Since debuting the Changan Alsvin Sedan in late 2020, Master Changan has continued to maintain an edge, constantly enticing consumers with something new, innovative, and cutting edge. Earlier this year, the company unveiled its “Future Forward Forever” positioning, demonstrating its commitment to this by testing Changan’s Level-3 autonomous driving technologies on Pakistani roads – a first for any automaker in the country. Now, the company has revealed, it is planning to introduce Pakistani auto consumers to a brand-new option in the SUV segment.
We caught up with Danial Malik, CEO of Master Changan Motors Ltd, to learn more about the company’s philosophy of ‘Future Forward Forever’, and what that means for the SUV segment in Pakistan.
“’Future Forward Forever’ is a mindset of perpetually reimagining the future, along with the firm belief in our ability to manifest it,” says Danial, adding, “When we say ‘future’, we don’t mean thought experiments that will never see the light of the day. We’re talking about a future that’s tangible; a future that we can bring to Pakistan.” No doubt this sounds intriguing, so we ask Danial to elaborate.
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“When we say ‘forward’, it’s not just a path we’re on. It’s a mindset that we embody, every second of every day, and implement in literally everything we do,” says Danial. “What lies beyond the edge of infinity? To find out, we’re on a perpetual journey to reimagine reality and to bring the best of the future to Pakistan.” This means taking an alternative approach to mobility, where it is more than just moving through physical space, and becomes about traveling through time. For Master Changan, this means keeping alive an insatiable resolve to forever push the envelope through Technology and Design.
Commenting on the company’s upcoming segue into the hot SUV segment, Danial tells us, “As with everything else, we are entering the SUV segment with a ‘Future Forward Forever’ attitude and look forward to disrupting it for the better and bringing Pakistan’s SUV consumers into the future.” When probed further as to when we can expect to see this happen, Danial confirmed the company’s intention to launch a new SUV “Very soon!” The company has released initial sketches of the upcoming SUV, and claims that the upcoming SUV launch will be the first-ever ‘global launch’ for any vehicle in Pakistan. What that means is that Pakistan will be the first country to launch this new Changan SUV outside China as a global launch and the vehicle will be supplied to other RHD markets from Pakistan.
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Historically, Pakistani consumers get access to new models significantly later than other markets. The recent spate of ‘new’ and expensive SUVs are either at the end of their model life or have already been replaced globally with newer models. Despite spending millions of rupees, Pakistani consumers more often than not continue to lack access to the automotive design and technology available in other countries. As such, it is a welcome change that Changan will be releasing this new SUV to Pakistani consumers first.
While the company has not released any photographs, the official sketches show an incredibly sleek and aggressively-designed SUV; its streamlined contours combining classic auto design with a high-tech, futuristic twist. With an elevated front and rear, the form brings to mind an authoritative urban SUV from the future. Wide and protruded wheel arches give a bulky and powerful stance to the SUV, adding a broad and sporty presence. The front grill seems to have a sophisticated diamond pattern with sharp corners, and a two-tier front headlamp setup can also be seen, similar to other Changan vehicles such as the UNI-T.
Such SUV styling should attract younger and aspirational customers, who look towards a larger yet sporty vehicle, and appreciate futuristic design. Today’s consumers have gained lots of exposure to international products recently, and demand the same refreshed and modern designs in all consumer durables, let alone their vehicles. These sketches of Changan SUV, if realised into actual production models, will definitely be a game changer, and challenge the globally recognised brands in Pakistan. In fact, if the final product looks anything like the sketches, Changan will surely render all existing SUVs of Pakistan obsolete!
Changan officials have yet to make any statement about the vehicle and its features, price, and launch timelines. We will keep a strong follow-up and will let our subscribers know earlier than anyone!
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