The National Logistics Cell (NLC) has signed an MOU (memorandum of understanding) with the German automotive corporation owner of Mercedes-Benz – Daimler AG, to assemble and as well produce Mercedes‐Benz trucks in Pakistan.
Major General Mushtaq Faisal, the director general, and Zia Ahmed, chief executive officer of Pak NLC Motors signed the MOU on behalf of NLC, while Klaus Fischinger, head of the executive committee, and Dr Ralf Forcher, head of sales signed the MOU on behalf of Mercedes‐Benz Special Trucks.
Important personalities like Ahmed Naeem of Shahnawaz Limited, the authorised distributor of Daimler AG in Pakistan, Naseem Shaikh, director and general manager at Shahnawaz Limited were also present at the signing ceremony.
In a statement released by NLC, the local assembly of Mercedes‐Benz vehicles will be a milestone in the logistics and transportation industry’s preference towards European manufacturers who offer sophisticated products that combine superior performance, environment friendliness, reliability and road safety.
According to Major General Faisal, the MOU is a historic moment for the commercial vehicle industry in Pakistan. The local assembly of Mercedes‐Benz trucks will stand as a proof of strategic opportunity that would leverage the modernization of logistics industry in Pakistan.
Due to the incentives offered in the Auto Development Policy 2016‐21, Mercedes‐Benz trucks assembled locally would be given at competitive prices. This development will meet the logistics requirements of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and as well enhance healthy competition in the trucking industry.
According to the head of sales at Mercedes‐Benz Special Trucks, Dr Ralf Forcher, the infrastructure and construction of Pakistan have recorded growth in recent years, boosting the logistics industry means there is an increase in the demand for commercial vehicles.
It is worth noting that strong growth in the GDP of Pakistan has contributed to the boost in greater demand for commercial vehicles. Also, CPEC has given a boost to the auto sector in the country.