BYD will commence vehicle production in Pakistan from December 2026, with the Sealion 6 plug-in hybrid set to become the first model manufactured at its new local plant.

Hub Power Company (HUBCO) shared the update during an analyst briefing, with further details reported by a stock trader.

Sealion 6 to be the first locally manufactured model

According to HUBCO, local CKD (completely knocked-down) production will begin in December 2026, with the Sealion 6 plug-in hybrid leading the initial rollout. The model was previously showcased to the public at PAPS 2026 earlier this year.

The new manufacturing facility is located near Karachi. Initially, it will have an annual production capacity of approximately 25,000 vehicles, operating on double shifts. This capacity could subsequently be increased to around 50,000 vehicles annually. HUBCO had previously indicated that production would commence before the end of 2026, with December now confirmed as the start date.

BYD has sold more than 10,000 vehicles in Pakistan

HUBCO also disclosed sales figures, confirming that BYD has sold more than 10,000 vehicles in Pakistan to date. Its electric vehicle business generated a profit of approximately PKR 1.5 billion (US$5.4 million) during the previous quarter, of which HUBCO accounted for around PKR 780 million.

Until now, almost all BYD vehicles sold in Pakistan have been imported as completely built units (CBUs). The commencement of local manufacturing will mark a change in the company's operations in the country. HUBCO has set a long-term target of achieving up to 80% local content.

The Sealion 6 is the first model planned for local production. HUBCO is also evaluating larger vehicles with higher sales potential in Pakistan. The report identifies the Denza B8 and B5 as additional models expected to arrive around the end of 2026.

Both the Sealion 6 and Denza B8 were previously showcased at PAPS 2026, giving prospective buyers in Pakistan an opportunity to view the models. However, the commencement of local production is not expected to result in immediate price reductions.

HUBCO has indicated that the manufacturing facility will initially remain heavily dependent on imported components, with local content expected to increase gradually over time.

Consequently, any significant reduction in vehicle prices resulting from increased localisation is likely to take time. The immediate development is the scheduled commencement of BYD's local manufacturing operations in Pakistan in December 2026, with the Sealion 6 set to be the first model to roll off the production line.