CEO EDB visits Raazy Motor Niazi applauds Motorcycle industry in Hyderabad

Aitazaz A. Niazi, Chief Executive Officer, (EDB) Engineering Development Board highlighting the role of engineering sector in economic development of Pakistan described it as backbone of economy. Referring to motorcycle industry of Hyderabad he said the motorcycle assemblers and the parts manufacturers in the city are best and he appreciates the growth and volume of the motorcycle assembling in Hyderabad.

The CEO, EDB expressed these comments while visiting M/s Raazy Motor Industries (Pvt) Ltd., on December 17, 2011. He was warmly welcomed by Zahid Ali Chishti, Managing Director and Imran Lakhani, Director Raazy Motor. It was the first ever visit of Hyderabad by any Chief Executive of EDB since 2002.

Rafique Ahmed Shaikh, General Manager presented brief introduction and details about Raazy Motor Industries' investment, localization, installed capacities and future planning. During the plant visit, he observed manufacturing process, and reviewed the company expansion plans.

Aitazaz Niazi was delighted to see all sections of the plant, where painting shop, engine assembly, final assembly and supply process were in synchronized production. He showed special interest in newly developed Paint Shop and Engine assembling, asked various questions about operations and appreciated the female workers' performance.

Niazi appreciated Raazy Motor on achieving the new milestone of sales and congratulated the company on increasing its production capacity to cater market demand for its motorcycles. He noted the growth of local motorcycle production and commended that Raazy Motor is committed to more localization.

During discussion Zahid Ali, Managing Director, Raazy Motor stated that the country has seen very strong growth in two wheeler sector and the Company was continuing its role through expansion strategy.

The honorable Guest praised the efforts of Raazy Motor management, workers, and vendors for their hard work and commitment towards indigenization of motorcycle and also applauded Raazy Motor's contribution towards motorization and industrial development of Pakistan.

-Published on page#-19-20 in December-2011 issue of MOBILE WORLD Magazine

Government amends definition of 'New Entrant' for Automobile Industry

The additional customs-duty leviable under this notification shall not be charged on sub-components and components, imported in any kit form by an assembler or manufacturer declared to be a new entrant by the Engineering Development Board (EDB) for the vehicles specified in the said Table for a period of three years from the start of assembly or manufacturing of respective vehicles

The Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs (Revenue Division) issued S.R.O. 1098 (1)/2011 on 16th December, 2011. The notification said "In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (5) of section 18 of the Customs Act, 1969 (IV of 1969), the Federal Government is pleased to direct that the following further amendment shall be made in its Notification No. S.R.O. 693(1)/2006, dated the 1st July, 2006, namely:-

In the aforesaid Notification, after the TABLE, the following proviso shall be added, namely,-

"Provided that in line with Auto Industry Investment Policy (AIIP) of the Auto Industry Development Programme (AIDP) approved by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet in Case NO. ECC-168/13/2007 dated 13.11.2007, the additional customs-duty leviable under this notification shall not be charged on sub-components and components, imported in any kit form by an assembler or manufacturer declared to be a new entrant by the Engineering Development Board (EDB) for the vehicles specified in the said Table for a period of three years from the start of assembly or manufacturing of respective vehicles, subject to following conditions, namely:-

(i) The new entrant assembler or manufacturers shall chalk out a plan for progressive manufacturing of the vehicles spreading over a maximum period of three years within which he shall catch up with the localization or indigenization level of respective vehicles, as approved by Auto Industry Development Committee (AIDC) of the EDB;

(ii) The continued non-levy of said additional customs-duty shall be contingent upon the achievement of progressive annual indigenization as determined by AIDC of the EDB. In case of any material deviation by the new entrant, the AIDC shall determine the stoppage or withdrawal of the incentive of non-levy of said additional customs-duty, allowed as such, retrospectively;

(iii) The new entrant shall abide by all the terms and conditions laid down in the separate notifications issued by the Ministry of Industries and FBR for assembly or manufacturing of the said vehicles under Auto Industry Development Programme (AIDP) and Tariff Based System (TBS);

(iv) The additional customs duty shall be levied on the sub-components and components which become indigenized by the New Entrant assembler or manufacturers, in accordance with the said plan for progressive manufacturing; and

(v) The term 'new entrant' shall bear the same meaning as declared or notified by the Ministry of Industries."

-Published on page#-8 in December-2011 issue of MOBILE WORLD Magazine

RAVI Automobile participates in PAPS 2011

"RAVI has become the first engineering sector organization that is certified by the Engineering Development Board to sell finished motorcycle 70cc displacement engines in the open market in Pakistan", this was disclosed by Mr. Mohammad Saeed Akhter, Manager, Ravi Automobiles (Pvt) Ltd., at Pakistan Auto Show 2011 held in Lahore.

"Storm 125" is a 1st EURO II motorbike in 125cc class in Pakistan by RAVI PIAGGIO, it is a well established brand for two-wheelers in Pakistan; popular amongst riders of all age-groups for its confidence boosting, innovative style and performance oriented mechanics. Designed to provide luxurious long-distance travel, it's an ultimate combination of quality, reliable, cost effective performance while not sacrificing on fuel economy and environment friendliness.

This is a joint product manufactured and assembled at RAVI Factory Pakistan under the agreement with PIAGGIO (Italy).

Ravi Automobile (Pvt.) Limited started manufacturing and assembling motorcycle in 2004. To date we have sold over 100,000 units with the annual growth rate of 20%. RAVI Automobile has 140 (3S) dealers all over Pakistan; for providing support, sales and the highest level of services to buyers, Akhter said.

Our products are also backed by appropriate spare parts of OEM quality, warranty and service network as at RAVI, we strongly believe in the state of art manufacturing, strong product line up and market oriented strategies.

Overall, a Ravi Motorcycle is the freedom to go places; a personality standard, a youthful state of being alive and empowering. Ravi Motorcycle is what makes it worth a ride.

We have 4 ultimate products and interested in exporting “Storm 125” and engine/ body components of motorcycles. All 4 products are compatible and approved under the license by Pakistan Standard & Quality Control Authority and Engineering Development Board, Mohammad Saeed Akhter added.

-Published on page#-19 in October-2011 issue of MOBILE WORLD Magazine

Unemployment and the root cause

By Nasir Mahmood

Pakistan's estimated population in 2011 is over 187 million making it the world's sixth most-populous country, behind Brazil and ahead of Bangladesh. During 1950-2011, Pakistan's urban population expanded over sevenfold, while the total population increased by over fourfold. In the past, the country's population had a relatively high growth rate that has, however, been moderated by declining fertility and birth rates. The population growth rate now stands at 1.6%

Dramatic social changes have led to rapid urbanization and the emergence of mega cities. During 1990-2003, Pakistan sustained its historical lead as the second most urbanized nation in South Asia with city dwellers making up 36% of its population. Furthermore, 50% of Pakistanis now reside in towns of 5,000 people or more. Pakistan has a multicultural and multi-ethnic society and hosts one of the largest refugee populations in the world as well as a young population.

The worst power shortage and load shedding in response hit the country. The power requirement of country in these days is about 16500 Mega Watts (MW) but the production is down to all time low in recent times, which is just 7500 MW. In response the electricity load shedding of hours is being observed all over the country. It has increased unemployment rate in all sectors of trade and industry.

Most effected in recent times are the business people and industries, which are all, shut down due to power outages. Common people who rely on power for their living are most affected and furious, hence loads of people have hit the roads once again to remind the current government of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) about their unfulfilled promises of putting an end to electricity load shedding. The situation is worse than before, in past this country had been producing more than 14000 MW of power but now this capability is down to just 7500 MW. Recently, four of power plants, which run on oil, were reportedly idle due to stoppage of fuel provision.

This power situation is affecting the whole country and people all over Pakistan, which include cities like Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Karachi and many more have hit the roads. Instead of understanding the misery they are going through, protesters met with power and police force was used against protesters. Many protesters were beat down by the police using sticks especially in Lahore.

The point is weather still Pakistan will be given with the solution to their power needs or people will still have to live in darkness in this country in 21st century. Pakistan has got loads of natural resources, Cole is just one example, plus this country is Nuclear Power. Production of required power and much more must not be an issue of this country but the issues have to be seriously picked up by a worthy and caring administration. Current PPP administration seems to be failed till now in that. They have less time left to make things happen and give the people of Pakistan what they deserve.

Pak Rupee further depreciated against US dollar and other currencies recently. Against dollar it reached as high as 89 Rupees per dollar. In current financial year which apparently just barely started, rupee have deteriorated 3% as compared to its worth at start of year. This clearly shows the worsening economy and loss of control of current government on economy of country. In era of Pakistan Peoples Party in government economy and rupee have only seen down fall. As before current government dollar against rupee had just risen 20 Rs per dollar in more than 10 years but since Pakistan Peoples party took charge, due to mismanagement rupee had dramatically lost its worth in just 2.5 years and dollar have risen 29 Rs against the rupee. Dollar has been stable all along on constant worth but it was the rupee, which kept losing its worth.

If the basic problems of people like electricity and gas load shedding and few others are coped with, industry will again be able to run and economy may be back to positive track. Apparently yet no solid measures have been taken by current government to resolve the general public's problems like electricity/gas load shedding as well as the health, education and employment. Deteriorating rupee comes with other problems, fuel prices go high as its imported and ultimately it results in increase in inflation and unemployment rate. This is time to take solid measures to put the country's economy back on track.

-Published on page#-08 in October-2011 issue of MOBILE WORLD Magazine.

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Test Riding - The GLINT-100

It didn't strike me much when I first saw the GLINT100. I thought poorly of this totally black and 'highlight-less' motorcycle as I had seen many high-class motorcycles before. So, I didn't expect much from it when I learned about that we were going to test riding it.

Lifan has always been producing high performance products, so this GLINT100 is no exception. In terms of its appearance, it has no 'eye-catching' features, but it does strike people as a simple and practical model. Its sectional body represents dynamic and fashion; its jaguar-shaped air deflector looks cool, and can greatly reduce wind resistance at high-speed travel. Its upturned tail adds a touch to its streamlined body, and makes steering easy. Its petrol tank does not look fancy, but is practical with a 12L volume to easily satisfy the need of long-distance travel.

The GLINT100 adopts a vertical 100cc single-cylinder OHC 2-valve engine. This engine is known as the 'king of power' in the industry, so we can imagine its power performance just by hearing this nickname. In terms of its braking performance, its front brake is the dual-pump big disc brake which reduces the braking response time at high-speed travel by 15% to 20% as shown by the test results. So this greatly improves the riding safety. Its superb quality tyres have great grip, accelerating, braking and turning performances.

As mounting the GLINT100, its 810mm high seat is just right to allow a comfortable and stretched riding position. This vehicle doesn't have the electric-start system. This anti-fashion design is acceptable once you get used to not having the electric-start. On one hand, it reduces production cost; on the other hand, it brings back the 'kick-start' experience again. And the engine can always be started just by one kick. Its engine is quiet and agile once it's started; its grunting sound gives us the impression that it's saving up energy for an explosion. It dashes out quickly like a small horse when the first gear is applied with a little twist of its throttle. High torque at low revolution is the advantage of this motorcycle.

It reached 50km/h just after one act of gear shift and acceleration. Such great performance for a 100cc motorcycle is rare. Its maximum speed is 90km/h. Although it didn't quite satisfy me, its performance was good enough to meet the practical needs of consumers. After all, it's not a large displacement street racing bike which is designed for speed.

The performance of its front and rear braking systems show the mature quality of this product. Although it's a brand new motorcycle, the sensitive response of its front brake astonished me. I gave the front brake a slight squeeze at 40km/h, the bike stopped right there. I suggest riders not to apply its front brake too hard. The performance of its rear drum brake was not quite as sensitive but was still good enough. Skilled control over its front and rear brakes will allow you stop whenever and wherever you want to stop.

In terms of its maneuverability, the performance of GLINT100 was good enough. The factory improved the angles of its handlebar, seat and footrests to provide a comfortable riding position. The sense of comfortableness also comes from the vibration of its body. Its vibration can hardly be felt when the vehicle is traveling at a speed lower than 30km/h. The vibration can only be felt when the speed reaches 60km/h. The shock-resistant vehicle frame can effectively reduce the resonance frequency of the frame and engine, and the foamy high density shock-absorbing seat also absorbs some vibration. I didn't have numb legs or arms after the two hours test riding.

Judging from all its performance, it's clear to see that priority is given to its practical features of this GLINT100. The fact that it has no high-end equipments and no fancy appearance doesn't mean that it cannot provide comfortableness for its rider. Motorcycle fans do not have to place high demands on it. You will believe that this is an outstanding and well-designed product once you get to know its practical features.

-Published on page#-09 in September-2011 issue of MOBILE WORLD Magazine.

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CIMAMotor 2011 starts on 13 October

On October 13, the tenth China International Motorcycle Trade Exhibition (CIMAMotor 2011) will be held in Chongqing, China. CIMAMotor 2011 has exceeded 40 motorcycle brands, including Honda, Polaris- Victory, Ducati, Augusta, Yamaha and other global brands. Most world famous large-emission motorcycles will exhibit on CIMA 2011.

Ducati has confirmed its exhibition motorcycles. Agusta; the "Ferrari" in motorcycles will attend the CIMA, the exhibition motorcycles will be: Agusta F4 and Brutale; Agusta F4 has 750cc and 1000cc two types, 300 kilometers/hour, sale at about 300,000RMB;

The No. 1 All terrain vehicle Polaris will attend CIMA first time with more than 200-sqm exhibition place, the top Luxury motorcycle Victory will first appear in China market, depending on the large stage of CIMA 2011.

Honda, again together with Yuyang-honda and Honda-sundiro to attend CIMA 2011 with large scale of exhibition place (800-sqm), it will exhibit the new motorcycles with large-emission motorcycles.

The Show, the brand has a strong domestic exhibitors, corporate giants like; Nanfang Motorcycle Mount will carry its Jialing, Jianshe, Qingqi and other brands build appearance; 9 consecutive years ranked first in domestic production and sales of large-scale attack Grand River: not only an area of 800-square meters of exhibition and components supporting more than 80 companies will debut at No.2 Hall assembled.

In addition, among the 500 largest industrial enterprises in China, one of the exhibitors have been identified Jincheng, whose products are exported to 40 overseas countries and regions will carry the brand first enter the exhibition ace models; in this exhibition, Zongshen, Loncin , Lifan, Qianjiang and other brands will be the main vehicle to bring the grand debut.

In CIMA 2010 Jialing brought JH600 (600CC), Harley with Touring series, Softail, Dyna and Sportster; Qjiang with Benelli.

CIMA 2011, except Ducati, Honda, Polaris etc. international giants, domestic Loncin will bring 650cc (LX650) sports motorcycle, which is the highest emission two-wheel motorcycle; Chunfeng (CFMOTO) will bring 650NK high emission motorcycle to first release in the southwest China on CIMA 2011; Haojue will bring 250cc high emission motorcycle; Lifan together with Agusta will first make a stage pose in CIMA 2011, and Lifan's V250 will accept order from the customers in the site of CIMA 2011.

CIMA 2011, Leisure and entertainment high-emission motorcycles will play the leading role. The development of Chinese economy and the spread of motorcycle culture in China bring new opportunities for foreign luxury motorcycle manufacturers. As the annual gathering and carnival for Chinese motorcyclists and fans, CIMAMotor is definitely the best channel for recreational motorcycles to enter into Chinese market.

-Published on page#-11 in September-2011 issue of MOBILE WORLD Magazine.

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Punjab Yellow Cab Scheme delivery schedule

In order to improve public transport and provide job opportunities Punjab Government has once again started the "Yellow Cab Scheme" for educated youth. This time only Suzuki Mehran & Bolan are included in the scheme. All vehicles will have tracking devises fitted.

Over one hundred thousand Matric (or above) pass, having valid driving license applicants from all parts of Punjab participated. Ballot of successful candidates is being held at the district or region level. Successful candidates will also undergo a short course on driving, etiquettes, manners, public dealing and road sense.

A proposal for providing SIM of a mobile phone and creating call centers at city level for linking passengers with drivers is also under consideration & evaluation.

Arrival of these vehicles on roads of Punjab during next 7-8 months will definitely improve traveling facilities in the smaller towns and will sure be a good employment & income source for the educated youth.

-Published on page#-18 in September-2011 issue of MOBILE WORLD Magazine.

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