[🇧🇩] Automobile Industry of Bangladesh including parts

[Saif]

Ifad Autos exporting AC bus to Bhutan

Ifad Autos has become the first local automobile company to export airconditioned (AC) buses assembled in Bangladesh.

www.thedailystar.net

Ifad Autos exporting AC bus to Bhutan

Ifad Autos has become the first local automobile company to export airconditioned (AC) buses assembled in Bangladesh.

The company started shipping 11 of the buses to Bhutan this week and will send 11 more within this month. Ifad has achieved a historic milestone for the automobile industry of Bangladesh, said Iftekhar Ahmed Tipu, chairman of Ifad Group.

Ifad has its own manufacturing plant, where the body of the AC buses were made.

"The bus export was really a matter of pride for Bangladesh, as the country has always imported this type of vehicles," he added.

Apart from Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Myanmar and India's seven-sister states have also showed interest in buying AC and non-AC buses from Ifad, Tipu said. The chairman of the automobile company thinks his company will be able to export buses to many more countries if it is provided with government support.

According to Tipu, a revolutionary change has been achieved in the field of heavy vehicles in Bangladesh over the past few years.

Ifad Autos has set up a car manufacturing plant as the country spends a huge amount of foreign currency every year for car imports, he said.​

 

[Saif]

Policy support needed to boost EV industry: experts

Experts on Friday underscored the need for specific policy support from the government in terms of research and development, capacity building, import duty reduction and...

www.newagebd.net

Policy support needed to boost EV industry: experts
Staff Correspondent 08 November, 2024, 22:51

Experts on Friday underscored the need for specific policy support from the government in terms of research and development, capacity building, import duty reduction and technology adaptation to boost local electric vehicle or EV industry.

They came up with the comment at a seminar titled ‘Electric Vehicle Industry of Bangladesh: Policy - Challenges – Prospects’ organised by Sevour International Limited at International Convention City Bashundhara in the capital Dhaka on the day.

The speakers discussed the future of Bangladesh’s transportation sector for improving sustainability, specifically regarding adoption of electric vehicles and promotion of environmentally friendly transport solutions, according to a press release.

Shish Haider Chowdhury, Information and Communication Division secretary of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunication and Information Technology, said that use of EV was significant in different countries, including EU, USA and China, and about 80 per cent vehicles in Norway and Sweden comprised of EV while in China, it was 25 per cent.

‘We have to keep pace with the world. We need a lot of research and building capacity as well as specific policy to grow the EV industry in Bangladesh. We also need more consultation with stakeholders to overcome challenges. We have to patronise the industry. Otherwise it may stumble,’ he added.

Shish Haider also said that he would talk about the industry with the government’s higher level, including the National Board of Revenue and customs department, to resolve the problems.

Abdul Matlub Ahmad, president of the Bangladesh Automobiles Assemblers and Manufacturers Association and Bangladesh Electric Mobility Association, sought zero duty on imports of EVs and its parts for the next three years for the sake of the industry’s development.

‘There will not be found any diesel or octane run vehicles in next 20 years. So, we should think about the matter and take proper policy now,’ he added.

Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology vice-chancellor Md Ashraful Hoque emphasised on industry and academia collaboration.

Hafizur Rahman Khan, vice-president of BAAMA, Sk Aminuddin, director of Akij Group and chief executive officer of Akij Motors, Md Ehsan, mechanical engineering department professor of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, and Nasima Jahan B Binty, managing director of Blue Solutions Limited, among others, were present.​

 

[Saif]

Yamaha celebrates 8 years with ACI Motors

The renowned motorcycle brand Yamaha has successfully completed 8 years in Bangladesh through its partnership with ACI Motors. In 2016, the iconic Japanese brand entered the Bangladeshi market under the collaboration with ACI Motors. Since then, Yamaha and ACI Motors have gained immense popularity

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Yamaha celebrates 8 years with ACI Motors
FE Online Desk
Published :
Nov 17, 2024 20:36
Updated :
Nov 17, 2024 20:36

The renowned motorcycle brand Yamaha has successfully completed 8 years in Bangladesh through its partnership with ACI Motors.

In 2016, the iconic Japanese brand entered the Bangladeshi market under the collaboration with ACI Motors. Since then, Yamaha and ACI Motors have gained immense popularity by providing customers with advanced technology motorcycles and ensuring top-notch after-sales services, according to a media release.

Besides, Yamaha and ACI Motors have been actively working to raise road safety awareness and provide training for aspiring riders.

On the occasion of Yamaha’s 8 years completion, a grand day-long celebration was held on November 15, 2024, at Momo Inn Park and Resort in Bogura.

More than 1,500 motorcycle riders and members of the Yamaha Riders Club from different parts of the country participated in the event. Popular Bangladeshi band Artcell performed at the event which added charm to the festivities.

The event was graced by the presence of the Executive Director of ACI Motors, Mr. Subrata Ranjan Das, along with higher officials from Yamaha and ACI Motors.

Additionally, Yamaha's 8th anniversary was celebrated across all its showrooms nationwide, with active participation from Yamaha Riders Club members and loyal customers.​

 

[Saif]

Govt to take steps to modernise Pragati Industries Ltd: adviser

The adviser to housing and public works, and industries ministries, Adilur Rahman Khan, on Sunday said that the interim government would take steps to modernise the only government-run car manufacturer, Pragati Industries Limited.

www.newagebd.net

Govt to take steps to modernise Pragati Industries Ltd: adviser
Staff Correspondent 03 December, 2024, 01:15

The adviser to housing and public works, and industries ministries, Adilur Rahman Khan, visits the lone government-run car manufacturer, Pragati Industries Limited, at Sitakunda in Chattogram. | Press release photo

The adviser to housing and public works, and industries ministries, Adilur Rahman Khan, on Sunday said that the interim government would take steps to modernise the only government-run car manufacturer, Pragati Industries Limited.

He made the remark while inquiring about the overall activities of the car manufacturer at Sitakunda in Chattogram, said a press release.

He also inaugurated the marketing activities of the Korean Kia’s Cerato Sedan car, which was assembled for the first time at the factory.

Senior secretary of the of industries ministry Zakia Sultana, chairman of Bangladesh Steel and Engineering Corporation Mohammad Moniruzzaman, managing director of Pragati Industries Limited Abul Kalam Azad, among others, were present during the visit.

Earlier, after planting trees, Adilur Rahman inaugurated the Pragati 3S Centre activities in Nasirabad, Chattogram.​

 

[Saif]

High registration cost, taxes slow Bangladesh’s shift to cleaner EVs

Despite the country’s efforts to reduce pollution and transition to cleaner cars, electric vehicle (EV) sales are yet to pick up due to multiple factors, including taxes and high registration costs, which sellers describe as “impractical”.

www.thedailystar.net

High registration cost, taxes slow Bangladesh’s shift to cleaner EVs

Despite the country's efforts to reduce pollution and transition to cleaner cars, electric vehicle (EV) sales are yet to pick up due to multiple factors, including taxes and high registration costs, which sellers describe as "impractical".

Importers said that the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) calculates the registration fee for a modest 150-kilowatt EV equivalent to that of a 3,000cc car -- roughly comparable to high-end fossil fuel-burners like the Mitsubishi Pajero or Toyota Land Cruiser.

EV buyers, who already own a car, are also subject to an annual surcharge of Tk 1 lakh for the EV.

Collectively, these factors contribute to lower-than-expected EV sales, as high registration fees based on kilowatt power increase the purchase price.

"Even though EVs are highly economical and environmentally friendly, the BRTA method of calculating EV registration fees is impractical and discourages EV purchases," said Saad Khan, managing director of Audi Bangladesh, the sole distributor of German high-end automaker Audi.

In September 2022, the BRTA introduced the EV registration guidelines. In January 2023, Audi Bangladesh became the first to officially begin selling EVs in Bangladesh.

At least seven brands, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BYD, Chery and MG have introduced EVs to the Bangladeshi market, aligning with the government's efforts to promote low-carbon-emission vehicles

According to Khan, they have sold 48 EV units in the past two years. Audi Bangladesh currently offers three EV models, priced between Tk 1.69 crore to Tk 2.25 crore.

At least seven brands, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BYD, Chery and MG have introduced EVs to the Bangladeshi market, aligning with the government's efforts to promote low-carbon-emission vehicles, he added.

The Audi Bangladesh managing director said the BRTA calculates registration charges based on the kilowatt power of EVs, equating 20cc of engine capacity to each kilowatt. This calculation leads to high registration costs.

He said EV dealers recently requested the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to reduce import tariffs and duties on completely built-up (CBU) EVs to lower prices and boost the EV market.

"We suggest reducing the import tariff for CBU EVs to 37 percent from the current 89.1 percent," he said.

Khan cited examples of neighbouring countries imposing import duties from as low as 25 percent to charging nothing at all on EVs.

"We believe that a lower tariff rate can positively impact government revenues through increased vehicle sales as they become more affordable," Khan wrote to the NBR.

The EV dealers also said letter of credit (LC) margins for vehicle import were increased from 10-20 percent to 100 percent in July 2022 in the face of a forex crunch.

With reserves now stable, they recommended removing the LC margin restrictions on EVs to encourage imports.

"The registration fee for an electric vehicle is at least Tk 3-4 lakh and the one-time advance income tax is at least Tk 1.5 lakh, which is a massive burden for buyers," said Chowdhury Mohammad Nabil Hasan, head of marketing at Rancon Motors, the distributor of Mercedes-Benz EVs in Bangladesh.

Hasan said EVs are highly economical, with electric bikes capable of driving up to 400 kilometres on a single charge.

"If we calculate the current electricity price per unit, the cost per kilometre is only Tk 2, which is very cheap compared to fossil fuel-based vehicles," he said.

According to him, EV sales will grow with the expansion of charging station networks and increasing consumer awareness regarding EVs.

"We have already built 18 charging stations in Dhaka, Cumilla, Chattogram, and Cox's Bazar under the brand Charge Easy," he added.

Mercedes-Benz currently sells about seven EV models in Bangladesh, catering to high-end consumers who prefer the German automaker.

Md Tauhidul Islam Tushar, deputy director (Engineering-1) at BRTA, said they have recommended a 50 percent reduction in advance income tax (AIT) to the ministry to lower registration fees considering environmental benefits.

"The BRTA has also recommended reducing the surcharge on EVs, and we expect the NBR to waive this charge," he said.

As of September 30, 281 EVs were registered with the BRTA, and this figure is expected to exceed 300 by the end of the year, Tushar added.

Despite growing car use, per capita car use in Bangladesh is very low compared to comparator countries.

Bangladesh has three cars per 1,000 people, compared with 897 per 1,000 in Malaysia, showed a research paper of the Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh, a think-tank. It is 34 in Vietnam, 22 in India, and 16 in Pakistan.​

 

[Saif]

Japan’s Mitsui buys 18.5% stake in ACI Motors for $22.75m

Mitsui & Company, one of the largest general trading companies in Japan, has bought an 18.5 percent stake in ACI Motors Limited for $22.75 million.

www.thedailystar.net

Japan’s Mitsui buys 18.5% stake in ACI Motors for $22.75m

Mitsui & Company, one of the largest general trading companies in Japan, has bought an 18.5 percent stake in ACI Motors Limited for $22.75 million.

The purchase was made from two investors of the Bangladeshi company through a Singaporean subsidiary on November 29.

The sale proceeds will be received as foreign direct investment, according to Subrata Ranjan Das, executive director of ACI Motors Limited.

Mitsui says it generates an annual revenue of over $100 billion from operations spanning trading, logistics and financing, infrastructure, energy, mobility, chemicals, iron and steel products, food and retail management, wellness, IT and communication, and corporate development.

Launched in 2007 focusing on agricultural mechanisation, ACI Motors now assembles and sells, among others, agricultural and construction machinery, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, and marines diesel engines of brands Yamaha, Yanmar, Sonalika, and Foton.

ACI Group is one of the largest conglomerates in Bangladesh with diverse interests in the fields of mobility, pharmaceuticals, nutrition and agriculture, food, consumer products and retail.

Two senior executives from Mitsui will now join ACI Motors as a part of efforts to grow the business in the global market by using the worldwide connections of the Japanese company, said Das.

ACI Motors, a subsidiary of ACI Group, intends to boost its growth by entering new markets and diversifying its range of products to include rice processing equipment and electric and passenger vehicles, Das said.

Mitsui will further expand its activities in areas such as retail and logistics and contribute to Bangladesh's rapidly growing market through integrated mobility and mechanisation solutions for agri-businesses, transportation, and infrastructure, according to a statement.​

 

[Bilal9]

CFMOTO has been manufacturing motorcycles from kits for more than a decade in Bangladesh. Here is their Flagship Showroom at Plot 10, Road 3, Block A, Sec 11, Mirpur, Dhaka

Here are the bikes available in Bangladesh and suggested retail prices locally which is a bit higher than neighbor countries. Outside Bangladesh - 700cc bikes are offered in some markets.

SR 300: BDT 4,58,500
SR 250: BDT 3,88,500
NK 250: BDT 3,48,500

The NK model was a Red Dot winner

 

[Bilal9]

Here are three more shots of the NK model. Design does merit the Red Dot Award.

 

[Bilal9]

For the tamer intellectual types, CFMoto Bangladesh also offers an advanced 149 cc Large wheel scooter for urban commutes, with a liquid-cooled, 4-stroke SOHC,149cc single-cylinder, 2-valve fuel-injected engine with CVT. The fuel injection system is from BOSCH and has been optimized to improve combustion efficiency, with a fuel consumption of only 2.5-2.7L per 100km.

This advanced scooter also boasts smart-key enabled keyless start, automatic power-down at stoplights to save fuel, Dual channel ABS Hydraulic braking, traction control system (for extra stability while driving in rain-slick streets) and a 5-inch multifunction screen TFT display and optional T-BOX, to enable vehicle-phone interconnection, OTA upgrade, Moto Play, security and anti-theft, track record, real-time viewing of the vehicle information through CFMOTORIDE app, etc.

 

[Bilal9]

CFMOTO officially launches their flagship 300 CC sport bike in Bangladesh​

A launch event titled “Ride the Future” was held in Dhaka today (19 December). Photo: Courtesy

A launch event titled “Ride the Future” was held in Dhaka today (19 December). Photo: Courtesy

CFMOTO, a globally renowned motorcycle brand, has officially launched their flagship sports bikes in the Bangladeshi market.

A launch event titled "Ride the Future" was held in Dhaka today (19 December), reads a press release.

CFMOTO introduced its flagship models: 250NK, 250SR, and 300SR, along with the newly added 150SC, 250CL-C, and 230 DUAL.

"New Grameen Motors Ltd is the local manufacturer of CFMOTO bikes. It has been manufacturing motorcycles at its Tk100 crore plant in Gazipur for more than a decade," CF Moto Bangladesh CEO Md Rezaul Karim told TBS.

Annual production capacity is over 12,000 units at present, he added.

The CFMOTO 300SR is engineered for speed enthusiasts with a 298cc engine that delivers enhanced power for both street rides and track conditions.

Equipped with dual-channel ABS for improved safety and control, this model features a sporty riding posture that caters to riders seeking a more aggressive riding style.

The bike is equipped with a single-cylinder, liquid-cooled EFI engine that produces 30 BHP of power and 27 Nm of torque. It features a state-of-the-art TFT display for enhanced functionality.

Additionally, the USD suspension ensures a thrilling riding experience. For riders who are passionate about speed and performance, the 300SR is an excellent choice.

 

[Bilal9]

Meghna Group (MGI) ventures into bus, truck tyres with Tk.1,300cr investment​

The company’s manufacturing facility spans approximately 65 bighas in Tangail’s Mirzapur, with an additional 5 bighas allocated for expanding production of tyres for large vehicles​

Infograph: TBS

Meghna Innova Rubber Company Ltd, a subsidiary of the Meghna Group, has commenced manufacturing tyres for buses and trucks with a Tk1,300 crore investment. This latest expansion positions Meghna, the country's largest bicycle exporter, to reduce reliance on imported bus and truck tyres, thereby saving valuable foreign currency.

"Since last month (October), we have started producing 15-inch to 20-inch bias ply tyres for trucks and buses. Our goal is to meet most of the demand for these tyres in Bangladesh within the next six months," Lutful Bari, chief operating officer of the Meghna Group, told TBS.

He added that 80% of the Tk1,300 crore investment has gone into machinery, creating employment for 300 people. By next year, total investment in bias ply tyres will rise to Tk2,100 crore, adding another 100 jobs.

The company's manufacturing facility spans approximately 65 bighas in Tangail's Mirzapur, with an additional 5 bighas allocated for expanding production of tyres for large vehicles.

Plans are underway to set up a new factory for radial tyres, scheduled for completion by 2026.

"In 2026, we will invest another Tk.1,000 crore in the production of radial tyres for trucks and buses," Bari said, noting the focus on adopting British standards and modern technology to ensure quality.

The locally produced tyres are expected to be more affordable than imported alternatives.

Meghna Innova Rubber Co. Ltd. has already established itself as a producer of tyres for bicycles, motorcycles, three-wheelers and rickshaws under the MTF brand. However, almost all bus and truck tyres in the market are currently imported, according to Lutful Bari.

Other notable players in this sector include Pran-RFL Group, Apex Husain Group, Rupsha Tyres and Chemicals Ltd and Alam Tyre.

Gazi Group, a former competitor in the production of bus and truck tyres, halted operations after a series of arson attacks on its factory in August and September.

Industry insiders estimate that Bangladesh's automotive tyre market is currently valued at around Tk5,000 crore, driven by the growing sales of commercial and passenger vehicles.

Challenges in agricultural tyre manufacturing

In addition to bias ply tyres, Meghna Group has ventured into agricultural tyre production, producing 28-inch tyres for tractors.

However, marketing these products has been hindered by value-added tax (VAT) policies that favor imports over domestically produced tyres.

"There is no VAT on tyres used in agricultural machinery imported into Bangladesh. However, we have to pay VAT on our finished product," Bari explained.

"We demand from the government that VAT be imposed on imported tyres or, alternatively, that VAT be exempted on locally produced agricultural tyres."

Agriculture tyres, essential for tractors, currently receive VAT refunds when imported under specific HS codes.

To protect domestic industries, the Meghna Group has proposed imposing a 15% import duty and a 5% regulatory duty on imported tyres and tubes, along with an additional tax.

As the Meghna Group continues its expansion in tyre manufacturing, the company is pushing for policy reforms to ensure a level playing field for local producers.

With planned investments in radial tyre production and calls for government intervention to support domestic industries, the group aims to strengthen its position in Bangladesh's tyre market.

 

[Saif]

State-run Pragati begins making CERATO sedan cars

With a view to making cars more affordable for local consumers, Bangladesh has started marketing the world-class, brand-new sedan cars.

www.newagebd.net

State-run Pragati begins making CERATO sedan cars
Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha . Dhaka 27 December, 2024, 22:55

With a view to making cars more affordable for local consumers, Bangladesh has started marketing the world-class, brand-new sedan cars.

To bring diversification to the automobile industry, the state-run top automobile company, Pragati Industries Limited, has started the assembling and marketing of the 1600 cc CERATO model brand new sedan cars with the most modern features of the world-famous Korean KIA vehicle, and the car is now available at the sales centre of the company.

The price of the car is fixed at Tk 45 lakh.

The information was formally disclosed at the 53rd annual meeting of the company held at the Bangladesh Steal and Engineering Corporation conference room at the city’s Kawran Bazar on Thursday with BSEC chairman and additional secretary M Maniruzzaman, also chairman of PIL, in the chair, said an official release on Friday.

Industries adviser Adilur Rahman Khan and senior industries secretary Zakia Sultana inaugurated the marketing of the sedan cars while visiting the new office and factory of the Pragati Industries Limited located in Chattogram on November 29.

Taking part in the annual meeting, PIL managing director M Abul Kalam Azad said that the Pragati was playing an important role in serving the country through marketing the vehicles in public and private sectors after assembling those automobiles.

Pragati Industries Limited has made significant profit this year amounting to Tk 72.62 crore, he said, adding that the company had also deposited Tk 168.89 crore to the state treasury.

Pragati board of directors and additional secretary M Shaminul Huq, additional secretary and transport commissioner M Abul Hasanat Humayun Kabir, additional secretary of the ministry of finance Mohammad Abu Yousuf, joint secretary and BSEC director (finance) M Osman Gani and joint secretary Farida Yasmin, among others, were present at the meeting.​