An unLucky bet on a European SUV in Pakistan

In November 2022, Lucky Motor Corporation (LMC) introduced the Peugeot 2008 into the Pakistani market, a European SUV entering a region dominated by Japanese, Korean, and Chinese brands. However, after four years of production, bookings for the SUV have been suspended. At least one dealership now sells Chinese vehicles, and dealers are cautious about the model's future.

The company claims production has not halted, but high petrol prices, following the Middle East conflict in February, have made buyers favor electrified vehicles instead. LMC's prices for the Peugeot 2008 have been reduced by Rs700,000 and Rs800,000, respectively. The 2008 Active is listed at Rs5.799 million, down from Rs6.999 million, and the 2008 Allure is listed at Rs6.499 million, down from Rs7.799 million.

LMC has assembled over 6,000 Peugeot vehicles since the first quarter of 2022 at its Port Bin Qasim Industrial Park. LMC Chief Executive Muhammad Faisal stated that they are not taking new bookings but are delivering earlier orders, still having parts in stock. Meanwhile, some industry sources report production may have been halted earlier, causing concern among owners about after-sales service and part availability.

Dealers in Karachi claim fresh bookings are suspended, while others say production is discontinued. Macca Motors, once a Peugeot showroom, now displays Chinese-brand GAC vehicles, and Peugeot showrooms in Islamabad, Sialkot, and Lahore are reportedly no longer operating. Owners expressed satisfaction with the SUV's design, driving experience, comfort, suspension, and durability but raised concerns about fuel economy, parts availability, and resale value.