s Chief of Production, Shinjiro Yukawa, has hinted that they are considering a special edition Nissan 370Z with a V8 under the hood.

Even if the V8 rumor is not true, the new Z will certainly be lighter than the outgoing model by 100kg (220lb). As for transmissions, expect a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed sprotshift-automatic. Aesthetically, the car gets the now familiar L-shaped headlights seen on the Nissan Maxima, while the roof treatment resembles the lines found on the R35 GT-R. The upgraded S and ST versions will get 19-inch wheels, up from the standard 18-inchers, and Brembo 4-piston rear and 6-piston front brakes.

Source : http://www.7tune.com/best-car-makes-z34-fairlady-z-mock-up/

The new Honda City, fully revealed

2008-06-27T11:44:00.000+06:00

We’ve already seen spy pictures of a disguised Honda City, but AutoCar India has gone a step further by featuring a digital reconstruction of the next generation Honda City. The render does a very good job in transforming the sloppy spy shots into something more car-like and recognizable. If these renders represent what the actual and final Honda City will look like, then I must commend the Honda gang for producing a stunning micro car. The design philosophy fits in with the space-age FCX concept, but with more a European touch. What’s unique about the new City is that much of it’s praise also belongs to Honda’s local subsidiary in India and beyond (Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Phillipines) which have been paramount in preparing the car for driving conditions in the developing world, an environment where Honda has had great success selling Honda Citys.
[via Team-Bhp]

Car Import and Export (FAQ)

2008-06-26T10:08:00.000+06:00

Can any overseas Pakistani national who is living abroad import a vehicle to Pakistan?

A: Every national living abroad can, depending on if they fulfil the conditions of the The Import Trade and Procedure Order 2000, can import a vehicle.

However, there are several exceptions. These are
a) students abroad who get money from Pakistan
b) members of the families of Pakistani nationals who are do not earn a wage
c) anyone who has already imported or exported a vehicle within the last two years.

This policy is often changed at the end of each financial year so please check with the latest version.

What kind of vehicles or cars can you import into Pakistan under the Personal Baggage/Gift Scheme and TR Scheme?

A) You can import any vehicle which is new under 2 years old. This includes Cars, Buses, Vans, Trucks, Pickups and 4×4 vehicles.

For vehicles which are over two years old you can import them under the TR Scheme as per Import Trade and Procedure Order, 2000.

How can an overseas Pakistani bring a new car on his return to Pakistan?

A) A Pakistani national living abroad for the last seven months, and who has lived abroad for 180 days during that time, can import a new car under the Import Trade and Procedure Order, 2000.

If he or she imports a 4×4 vehicle, or one which has an engine capacity of 1800cc and above, he or she will have to pay customs duty and other taxes in foreign exchange.

What is the procedure of importing a vehicle in baggage and what are the documents that will be required?

A) Your must have been abroad for at least 180 days to be eligible for the import of a vehicle.

If you have an old or used vehicle then it must be registered in your name for at least 60 days before you return to Pakistan.

You will need to show the following documents to Customs Authorities upon import of the car in Pakistan:

1. Purchase receipt of the vehicle.
2. Bill of lading
3. Photocopy of passport duly attested by the Embassy / Consulate of Pakistan abroad.
4. The registration documents in case of used vehicles.

The way to actually import the vehicle and clear it with customs is as follows:

In Karachi, goto the Custom House first floor and find the Group-VIII of Appraisement Collectorate office.

Give the documents mentioned above to the import authorization cell along with your original passport.

Here the staff will give you a free import authorization form. After filling the form return it to them along with the documents which are then submitted to Deputy / Assistant Collector in charge of Group-VIII for approval /signature.

After approval of the import authorization form, the original documents are given back. The vehicle is cleared after paying relevant duty and taxes and filing a bill of entry through the Customs approved clearing agent.

You may also do this at customs houses in Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Quetta, Hyderabad, Rawalpindi and Peshawar.

What if I can’t pay the duty, taxes for my car? Can I send my car back?

A) This is a very difficult situation. Basically the car will be seized by customs and sent to auction. However, you can get the money back from customs after the sale, minus the duty, taxes and other charges which were assessed on the car.

There is one option for returning the car. If you can get a NOC from Ministry of Commerce and State Bank of Pakistan then the car will be released and can then be returned to the country of export.

My [brother] studied overseas for one year is now coming back after finishing. Can he bring a car?

A: A student who is getting financial support from Pakistan is not able to import a under Import Trade and Procedure Order, 2006. If the student, in this case a hypothetical brother, is not getting any money from Pakistan and the vehicle is bought from his own earnings abroad he can import it under the Rules.

We have a foreign national working in our company on a contract basis. Can he bring a car along with him?

A: Yes, a non privileged foreign national who comes to Pakistan on a specific contract of service with any local and foreign firm or with a Government or semi-Government Authority in Pakistan can bring a car as personal baggage. The vehicle can only be released on production of employer’s contract (service certificate) and on payment of custom duty and other taxes.

I am returning from abroad after a two month stay? Can I bring a car or any other vehicle as part of my baggage?

A: The minimum stay for importing a vehicle in baggage is 180 days, therefore as your stay is only 60 days you cannot import a vehicle under the Import Trade and Procedure.

My [brother] stayed in the UK for 8 months. Can he bring a car? If yes, what types can he import?

A: Yes, your brother is able to bring one vehicle under the Import Trade and Procedure, but the used vehicle must not be more than five years old (from the date of entry into Pakistan) under baggage scheme.

A five year old vehicle is one which is made five years before the date of import, e.g. you can import a vehicle manufactured in June, 2000 up to the June of 2005.

My relative is returning after more than 180 days away but he does not know how to bring a car back as baggage. What documents will be required, and what is the procedure?

A: He is entitled to import one new or up to five years old vehicle, if he is returning after 180 days from the date of departure from Pakistan to the date of arrival in Pakistan according to the current Import Policy of 2006.

He is has to complete form CR-PB/G and give the following documents to Customs Authorities.

(i) Purchase receipt of the vehicle.

(ii) Bill of lading (this document is issued by the shipping company at the time of booking of the vehicle for Pakistan).

(iii) Photocopy of full passport duly attested by the Embassy / Consulate of Pakistan abroad.

I have been abroad for more than 3 years and want to gift a vehicle to my family. How can I do this?

A: You can gift a vehicle to your family which includes parents, sisters, brother, husband, wife and children above the age of eighteen.

The car, however, should not be more than five years old and your stay abroad shall at least be 700 days during the past three years.

The gift can only be made to a family member residing in Pakistan. You are required to fill a gift undertaking and earning certificate form which will be duly attested by the Pakistan Mission. You will also need

1. Purchase receipt (Invoice of vehicle);
2. Gift undertaking form attested by the Mission which should not be more than six months old;
3. Earning certificate attested by the Mission;
4. Attested photocopy of full passport attested by the Mission;
5. Bill of Lading (showing name and address of consignee); and
6. NIC of Donee.

New Prices of Paksuzuki Vehicles

2008-06-26T10:00:00.000+06:00

Product	Price including ST & FED w.e.f 07/05/08	Price Including ST, FED & WHT w.e.f 07/05/08
SUZUKI MEHRAN

SUZUKI SB308R VX	337,000	345,352
SUZUKI SB308R VX M	342,000	350,476
SUZUKI SB308R VX CNG	373,000	382,245
SUZUKI SB308R VX M CNG	378,000	387,369
SUZUKI SB308R VXR	383,000	392,492
SUZUKI SB308R VXR M	388,000	397,616
SUZUKI SB308R VXR CNG	419,000	429,385
SUZUKI SB308R VXR M CNG	424,000	434,509

SUZUKI ALTO

SUZUKI ALTO RA410 VX	440,000	450,905
SUZUKI ALTO RA410 VX M	445,000	456,029
SUZUKI ALTO RA410 VX CNG	479,000	490,872
SUZUKI ALTO RA410 VX M CNG	484,000	495,996
SUZUKI ALTO RA410 VXR	485,000	497,020
SUZUKI ALTO RA410 VXR M	490,000	502,144
SUZUKI ALTO RA410 VXR CNG	524,000	536,987
SUZUKI ALTO RA410 VXR M CNG	529,000	542,111

SUZUKI CULTUS 410

Cultus VXR Petrol	601,000	615,895
Cultus VXR Petrol (M)	606,000	621,019
Cultus VXR CNG	647,000	663,036
Cultus VXR CNG (M)	652,000	668,159
Cultus VXL Petrol	661,000	677,383
Cultus VXL Petrol (M)	666,000	682,506
Cultus VXL CNG	707,000	724,523
Cultus VXL CNG (M)	712,000	729,647

SUZUKI RAVI

SUZUKI PICKUP ST308R	335,000	335,000
SUZUKI PICKUP ST308R CNG	372,000	372,000

SUZUKI BOLAN

SUZUKI VAN ST308 VTR	391,000	400,691
SUZUKI VAN ST308 VTR CNG	433,000	443,732
SUZUKI VAN ST308 VTR GL	451,000	462,178
SUZUKI VAN ST308 VTR GL M	456,000	467,302
SUZUKI VAN ST308 VTR GL CNG	490,000	502,144
SUZUKI VAN ST308 VTR GL CNG M	495,000	507,268


SUZUKI LIANA

SUZUKI LIANA 1.3L RXI MT	796,000	815,728
SUZUKI LIANA 1.3L RXI MT CNG	850,000	871,067
SUZUKI LIANA 1.3L LXI MT	859,000	880,290
SUZUKI LIANA 1.3L LXI CNG	913,000	935,628
SUZUKI LIANA 1.6L Eminent AT	908,000	930,504

APV CBU

APV 1.5LGLXMT	1,199,000
APV 1.5LGLX CNG	1,249,000

JIMNY CBU

JIMNY MT	1,160,000
JIMNY AT	1,240,000
JIMNY JLSX MT	990,000
JIMNY JLDX MT	1,060,000

Road Kings | Pakistan

2008-06-24T23:27:00.000+06:00

Master in Transportation & Automobile Design

2008-06-24T23:12:00.000+06:00

University of Milan has announced the 2008-2009 Master in Transportation & Automobile Design, organized in partnership with Fiat. It is open to students graduated in Architecture, Industrial Design or Engineering, and will start on October 2008.

The Master is aimed at providing designers an insight into the overall development process typical of the automotive industry, with a particular attention to virtual modelling, interior design and materials and colors research.

It is organized in partnership with Fiat Group Automobiles, which already supports Milan University's academic activities by offering internsips and work experiences in the field of car design.

Fiat will provide part of the teaching staff and will offer internships in its Styling Centers to 10 students each year.

The Master is open to students with a degree in Industrial Design, Architecture or Engineering with a maximum number of 30 participants and provides 60 Academic Credits.

The courses will start on October 2008 and end on December 2009, for a total of 1,500 hours of lessons.

The deadline for submitting participation requests is 19 September 2008.

The Master in Trasportation & Automobile Design is promoted by the Faculty of Design and organized by INDACO Department (Industrial Design, Arts and Fashion).

Additional information is available on vprm.indaco.polimi.it/tad/.

Source : http://carbodydesign.com/

Nissan GT-R Takes Win Three at Super GT

2008-06-24T23:07:00.000+06:00

Is there anything left we haven't said about the new Nissan GT-R? The car has whipped around the Nurburgring in record time, and taken the first two races of the Super GT Series in Japan and Asia. But this is just the start of the car's infamy.

Over the weekend the race version of the Nissan GT-R has taken its third victory in four races in the super GT series. The GT-R have been dominating this year's series to say the least with yet another 1-2 finish, this time the #24 GT-R, who led from start to finish, finished 2.4 seconds before the #22 GT-R.

The #23 GT-R is still in the lead in the championship with 46 points but is quickly gained upon by the #36 SC430 and #22 GT-R due to the 100 kg success ballast in the last two races and an additional 75 kgs imposed in the form of a smaller diameter air restrictor this race.

Driver Seiji Ara’s said: ”This time I believe our car was able to show the original performance of the GT-R. We were able to fight with the front-running GT-R and still there was room to spare.”

Source: Nissan

Lexus RX Prototype Spied

2008-06-24T22:58:00.001+06:00

The Lexus RX prototypes spotted in the past have all been heavily camoflaged, but this latest prototype has shed much of the black clad padding giving us our best look yet at the eventual styling.

The Lexus designers have clearly focused on evolution rather than revolution for the next generation model, the overall body profile remains the same, but we will see a more modernised design using the LF-Xh Concept as inspiration.

At launch the engine line-up which includes the 3.5-liter V6 will stay largely unchanged but further down the line we should see the introduction of a 400 horsepower powerplant. Production for the new model will commence in late December before going on sales early in 2009 as a 2010 model. We should see its worldwide debut at the Paris Motor Show in September.

Kia Forte Second Teaser Image Emerges

2008-06-24T22:52:00.000+06:00

The good folks at Kia-World.net have brought forth a second aerial teaser shot of the new Kia Forte's front bumper fascia, hood, grille and lamps. The first teaser from last month showed a very sporty side profile, which looked similar to the KOUP Concept, except with four doors.

Now this second image doesn't show much at first glance, since it is so heavily shaded, but after a little brightness/contrast control in photoshop and further details are revealed. The top portion of the front bumper fascia comes into view revealing Kia's new H-pattern front end design as seen on the Koup Concept as well.

With a revealing on August 21st in Korea, the Forte, which replaces the Cerato (a.k.a. Spectra in North America), will make its public debut at Paris in October.

Source: Kia-World.net

China-Pakistan car rally in the second half of 2008 PTDC official

2008-06-24T22:49:00.000+06:00

BEIJING, June 23 (APP) A China-Pakistan car rally will be held in the second half of 2008, said a senior official of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC). The car rally will enter into Pakistan from Khunjerab pass and culminate in Lahore, said Tayyab Mir of PTDC while talking to APP on Monday.

He said that in Lahore, another group of Chinese drivers will join the car rally replacing the first group for return journey.

Mir pointed out that one of the Pakistani tour operators who had participated at the just concluded Beijing International Tourism Expo (BITE) had successfully concluded the deal in this regard with the Chinese side.

He said that as many as 35 cars will take part in the rally.

Khunjerab Pass is located on the northern border of Pakistan with China. It peaks at 4,730 meters (15,520ft) and is the highest point on the Karakorum highway. This section of the road was completed in 1982 and is considered the highest metalled border crossing in the world.

Meanwhile, PTDC Mir said also held success negotiations with Chinese tour operators under which two groups of tourists will visit Pakistan after every three months.

The Pakistani delegation led by Managing Director of PTDC Brig (rtd) Aman Ullah after representing his country at the 3-day BITE is scheduled to leave for home Monday evening.

Top Gear - Season 11, Episode 1 - 2008.06.22 - Torrent Link

2008-06-24T22:48:00.000+06:00

In this episode:

In an effort to help viewers save money on fuel, Top Gear finds out which supercar is the most economical
Jeremy takes the Ferrari F430 Scuderia out onto the Top Gear track
James introduces Top Gear Stunt Man who’s first stunt is to jump a car off a ramp going backwards
The team is sent out to build their own cheap cop cars and are then given a series of tests
Star in a reasonably priced car: Friday/Sunday Night Project’s Alan Carr and Justin Lee Collins

Torrent : http://www.mininova.org/tor/1529018

Source : Finalgear

Top Gear : Sunday 22 June at 8pm on BBC Two

2008-06-22T15:41:00.000+06:00

It's been a while, but Top Gear is ready to snap, crackle and misfire its way back onto your telly screens on Sunday 22 June at 8pm on BBC Two. Hide the remote and set bear traps around the sofa, because this one's set to be a cracker.

In the first show of the new series, Jeremy, Richard and James dispense top tips on fuel consumption - who said they don't do proper consumer advice? - and The Stig gets back to what he does best: power testing Ferrari's awesome 430 Scuderia.

It's quicker around Maranello than the Enzo, so how will it do on the test track?

James introduces TG's newest team member, but don't worry, despite what the message boards are saying, the new character isn't replacing any of the presenters.

And the big film at the end of the show sees a new challenge being laid down for them; can they build better police cars than the real ones, while at the same time saving the taxpayers' money? They only get a thousand pounds, mind.

There's also a change to the regular Star in a Reasonably Priced Car format that sees the double team of the Sunday Night Project's Justin Lee Collins and Alan Carr trying their best to be the, erm, best.

So get your cushions plumped up and your favourite mug at the ready - or at least set your Sky+ box - for the new series of Top Gear that kicks off at 8pm on Sunday June 22 on BBC Two.

Govt may levy up to 45% PDS on CNG and LPG

2008-06-22T15:40:00.000+06:00

* Senate strongly oppose the amendments
* NA to decide fate of CNG and LPG consumers

By Sajid Chaudhry

ISLAMABAD: The proposed amendments in Petroleum Products (Development Surcharge) Ordinance, introduced through the finance bill 2008, would enable the federal government to levy development surcharge of up to 45 percent of the price of Compressed Natural gas (CNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in the next fiscal year 2008-09, official sources told Daily Times Tuesday.

Senate of Pakistan has strongly opposed these amendments and called for deletion of such amendments from the finance bill, however, now the final decision at National Assembly would decide the fate of the consumers of CNG and LPG at the time of approval of budget 2008-09.

Although the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources has strongly opposed to bring CNG and LPG under development surcharge regime, however, the Ministry of Finance has unilaterally proposed amendments in the finance bill 2008-09.

The government has introduced three amendments in the Petroleum Products (Development Surcharge) Ordinance, 1961 through finance bill 2008, these are:

Amendment in section 2 (4C) seeks to bring the persons engaged in the licensed activities concerning (CNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas within the ambit of this Ordinance.

Amendment in section 2 (5) seeks to include CNG and LPG in the definition of petroleum products. Amendment in section 3 (1A) aims to levy development surcharge in licensees of CNG and LPG business.

During the meeting of Senate Standing Committee on Finance and revenues, the officials from the Ministry of Finance were of view that the present government does not intend to levy development surcharge on CNG and LPG immediately.

However, they were also of the view that the finance ministry wants to have a clause in the relevant law to enable the federal government levy development surcharge on CNG and LPG when it think fit in future.

Officials from finance ministry told the said committee that the price of CNG is 55 percent less than petrol and that of LPG is 65 percent less. Other transport fuels are already subject to development surcharge but the CNG and LPG, also being transport fuel, are still enjoying exemption from development surcharge. The use of CNG as transport fuel is on the rising side due to being cheap.

Un-precedented rise in the use of CNG is also endangering the national gas reserves. The levy of development surcharge on CNG and LPG would not only help generate additional revenues for the government but would also help the country to ensure efficient use of CNG and LPG produced within the country.

Government has received Rs 16.8 billion gas development surcharges during the July-March 2007-08. Development surcharges on petroleum stood at R 12.5 billion during the said period.

At present government is charging petroleum development levy on JP-4, JP-8 fuel at Rs 3 per litre, premier motor gasoline Rs 2.23 per litre and HOBC Rs 2.61 per litre.

During the caretaker government tenure, it was proposed that petroleum development levy should be abolished to stabilise the oil prices but the proposal was turned down due to opposition of finance managers who were of the view that the abolishment of such duty could hurt the revenue collection targets.

Changan Motor plans assembly plant in Pakistan

2008-06-22T15:39:00.000+06:00

Chang’an Motor Corporation is to establish a car assembly plant in Pakistan, as part of a wider effort to increase sales outside China, where it operates a joint venture with Ford.

Chang’an CEO Xu Liuping has told media that he expects overseas sales will account for 15-20% of the company’s total sales, including those from its joint ventures, by 2010. The company is targeting 1.5m unit sales by 2010, which is more than double its total 2005 volume of 630,000, of which exports accounted for 15,000. 25,000 export units are targeted for 2006.

(www.asianage.com, 5 July)

Get ready for Top Gear's 11th Season

2008-06-20T12:35:00.000+06:00

> Quicktime H.264
(12mb)
> iPod Compatible
(7.1mb)
> Watch in Flash
(4.3mb progressive)

The genre defying antics of the Top Gear team return to BBC Two in just a few weeks on June 22nd. And while I’ve gushed over the series extensively, calling it everything from television nirvana to the most unique and engaging hour on television I couldn’t let this promo for the shows 11th season pass without a mention.

Also, the shows executive producer Andy Wilman recently posted on the Top Gear blog about the upcoming season (including the promise of another race), as well as discussing the various international versions of the show in development.

Source : http://idents.tv/

Honda first to market hydrogen car

2008-06-20T12:25:00.000+06:00

Honda has announced the first limited production of a hydrogen car with 200 of its FCX Clarity model to be released in Japan and the US over the next three years. Meanwhile, Reuters reports on the driving experience of a GM prototype hydrogen vehicle.

The Clarity, like other such cars at the prototype stage at rival carmakers, is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell and boasts zero greenhouse gas and other pollutants. It’s only emissions are of water vapour.

Honda will only offer the Clarity under lease, at a cost of $600 per month to American motorists.

The company says the car has a range of 270 miles (430 kilometres) per tank, 30 per cent higher than the last model, and can reach a speed of 100 miles per hour (160kmh). Hydrogen consumption is equivalent to 74 miles per gallon, three times greater than that of gasoline.

The Clarity is only being offered to US residents around Los Angeles where three existing hydrogen fuel stations are located. The lack of retail distribution network for hydrogen fuel is a major factor holding back the advance of the car to mass production.

“I noticed it had no tailpipe. Instead, water vapor is emitted from four thin outlets in the back of the vehicle. It felt like hot air. But it wasn't until I turned the car on that I noticed the big difference - no noise. Without the hum of a combustion engine, it didn't feel right.

“From the outside, you can hear airy, swooshing sounds as it powered up and down, which several people I drove with likened to the sound of a very quiet jet engine. On the road, it felt normal except for the high-pitched whistle of compressing gas, a near-constant reminder that I was in a different kind of car. Another difference was its acceleration. Because the engine doesn't have to shift gears, it speeds up with remarkable smoothness.

“But here's the big drawback to hydrogen-powered cars. The Equinox has a range of only 160 to 200 miles on a full tank of hydrogen, and mine only lasted about two days. I took the car to a station near GM's training center, about a 20-minute drive from where I work. A GM engineer refueled for me, a process that took about 15 minutes for half a tank.”

Associated Press, Wall Street Journal, AFP 17/6/08, Reuters 18/6/08