[🇧🇩] Automobile Industry of Bangladesh

[Saif]

Automotive Automobile Industry of Bangladesh

Introduction The automotive automobile industry in Bangladesh has experienced significant growth and transformation over the years. As one of the emerging economies in South Asia, Bangladesh has made considerable strides in its efforts to develop a thriving automotive sector.

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Introduction

The automotive automobile industry in Bangladesh has experienced significant growth and transformation over the years. As one of the emerging economies in South Asia, Bangladesh has made considerable strides in its efforts to develop a thriving automotive sector. This article explores the economic dynamics of the automotive automobile industry in Bangladesh, shedding light on its evolution, challenges, and prospects.

Historical Background

The history of the automotive automobile industry in Bangladesh is a journey that spans several decades, marked by growth and evolution. The industry's roots can be traced back to the early 1980s when the government of Bangladesh initiated efforts to develop a domestic automotive manufacturing sector.

In 1982, a significant milestone was achieved when the first locally assembled car, a Mazda 323, rolled off the production line in the country. This marked the beginning of the domestic automotive manufacturing industry in Bangladesh. As the first locally produced car, it symbolized the country's ambition to establish a self-sufficient automotive sector.

Over the years, the industry gradually expanded, with various manufacturers entering the market and setting up assembly plants. These manufacturers included renowned international companies like Toyota, Honda, and Suzuki, among others. Their presence in Bangladesh signaled growing foreign direct investment and expertise in the automotive sector.

The early years were characterized by limited domestic production capacity, focusing on the assembly and manufacturing of components like tires, batteries, and some body parts. However, as the industry matured, efforts were made to increase the localization of parts and components, reducing reliance on imports.

The automotive automobile industry played a significant role in generating employment opportunities and attracting skilled and unskilled labor. It also increased economic growth by increasing industrial output and enhancing transportation services. The government's support and encouragement of the industry's development further reinforced its role in the country's economic landscape.

As the industry continued to evolve and adapt to changing market dynamics, it faced various challenges and opportunities, ultimately shaping the automotive landscape in Bangladesh. The historical background of the automotive automobile industry in Bangladesh reflects a journey of growth, challenges, and aspirations, laying the foundation for the industry's role in the nation's economic development.

Economic Significance

The automotive industry in Bangladesh has emerged as a crucial economic sector with significant contributions to the country's economy. This significance can be analyzed from various perspectives.

Employment Generation

The industry has been instrumental in generating employment opportunities. A wide range of skilled and unskilled labor is required for manufacturing, assembly, sales, and after-sales services. This provides a livelihood for many individuals and contributes to poverty reduction.

Economic Growth

The growth of the automotive industry contributes directly to the country's economic development. This is evident through increased industrial output, enhanced infrastructure, and better logistics and transportation services.

Revenue Generation

The government collects revenue through taxes, duties, and other fees from the automotive industry. As the sector grows, the revenue generated contributes to public funds, which can be utilized for various developmental projects.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

Bangladesh has also attracted foreign direct investment in the automotive sector. International automakers and manufacturers have set up plants in the country, bringing in capital and expertise. This not only boosts the industry but also the country's image as an investment destination.

Challenges Faced by the Automotive Industry

The automotive automobile industry of Bangladesh faces a number of challenges, including:

High import duties on vehicles: Import duties on vehicles in Bangladesh are still relatively high, which makes vehicles less affordable for consumers. The high import duties also make it difficult for domestic automakers to compete with imported vehicles.

Lack of infrastructure: Bangladesh's road infrastructure is still lacking in some areas, making it difficult to transport vehicles. The lack of infrastructure makes it difficult for automakers to establish and operate assembly plants.

Limited skills and expertise: The automotive industry of Bangladesh is still relatively new, and there is a shortage of skilled and experienced workers. This shortage of skills and expertise makes it difficult for automakers to produce high-quality vehicles.

Lack of research and development: Bangladesh invests very little in research and development (R&D) for the automotive industry. This lack of R&D makes it difficult for domestic automakers to develop new and innovative vehicles.

Lack of backward linkages: The automotive industry of Bangladesh has very few backward links, meaning that most of the components used in vehicles are imported. This lack of backward linkages makes the automotive industry more vulnerable to external shocks, such as fluctuations in the prices of imported components.

In addition to the challenges listed above, the automotive industry of Bangladesh is also facing a number of emerging challenges, such as:

The rise of electric vehicles: The rise of electric vehicles is a significant challenge for the automotive industry of Bangladesh, as the country currently has very little infrastructure to support electric vehicles.

The COVID-19 pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the automotive industry of Bangladesh, as it has led to a decline in demand for vehicles.

Here are some specific recommendations for how to address the challenges faced by the automotive industry of Bangladesh:

The government should reduce import duties on vehicles and components. This will make vehicles more affordable for consumers and help domestic automakers to compete with imported vehicles.

The government should invest in improving the country's road infrastructure. This will make it easier to transport vehicles and encourage automakers to establish assembly plants in Bangladesh.

The government and the private sector should invest in training programs to develop the skills and expertise needed to support the growth of the automotive industry. This will help domestic automakers to produce high-quality vehicles.

The government should increase investment in R&D for the automotive industry. This will help domestic automakers to develop new and innovative vehicles.

The government should work with the private sector to develop backward linkages for the automotive industry. This will make the automotive industry less vulnerable to external shocks.

The government should develop a policy framework to support the adoption of electric vehicles in Bangladesh. This will help to create demand for electric vehicles and encourage automakers to invest in the production of electric vehicles.

By taking these steps, the government of Bangladesh and the private sector can help to overcome the challenges faced by the automotive industry and support it.

Prospects for the Future

Bangladesh's automotive automobile industry is still in its early stages of development, but it has the potential to grow rapidly in the coming years. The country has a growing population, a rising middle class, and a rapidly developing economy. These factors are all driving up demand for vehicles.

In addition, the government of Bangladesh is supportive of the automotive industry and has taken steps to promote its growth. For example, the government has reduced import tariffs on vehicles and components, and it has established a number of incentives for automakers to invest in Bangladesh.

Overall, the prospects for the future of the automotive automobile industry of Bangladesh are positive. The country has a growing population, a rising middle class, and a rapidly developing economy. These factors are all driving up demand for vehicles. The government of Bangladesh is also supportive of the automotive industry and has taken steps to promote its growth.

Conclusion

The automotive automobile industry in Bangladesh has come a long way since its inception in the early 1980s. It has significantly contributed to the country's economy, generating employment, revenue, and foreign investment. While it faces challenges related to infrastructure, regulatory environment, and environmental concerns, there are promising prospects for the future. With a growing middle class, government support, and the potential to tap into regional and global markets, the industry is poised for further growth and transformation.

The future of the automotive industry in Bangladesh depends on the ability to address these challenges effectively and harness the opportunities that lie ahead. As the sector continues to evolve, it will play a pivotal role in the economic development of the nation.

 

[Saif]

Country’s first electric vehicle manufacturing plant underway in Chattogram

Bangladesh is propelling itself into the future of sustainable transportation with a colossal investment in electric vehicle manufacturing. According to reports, Bangladesh Auto Industries Limited is investing Tk 1440 crore to build the country's first electric car factory. Located in...

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Country’s first electric vehicle manufacturing plant underway in Chattogram​

The plant is set to roll out its first cars by March next year.

Bangladesh is propelling itself into the future of sustainable transportation with a colossal investment in electric vehicle manufacturing.

According to reports, Bangladesh Auto Industries Limited, a subsidiary of Mango Teleservices, is investing Tk 1440 crore to build the country's first electric car factory. Located in Bangabandhu Shilpa Nagar Economic Zone in Mirsarai, Chattogram, the plant is set to roll out its first cars by March next year. Mir Masud Kabir, the Founder and Managing Director of Mango Teleservices Ltd, confirmed the news to The Daily Star.

Ten banks have joined forces to contribute Tk 790 crore towards the construction of the factory, forming two alliances for this financial endeavour. The rest of the capital is being provided by entrepreneurs. This groundbreaking initiative has completed its infrastructure phase, and machinery installations are now underway on the 100-acre plot.

Approximately 75 percent of the total investment will go into the manufacturing of the main structure (body), battery, motor, and charger. The remaining 25 percent will be allocated to the import of interior design elements. The main body of various vehicle types, including sedans, SUVs, and buses, will be manufactured at this facility. Agrani Bank leads an alliance of state-owned and private sector banks contributing Tk 240 crore towards the factory's construction.

In addition to the main plant, a separate factory named Bangladesh Lithium Battery Limited will produce lithium batteries, state reports. These batteries will not only be utilised in the electric vehicles but also in other sectors such as solar energy, data centres, and UPS systems. This factory is part of the ambitious Bangladesh Auto Industries initiative and has an allocated budget of Tk 750 crore. Another factory, Mango Technologies Limited, is set to produce the motor control and charging systems at a cost of Tk 140 crore. According to reports, machinery for this factory is being imported via the private sector Mutual Trust Bank.

The manufacturing plants are expected to provide direct employment to approximately 1500 people initially, with plans to expand the workforce to 5000 as production scales up. The company aims to produce 60,000 2-wheelers, 40,000 3-wheelers, and 30,000 4-wheelers annually. Entrepreneurs behind the project express that the vehicles will be marketed under Bangladesh's own brand. Plans also include the introduction of charging facilities at petrol stations across the country.

Reports state that the vehicles will be designed to provide maximum comfort to users. While the interior design will be imported, the company aims to manufacture world-class vehicles by incorporating these

 

[Saif]

Audi launches its electric SUV in Bangladesh

Audi has launched its electric SUV, the e-tron, in the Bangladesh market. The vehicle was unveiled on January 21, at the Audi showroom in the capital's Tejgaon area.

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Audi launches its electric SUV in Bangladesh​

Audi has launched its electric SUV, the e-tron, in the Bangladesh market. The vehicle was unveiled on January 21, at the Audi showroom in the capital's Tejgaon area.

With this move, Audi Bangladesh became the first automotive brand in Bangladesh to officially launch Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and the first manufacturer to officially register electric vehicles under EV category with Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA).

The standard features on the Audi e-tron include Matrix LED Headlights, Adaptive Air Suspension, Virtual Cockpit Plus, 20' Audi Alloy Wheels, Privacy Glass, Panoramic Glass Sunroof, 4 Zone climate change Control A/C, Leather seats, 3600 Surround View Camera and more.

The Audi e-tron will be available in Bangladesh from Audi Bangladesh - Progress Motors Imports Limited (PMIL), the authorised representative of the Audi brand in Bangladesh. The vehicle will be sold through its dealership Audi Dhaka in Tejgaon starting at BDT 1.59 cr.

PMIL will also be proving full after sales support through their fully functional state of the art service center and fast charging hub with Audi certified Service Advisors and High Voltage Master Technicians. The Audi e-tron will have 8 years battery warranty and 2 years manufacturer warranty with the option of 5 years extended warranty.

 

[Saif]

Palki: An affordable locally assembled Electric Vehicle on its way

In today’s world, many countries are now changing lanes and embracing electric vehicles (EVs). In the past decade, we have seen a tectonic shift in the automotive industry - we have seen brands like Tesla, Rivian and NIO take off. We have also seen conventional automakers like Volvo, GM, Nissan...

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Palki: An affordable locally assembled Electric Vehicle on its way

In today's world, many countries are now changing lanes and embracing electric vehicles (EVs). In the past decade, we have seen a tectonic shift in the automotive industry - we have seen brands like Tesla, Rivian and NIO take off. We have also seen conventional automakers like Volvo, GM, Nissan and Ford fast-track their EV product line. Globally, electric vehicle sales figures have soared to a record high. Countries like Norway, Germany and Netherlands have adopted electric vehicles swiftly. Even in China, the electric car market own consists of 28% now, which is a massive pie compared to just five years back.

In Bangladesh, where the automotive assembly industry is in its infancy, a local startup wants to change the scene. Challenging the status quo, Palki Motors, a homegrown startup, is planning to launch their very own locally assembled electric vehicle.

Palki's flagship product is a four-door & four-wheel battery-swappable electric vehicle. The startup is on the verge of accepting pre-orders for their vehicles. Starting at a price Tk. 4.99 lakh, Palki has already generated quite a buzz amongst people seeking an affordable mode of transportation especially out of the capital.

According to Mustafa Al Momin, Co-founder & CEO of Palki Motors, Palki has already gotten 600+ signups for their first car.

Palki is right now undergoing assembly of their prototype vehicles which are based and modelled after generic Chinese electric vehicles. Palki Motors have already established an assembly shed in Sector 12 of Uttara and are nearly a couple of weeks away from a fully locally assembled prototype. Momin informed that 40% of the parts are made in Bangladesh while the rest of them are being imported from China and Taiwan for local assembly.

When asked how he got the idea of coming up with this venture, Momin, a Grameenphone Accelerator Graduate, explained that it all started when he was looking for a reasonably cheap second-hand car. "Being an electrical engineer and an entrepreneur, I felt this was a huge addressable market. As electric vehicles do not need an engine, which is the most complex bit in any vehicle, it would be much more cost-effective and efficient to assemble an electric vehicle locally", Momin exclaimed. Momin previously worked with the BRAC University in 2013 as a student on their electric car project. After post-graduation in electrical engineering from the US, he came back and started working on CWork, a startup hatched out of Grameenphone's accelerator program. But due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Momin could not make it sustainable and hence had to close it down. Nonetheless, he is optimistic that his locally electric vehicles will be able to take off as Bangladesh has a huge untapped market for cost-efficient electric swappable battery-based vehicles. In this particular business model, electric vehicles, instead of charging, will swap a drained battery, with a new one. Momin and his team believes, with enough active sign-ups, this model will catch on peripheries where improperly engineered vehicles are already running.

Palki comes with a 60V 100Ah lead acid battery which offers a driving range of up to 150 kilometres on a single charge. To fully charge its battery array, it takes around 6-8 hours. The service life of the lead acid battery is expected to be around 36,000+ kilometres. Meaning, with the changing of the battery, it will cost around Tk. 1.73 per kilometre, claimed Momin.

He also said that as in Bangladesh vehicles are heavily taxed and soaring fuel prices are impacting the transportation industry, a good alternative would be locally assembled electric vehicles.

So far Momin and his co-founders have invested around Tk. 26 lakhs in this project and expect to deliver the first finished product by this year. When asked whether this car would be street-legal, Momin informed that currently, Palki's electric vehicles are undergoing testing at Bangladesh Roads & Transportation Authority (BRTA) and Bangladesh University of Engineering Technology. Palkhi has already met more than 40% of the local standards, according to Momin. As the output of the motor of the electric vehicle is relatively low and the high speed of the vehicle is under 60 km/h, regulations are relatively lax.

Once Palki gets the necessary approval, the venture plans to start delivering the first batch by the end of January 2023. The estimated time to deliver a single vehicle after pre-order is around 50-60 days. To pre-order, one must pay 10% of the price. Palki and its team expect their vehicles will be able to make a significant impact in Bangladesh's transportation industry.

 

[Bilal9]

How Mulytic is elevating Bangladesh’s global presence in smart technology​

Based in Munich, Germany, this cutting-edge data energy company is revolutionising various industries through collaborations with top-tier companies such as Renault, Hermes, DHL, Mercedes Benz Energy and more​

The Bangladeshi team behind Mulytic primarily consists of fresh graduates from disciplines such as Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), Mathematics and Statistics. PHOTO: COURTESY

On 22 December 2023, Bangladesh entered a new era of transportation infrastructure, as an electric vehicle (EV) charging station was inaugurated in Jashore's Khoyertala, the first of its kind outside Dhaka.

Mulytic, in collaboration with West Zone Power Distribution Company Limited, played a pivotal role in making this possible.
However, this is just the beginning, says Dr Rubaiyat Islam Sadat, the co-founder and CEO of Mulytic.

The station in Jashore has been launched on a pilot basis, to establish thousands of charging stations all across the country in the coming years.

"Because our discernable endgame is to enhance energy consumption efficiency through the intelligent application of technology," shared Sadat during a recent conversation with The Business Standard.

Mulytic's AI-powered EV Charger, made with German technology, is reducing automobile charging expenses by up to 20%, while preventing pollution of the environment.

However, introducing smart charging solutions for EVs is merely a small part of a long list of initiatives that Mulytic, with Sadat at the helm, is undertaking.

Based in Munich, Germany, this cutting-edge data energy company is revolutionising various industries through collaborations with top-tier companies in mobility (such as Daimler, Renault, Audi), logistics (including Hermes, DHL), and energy (like Mercedes Benz Energy), along with their spin-offs.

Dr Rubaiyat Islam Sadat, co-founder and CEO, Mulytic.

"We provide innovative big data analytics solutions to the world's largest automotive companies," said Sadat, adding that the company now operates in two divisions – Labs and Energy.

Currently, it is also working with the German National Grid on a large-scale electrification project.

Essentially, it offers its clients a broad array of services, including natural language processing, predictive analytics, cybersecurity, centralised logging mechanisms, cloud computing and web and mobile app development.

And by dint of acquiring a strong reputation within a very short time, Mulytic has turned out to be quite a profitable venture ever since beginning its journey back in December 2016.

Sadat mentioned that when he founded Mulytic, he initially invested around one crore takas. Today, the company generates approximately one million Euros in annual revenue.

In the beginning, it operated entirely remotely, with all operations hosted in the IT cloud. However, it soon expanded its operations by opening a strategic business unit in New York.

Within its leadership ranks, Mulytics has a couple of other Bangladeshis. For instance, its co-founder and managing director is Rahat Ahmed, while the head of marketing is Jawad Ramee.

In addition to financial gains, Mulytic is also putting Bangladesh on the world map, as it now has its Offshore Development and Operations Hub right here in Dhaka. "We run our operations in Bangladesh around the clock, 24/7, to cater to all our clients' needs," said Sadat.

Right now, there are around 25 young employees in the Bangladesh-based research development and operations team. The youth team primarily consists of fresh graduates from disciplines such as Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), Mathematics and Statistics.

"Data analytics is all about maths. The stronger your mathematical skills, the more effectively you can utilise analytical tools," Sadat said.

Additionally, Mulytics is committed to creating a convergence between the developed and developing worlds, with Bangladesh as its primary focus. "Because we believe that aiding the people of Bangladesh means aiding the world," Sadat remarked.

Currently, it has an ongoing programme called Bright, which is "about assessing, guiding and mentoring young Bangladeshi people in the ways of the global technology business."

Photo: Courtesy

Simply put, the 16-week long internship-like programme is tailored for new technologists to explore their skills and gain insights into the industry. After the programme concludes, successful interns are given the option to either continue with the company or pursue new career opportunities elsewhere.

Mulytic also conducts an annual programme called Project Athena in Bangladesh, designed specifically for young women to empower them towards successful careers in technology.

Through this initiative, Mulytic develops hands-on training programmes and fosters growth opportunities for women who are either just starting out or seeking to advance their careers in technology.

According to Sadat, Project Athena has already produced many highly talented women who have succeeded in many diverse industries.

"Drawing inspiration from and naming it after the Greek goddess of wisdom, war and crafts, we aimed to create a platform for women to excel in the technology sector," Sadat said.

"And now, we can proudly say that there are women in leading positions within the research development and operations team," Sadat added.

On the personal front, Sadat graduated in CSE from Buet in 2008.

He pursued his first Master's degree in Bioinformatics from the University of Trento in Italy, followed by a second Master's degree in Embedded Systems from RWTH Aachen University in Germany.

He earned his PhD in Embedded Systems from the University of Siegen in Germany. Additionally, he attended Cambridge Judge Business School for another Master's degree and is currently pursuing an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Apart from several stints, including serving as a consultant for the EU Commission and as a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Volkswagen, Sadat has also contributed as a pro bono national consultant expert in automotive and energy for A2i, as well as the reviewer of AI Strategy in Bangladesh.

Under his leadership, Mulytic won the "Best Energy Focused Web and Mobile App Development Company of 2021" by BUILD.

A father of two children, a boy and a girl, Sadat named the first part (Mu) of his company after his son Muaaz, while the remaining part (lytic) came from the word "analytic." A man completely devoted to his family, Sadat credits much of his success in life to his wife Mouree, and states that "all of what I do is for my family."

But at the back of his mind, he also harbours "the desire to create new opportunities for the people of Bangladesh and drive the nation to greater heights."

 

[Saif]

Maiden electric vehicle plant in Chattogram at Tk 14b investment

The EV manufacturing plant is under construction in Chattogram, with an investment of Tk 14.4 billion.

en.prothomalo.com

Maiden electric vehicle plant in Chattogram at Tk 14b investment

The country’s very first electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant is under construction in Chattogram, with an investment of Tk 14.4 billion.

The Bangladesh Auto Industries Limited (BAIL) is implementing the project in the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar (BSMSN) in Mirsarai, and planning to launch the locally produced electric vehicles in the market by next March.

Of the investment, an amount of Tk 7.9 billion is funded by ten banks, while the remaining fund will come from private entrepreneurs. The authorities have already completed the factory construction works on a portion of 100 acres of land in the BSMSN economic zone and are now installing the machinery.


The factory will manufacture key components of electric vehicles, including the main body, battery, motor, and charger. The productions will account for approximately 75 per cent of the total investment, while the remaining 25 per cent will be spent to import the interior designs.

The vehicles will go through rigorous testing before being released to the market. There is a plan to add charging facilities to petrol pumps across the country.

The BAIL is a subsidiary of Mango Teleservices. Its chairman A Mannan Khan, who has been running the technology business for 30 years, said it is a global trend that the tech companies spearhead EV manufacturing industries and they followed the suit.

It is the time to manufacture eco-friendly vehicles in the country. The space for conventional automotive industry is shrinking and, at the same time, being replaced by electric vehicles, he added.


Big investments in three factories

The total fund will be divided among three factories, each responsible for manufacturing different components of the electric vehicles. With an investment of Tk 5.5 billion, the BAIL will produce the main body of the vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, microbuses, trucks, covered vans, and buses. A consortium of banks, including Agrani Bank, BDBL, BIFFL, Islami Bank, and First Security Islami Bank, will contribute Tk 2.4 billion to the venture.

When contacted, the managing director (MD) of Agrani Bank did not make any comments over the investment.

Islami Bank MD Mohammed Monirul Moula said cost-effective electric vehicles are gaining popularity globally. “We got engaged in the project in the consideration of the country’s betterment. We intend to participate in more projects that fall into the line.”

Apart from that, the lithium batteries will be produced in the factory of Bangladesh Lithium Battery Limited, a subsidiary of BAIL. The batteries will be used in electric vehicles consisting of two, three, or four wheels, in addition to some other machinery.

The factory will cost Tk 7.5 billion to be constructed, where Tk 5.5 billion will be funded by different banks. The Eastern Bank has reached a consensus with the BDBL, Sonali Bank, Rupali Bank and Mercantile Bank to collectively provide Tk 3.5 billion as the first installment of the Tk 5.5 billion fund, with the remaining Tk 2 billion planned for the second installment.

The managing director of Rupali Bank, Mohammad Jahangir, said, “We have been with the project due to its unique and promising aspect. We hope Bangladesh will enter the era of eco-friendly electric vehicles thanks to the project.”

The remaining parts, including motors, motor controlling and charging systems, will be produced in a factory of Mango Technologies Limited. The entrepreneurs are investing Tk 1.4 billion to set up a factory in this regard.

And, the interior designs will be imported through the Mutual Trust Bank.

A Mannan Khan, an entrepreneur, said the good banks express interest in this type of projects across the world and the situation here is nothing different.

He disclosed that equipment for the projects has already been imported, and installation is set to commence in October, while the trial run is scheduled for January. They are planning to launch the vehicles in the market next March.


How will the EVs cost?

The electric cars will be branded as a locally manufactured product. The BAIL will have an annual manufacturing capacity of 60,000 2-wheelers, 40,000 3-wheelers, and 30,000 4-wheelers.

The project will create employment opportunities for around 1,500 people, with the potential for further expansion that could employ up to 5,000 people at a time.

The vehicles are designed with user comfort in mind, featuring modern facilities. There will be inside charging and Wi-Fi facilities, allowing passengers to conduct business or work while on the move.

The price will vary based on the vehicles’ charging capacity and range. A sedan car with a 250 km single-charge range will cost Tk 1.2 to 1.3 million, while that of 350 km single-charge range will cost Tk 1.6 to 1.7 million.

The price of a SUV or Jeep with a 350 km single-charge range will be Tk 2.3 to 2.5 million, while that of 400 km single-charge range is Tk 2.8 to 3 million.

A seven-seater microbus with a 250 km single-charge range will cost Tk 2 to 2.2 million and that of 350-km charge range will cost Tk 2.5 to 2.6 million.

Besides, a three-wheeler will be priced at Tk 400,000 to 500,000, while the prices of covered vans, trucks, and buses will range from Tk 1.5 to 3 million.

 

[Saif]

Bangladeshi entrepreneur is building Hyundai car at an affordable price.

 

[Saif]

Rancon teams up with Genex to set up 21 EV charging stations

Rancon Motors, the sole distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Bangladesh, has teamed up with Genex Infrastructure to set up electric vehicle (EV) charging stations around the country to provide charging facilities in the future.

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Rancon teams up with Genex to set up 21 EV charging stations​

For 2024, Rho Motion forecasts global EV sales growth of between 25% and 30%. Image: Ernest Ojeh/ Unsplash.

Rancon Motors, the sole distributor of Mercedes-Benz in Bangladesh, has teamed up with Genex Infrastructure to set up electric vehicle (EV) charging stations around the country to provide charging facilities in the future.

Genex and Rancon are going to set up a total of 21 charging stations across the country before the launch of an EQ series of EVs of Mercedes-Benz for smooth operations and to ensure ease for customers.

"Initially, we will set up seven charging stations in Dhaka and 14 stations in important locations across the country by April 2024," said Chowdhury Md Nabil Hasan, head of marketing of Rancon Motors.

Charging stations are going to be set up as a preparation centring the launch of five different models of EVs of Mercedes-Benz by April, he said.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between two entities at the Mercedes-Benz showroom in Rangs Babylonia Tower at the Tejgaon industrial area on February 12 to set up the charging stations.

Imran Zaman Khan, divisional director of Rancon Motors, Redwanul Zia, chief executive officer, Syed Shafiqul Hassan, chief operating officer at Genex Infrastructure, Mahmudul Hasan Lorance, deputy general manager (finance), Pallab Kumar Paul, senior manager (solution and R&D), and Ghalib Mohammad Karim, assistant manager (business engagement), were present.

According to Hasan, sales of EVs had started just recently in Bangladesh and till now around 80 units of EVs, including of brands Audi, Tesla and BMW, had been registered with Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA).

He said Rancon would be the third company to officially declare plans to establish charging stations at different parts of the country as they understand that gradually EVs would grab the automobile market of the country.

The EVs are the future of the market not only globally but also in Bangladesh as they do not require as much servicing as do fossil fuel-run vehicles, he said.

Besides, the import tax is only 90 percent for EVs while for fossil fuel-run ones it is 143 percent to 350 percent depending on the cubic capacity (cc) of the engine, said Hasan.

Regarding the charging stations, he said ultimately the EV charging stations would replace existing fuel refilling stations in the country.

"We will not charge our customers for around one year but customers of other vehicle brands can charge their cars at a reasonable cost," he noted.

According to him, all EVs vehicles from Mercedes-Benz have an advertised range of over 450 kilometres to 650 kilometres per charge.

For this, the 21 charging stations would cover premium hotels, tourist destinations, highway restaurants, shopping malls, and critical commercial areas, he said.

Through this move, Rancon Motors is reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship and bringing cutting-edge electric mobility to customers in Bangladesh, he said.

"We are all working together to achieve the goal of Smart Bangladesh," said Imran Zaman Khan.

"Our aim is to work towards increasing the penetration of electric vehicles in Bangladesh and ensure a seamless and convenient experience for our customers through charging stations," he said.

"As more people start using electric vehicles, the demand for charging stations will increase. Our skilled and dedicated team is ready to complete the project properly for a seamless customer experience," said Mahmudul Hasan Lorance.​

 

[Saif]

Chinese company BYD bringings electric cars to Bangladesh.

 

[Saif]

Electric vehicles are climate-friendly but not a cure-all solution

Electric vehicles (EVs) are considered climate-friendly alternatives to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. EVs can limit ecological damage, reduce smog (mix of smoke and fog i.e., air pollution) and protect public health. Driving an EV (i.e., battery operated car i.e., BEV) off the current

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Electric vehicles are climate-friendly but not a cure-all solution​

MOHAMMAD ABU YUSUF

Published :​

Feb 27, 2024 21:39

Updated :​

Feb 27, 2024 21:39

Electric vehicles (EVs) are considered climate-friendly alternatives to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. EVs can limit ecological damage, reduce smog (mix of smoke and fog i.e., air pollution) and protect public health.

Driving an EV (i.e., battery operated car i.e., BEV) off the current grid is still much less polluting than driving an ICE vehicle. According to the modeling by the NRMA and PwC Australia, an average new ICE vehicle emits around 185 gCO2/km compared to an average new battery electric vehicle (BEV) which emits around 98 gCO2/km, if charged via the grid. ICE vehicles emit a range of particulates, contaminants, gases and a lot of heat as a result of the combustion process, whereas BEVs emit a little heat only. However, if EV battery is charged from "dirty" power sources, it would contribute to global warming.

Governments and automakers around the world have been promoting EVs as a key technology to curb oil use and fight climate change. However, an important but often ignored fact is that the climate mitigation benefits of BEVs are usually delayed.

EVS COST MORE BUT WITH UPFRONT SAVINGS: EVs generally cost more to buy than petrol and diesel vehicles. However, prices are falling as more players enter the market. Governments in countries offer incentives to help ensure the next car one buys is not a gas guzzler. The Australian government also offers a fringe benefits tax exemption if one buys an EV by salary sacrificing.

CHARGING OF EV IS CHEAPER: The cost of charging an EV is cheaper than filling a tank with petrol or diesel. For example, charging a 65kWh electric HundaiKona overnight cost about A$20 while the cost of filling the petrol tank is closer to A$90. Another cost saving comes from servicing. EV models do not need servicing as often because they do not have an engine, gearbox, spark plugs and exhaust systems.

Australians bought more than 87,000 EVs in 2023. Lack of public fast-charging infrastructure is often quoted to be a major barrier to electric vehicle uptake. It is reported that Electric vehicle charging sites will double in Australia over the coming year. The number of cars-charging stations surged by 90 per cent in Australia during 2023. Local firm Chargefox had installed the greatest number of electric chargers in Australia (The Guardian).

EVS ALSO PRODUCE EMISSIONS: EVs do not produce any tailpipe emissions. However, EV's lifecycle emissions may be considerable. Emissions produced during a vehicle's production, operation and disposal are often collectively called "lifecycle emissions". These include emissions produced during:

l the vehicle manufacturing process;

l to manufacture a vehicle and its battery (as is the case for all vehicles)

l to generate the electricity for an EV

l from tyre, brake and road wear (as is the case for all vehicles).

l the transport of the vehicle to its first point of sale

l generation of electricity

EVS ARE LESS EMITTING BUT THEY MAY ALSO CONTRIBUTE TO EMISSION: Most electric cars tend to produce significantly lower emissions than most cars operated with gasoline. Even though electric vehicles are more emission-intensive because of their batteries, their electric motors are more efficient than traditional vehicles run by fossil fuels. Experts largely agree that electric vehicles create a lower carbon footprint over the lifecycle than do traditional cars and trucks that use internal combustion engines. For this reason, the world has experienced a rapid growth of the EV market. As for instance, the EV stock reached 16.5 million worldwide, triple the amount in 2018. EV sales have grown significantly in recent years. In 2020, EV and hybrids constituted more than 10 per cent of total car sales. And there is a growing political and economic will to transition to EVs (UNFCCC, n.d.).

However, there is a misconception about EV. EVs are not emission free and by no means a silver bullet. Dr. Sergey Paltsev, an EV expert, believes the biggest misconception around EVs is the concept they are going to decarbonise transport. The notion of EVs as "zero emission vehicles" must be properly qualified due to the need to decarbonise electricity production (that EVs use) and account for emissions during mining of minerals and refining of rare metals needed for battery production, such as cobalt and lithium. For example, for every ton of extracted lithium, between 5 and 15 tonnes of carbon is created. Manufacturing batteries also results in long carbon journeys.

The level of emissions depends on where the electricity to charge electric vehicles comes from. EVs are only as green as the power grid they draw from. For example, if a person drives an EV in Norway, where most electricity is powered by near zero emission hydroelectricity, then the person is contributing much lower levels of CO2. But if the person drives the same car in China, where most electricity comes from coal-fired power plants, he may be contributing as much CO2 equivalent as that, of using two-thirds of a tank of petrol.

It is generally more expensive to charge an EV at a public charging station than at home. The full benefits of EVs are available when electricity sources become renewable (hydro, wind, solar, nuclear etc). An EV can produce zero emissions from vehicles if it uses 100 per cent renewable energy. However, it might take many years for that to happen. It is imperative that electric grids need to get much, much cleaner before electric vehicles are truly emission-free.

MAKING BUILDINGS 'EV-READY': EV charging is a high-power application. It impacts overall building power supply. Only the owner of the building can make strategic investment decisions for a commercial building. A tenant may initiate a request to the owner to provide EV charging. An owner may facilitate the tenant by providing with a few dedicated EV charging car spaces and expanding the number as demand increases (NSW Government 2023).

Buildings need to have features to accommodate EV charging. This is not even present in developed countries. Not many existing buildings in developed countries currently accommodate EV charging. Government department may develop helpful guidelines for making buildings EV-ready. This will help owners, managers, occupants and strata managers design, retrofit and wire 'EV readiness' into apartment and commercial buildings.

EVS ARE STILL ON THE WINNING SIDE: Compared to fossil fuel cars, electric cars use less energy and can charge from zero-carbon sources. The picture for electric cars will improve as power from the wind, hydro and the sun, replaces gas and oil, reducing carbon emissions from generating electricity. Lucien Mathieu, T&E's cars director, said that even if you choose a worst-case scenario - vehicles made and run with electricity largely from coal - the electric car will win out after about 70,000km (about six years of driving). "The more you drive an electric car, the better it gets" (The Guardian, 23 Dec, 2023). Further, battery development is still in relative infancy, and is likely that EV batteries will be developed further with new technology, resulting in lowering costs and putting the balance further in favour of EVs.

POLICY NOTES: Unlocking a lower interest rate to buy EV is another policy support. The Commonwealth Bank in Australia offers personal loan discounts for customers who show willingness to invest in an electric vehicle. The Commonwealth Bank's EV loan covers the cost of the vehicle, charging station and batteries.

It is hoped that as the numbers of EVs on the road increase, the infrastructure will also increase. The mass rollout of EVs depends on the availability of charging stations. The supply of charging stations on the other hand depends on expected demand for EVs. This chicken and egg problem may be solved with well-coordinated public policy.

Despite huge potential and increasing adoption, EVs will not be a magic bullet for sustainable transportation. Enhancing public transportation, land-use planning that encourages compact development, and reducing the use of private motorised transport by mode switching to walking, biking and public transport will be essential for a carbon free sustainable transportation. Not having an electric car is better for the environment if we can rely on public transport instead.

The respective authority/government body may consider forming a fund/needed policy supports to build fast-charging stations. Cutting taxes on EVs could be another option to encourage EV uptake.

Mohammad Abu Yusuf is Additional Secretary, Finance Division, Ministry of Finance, Government of Bangladesh.​

 

[Saif]

Proton X90 launched in BD; local production to begin by end-2024

Rancon and Proton Holdings have unveiled the Proton X90 hybrid vehicle in the Bangladesh market. In a launching ceremony today, Rancon and Proton also announced their joint plans to begin local manufacturing of Proton cars in Bangladesh by the end of this year.

www.thedailystar.net

Proton X90 launched in BD; local production to begin by end-2024​

Rancon aims to begin local production of Proton cars in Bangladesh with an investment of US$100 million.

Proton X90.

Rancon and Proton Holdings have unveiled the Proton X90 hybrid vehicle in the Bangladesh market. In a launching ceremony today, Rancon and Proton also announced their joint plans to begin local manufacturing of Proton cars in Bangladesh by the end of this year.

The Proton X90 is equipped with a 48V mild hybrid system and a 1.5L turbocharged engine developed in collaboration with Volvo.

The vehicle is offered in two variants: the 6-seater Flagship and the 7-seater Premium, priced at Taka 49.90 lakh and Taka 45.90 lakh respectively, and will be sold at Rancon's showrooms in Dhaka and Chattogram.

According to Dr Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton, Rancon will develop a sales and after-sales network and invest in a manufacturing facility for Proton vehicles in Bangladesh. "We aim to become a significant entity in the automotive market of Bangladesh with our future product lineup," said Dr Chunrong.

Romo Rouf Chowdhury, Group Managing Director of Rancon Holdings Limited, stated that an investment of US$100 million has ben made in Rancon's own industrial park, with plans to start local production of Proton vehicles by the end of 2024 to reduce retail prices.

According to a press handout, Rancon will provide a five-year warranty or 150,000 km coverage (whichever comes first), along with six free after-sales services. Additionally, Rancon assures authorised after-sales service and genuine spare parts availability through its service centres in Dhaka and Chattogram.
​

 

[Saif]

Electric vehicles etching their way into domestic automobile industry

The automobile industry of Bangladesh is seeing a notable shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) with BYD Auto Co Ltd, the world’s biggest EV maker, set to launch its Seal model on the domestic market.

www.thedailystar.net

Electric vehicles etching their way into domestic automobile industry​

The automobile industry of Bangladesh is seeing a notable shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) with BYD Auto Co Ltd, the world's biggest EV maker, set to launch its Seal model on the domestic market.

CG-Runner Bangladesh, an authorised distributor of BYD, will roll out the premium passenger sedan on March 2 and later introduce electric SUVs, buses, trucks and other vehicles produced by the Chinese automaker.

The BYD Seal is equipped with a battery capacity of 82.5 kilowatt hours and can travel 540 kilometres at full charge, which can be achieved in 40 minutes using its fast charging capability.

CG-Runner is a collaboration between Chowdhury Group, a leading conglomerate of Nepal, and Runner Group, a local company that pioneered two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturing in Bangladesh.

The company is also developing a nationwide charging network with the help of Genex Infrastructure Limited, with the two having signed a memorandum of understanding to this end on January 16.

Amid Shakif Khan, director of marketing at Runner Group, said they would launch the BYD Seal through a ceremony at the International Convention City Bashundhara in the capital's Purbachal.

"We will disclose the car's price at the event, where top officials of BYD and Chowdhury Group will be present," he added.

Khan also informed that the Atto-3, an SUV designed by the Chinese brand, will also be brought to Bangladesh within the next three months.

Khan said it was currently impossible to determine how much customers would have to spend on maintaining EVs considering the absence of a finalised government policy regarding EV registration and charging costs.

Currently, EV imports are taxed at 90 percent while other cars are taxed from 143-350 percent depending on the engine capacity.

However, industry people hope the government's objective to gradually phase out traditional fossil fuel-powered cars will help bring down such expenses through subsidies and incentives.

Khan added that they would eventually introduce budget-friendly models to cater to the mass market.

Shanat Datta, CFO of Runner Automobiles, said EVs are environmentally friendly as they reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

"There is an opportunity to speed up our industrial development, diversify exports and create more jobs by ensuring the research and development of the latest technologies, such as EVs," he added.
BYD is currently the world's leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles (NEVs), with the company's sales in the segment having increased 208.6 percent year-on-year to 1.863 million units in 2022.

In China, the term new energy vehicle (NEV) is used to designate automobiles that are fully or predominantly powered by electric energy.

Similarly, the automaker's NEV sales had edged up by 64.8 percent to 2.683 million units last year.

At present, BYD has operations in about 400 cities across 70 countries.

Now, the company is set to pioneer the NEV segment in Bangladesh with its highly integrated designs for the next generation of "pure" electric vehicles.

On October 8 last year, BYD organised a programme styled "BYD SEAL Asia Pacific Track Day" at the BYD Museum in Shenzhen, where they briefly explained why they are interested in entering Bangladesh.

Speaking at the event, Liu Xueliang, general manager of BYD's Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division, said there is a good scope for EV sales in Bangladesh.

This is because the 'Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan' aims to ensure that at least 30 percent of all cars in Bangladesh are battery-powered by 2030.

Besides, Bangladesh plans to reduce its carbon emissions by 15 percent by 2030.

Also, using EVs offers several benefits, including lower operating costs, reduced maintenance costs, and government incentives, Liu added.

According to data from the National Board of Revenue (NBR), about 8,650 cars were imported during the July-December period of the current fiscal year, with new cars making up just 1 percent of the imports.

About 80 percent of the imported cars are Toyota-branded while Honda and Nissan contribute 7 percent each. The remaining 6 percent is made up of models designed by Mitsubishi and other brands.

However, car importers say the demand for EVs is still low.

Only 14 electric vehicles, from brands such as Audi, Porsche, Morris Garages, BMW, Tesla, and Mercedes-Benz were imported in the last six months.

The NBR data also showed that a total of just 79 EVs have been imported since 2018.

Runner Group's Khan said EV sales would gradually increase in Bangladesh as the government is taking several initiatives to reduce fossil fuel consumption.

Apart from Chinese manufacturers, Indian companies are also entering the market with electric buses and mini-trucks. Overall, the electric car market will likely see significant growth in the days ahead, he added.​

 

[Saif]

Electric Vehicle Revolution In Bangladesh​

 

[Saif]

Pragoti to assemble and sell Kia sedan by this year

It signs deal with representative of Kia Corporation

www.thedailystar.net

Pragoti to assemble and sell Kia sedan by this year​

It signs deal with representative of Kia Corporation

State-run Pragoti Industries today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with STX Corporation, an authorised representative of Kia Corporation of South Korea, to assemble and sell Cerato, one of Kia's sedans.

Currently, the 1600cc vehicle is available in the local market in the reconditioned format at around Tk 38 lakh.​

​

"By signing the MoU, Pragati will be able to supply brand new sedans at a reasonable price to buyers, including the government and private organisations, by December 2024," said Abul Kalam Azad, managing director of Pragoti Industries.

Signing the deal with Park Sang Joon, chief executive officer of STX Corporation, in Seoul, Azad said 200 units would primarily be assembled per year using existing facilities.

Referring to its market survey, he said Cerato would be preferred by Bangladeshi customers for its sunroof, 10-inch screen and latest safety features.

A concern of the Bangladesh Steel and Engineering Corporation (BSEC), Pragoti currently assembles sport utility vehicles, such as the Pajero Sport, active sport crossovers, and double-cabin pickups of the Japanese brand as well as buses designed by India's Tata.

For about a decade now, Pragati has been seeking approval to assemble sedans with engine capacities of within 1600cc to make the cars more affordable for local consumers.

The annual demand for sedans in Bangladesh currently stands at about 16,000 units, according to data of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority.

Of the total demand, around 83 percent is met through reconditioned car imports from Japan.

This is because at present, only PHP Group, Fair Technology Group and Pragoti Industries are engaged in local assembly, said industry people.

Attending the signing ceremony as chief guest, Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun said Pragati would be able to utilise its Chattogram factory's close proximity to Chattogram port.

"Sedan car assembling will start. Then manufacturing. Pragati will have its own brand," he said, calling upon Kia Corporation for technical assistance and investment.

Md Moniruzzaman, BSEC chairman, SM Alam, additional secretary to the industries ministry, Delwar Hossain, ambassador of Bangladesh to South Korea, Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, representative of Kia Bangladesh and executive director of Meghna Automobile, Sang Ho (Stevin) Park, managing director of STX Corporation, and Sang Nam Kim, mobility business division team leader, were present.​

 

[Saif]

Three Chinese automobile companies are aiming at investing in Bangladesh at the soonest. They are keen on joint venture in Bangladesh.

 

[Saif]

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thefinancialexpress.com.bd

মোটর শিল্পের বিকাশে সরকারের সহযোগিতা চায় ব্যবসায়ীরা
এফই অনলাইন ডেস্ক
Published :
May 09, 2024 21:53
Updated :
May 09, 2024 21:53

স্থানীয় বাজারে অটো মোবাইল শিল্পের বিশাল সম্ভাবনা বিদ্যমান। কিন্তু বিশাল এই বাজারের চাহিদা মেটাতে গাড়ি ও যন্ত্রপাতির অধিকাংশ নিয়ে আসতে হয় বিদেশ থেকে। এই শিল্পের বিকাশ ও স্থানীয় বাজার ধরার পাশাপাশি বিদেশে রপ্তানির সম্ভাবনা কাজে লাগাতে সরকারের সহযোগিতা চান এই খাতের সাথে সংশ্লিষ্ট ব্যবসায়ীরা। সরকারের নীতি সহায়তা পেলে দেশেই অটো মোবাইল প্রস্তুত ও উৎপাদন কার্যক্রম বিকশিত হবে বলে মনে করেন ব্যবসায়ীরা।

বৃহস্পতিবার সকালে এফবিসিসিআই কার্যালয়ে অনুষ্ঠিত অটোমোবাইল ম্যানুফ্যাকচারার্স এন্ড অ্যাসেম্বলারস্ বিষয়ক স্ট্যান্ডিং কমিটির প্রথম সভায় এসব বিষয় নিয়ে আলোচনা হয় বলে এক সংবাদ বিজ্ঞপ্তিতে জানানো হয়েছে।

সভায় প্রধান অতিথি হিসেবে (অনলাইনে) যুক্ত ছিলেন এফবিসিসিআই সভাপতি মাহবুবুল আলম। এতে সভাপতিত্ব করেন কমিটির চেয়ারম্যান এবং উত্তরা মটরস্ লিঃ এর চেয়ারম্যান এবং ব্যবস্থাপনা পরিচালক মতিউর রহমান।

প্রধান অতিথির বক্তব্যে এফবিসিসিআই সভাপতি মাহবুবুল আলম বলেন, আমাদের অর্থনীতি এখন অনেক বড়। অর্থনীতি বড় হওয়ার সাথে সাথে দেশে মোটর শিল্পের চাহিদাও অনেক বেড়েছে। এই সুযোগ কাজে লাগাতে সুনির্দিষ্ট পরিকল্পনা অনুযায়ী আগাতে হবে।

তিনি বলেন, স্মার্ট বাংলাদেশের দিকে আমরা এগিয়ে যাচ্ছি। ব্যবসায় অতীতেও যেমন চ্যালেঞ্জ ছিল, এখনো আছে এবং ভবিষ্যতেও থাকবে থাকবে। এর মধ্যেই বেসরকারি খাতের এগিয়ে নেওয়ার মাধ্যমে দেশের অর্থনীতিকে এগিয়ে নিতে হবে। এসময় লাইট ইঞ্জিনিয়ারিং এর বিকাশের উপরও জোর দেন তিনি।

অটোমোবাইল খাতে ম্যানুফ্যাকচারিং বা প্রস্তুতকরণে ব্যবসায়ীদের কাজ শুরু করার আহ্বান জানিয়ে এফবিসিসিআই্ সভাপতি বলেন, ব্যবসা চালাতে গাড়ি আমদানি করা হচ্ছে এবং হবেও। তবে আমদানি সারাজীবন নয়, এখন সময় হয়েছে আমরা গাড়ি প্রস্তুতকরণে দিকে মনোযোগী হওয়ার। এজন্য কাউকে না কাউকে কাজ শুরু করতে হবে। এসময় অটো মোবাইল উৎপাদনে বড় বড় শিল্প প্রতিষ্ঠানকে এগিয়ে আসার আহ্বান জানান তিনি।

কমিটির ডিরেক্টর ইন-চার্জ ও এফবিসিসিআই'র সাবেক সহ-সভাপতি মো. হাবীব উল্লাহ ডন বলেন, "দেশের জনসংখ্যা দিন দিন বাড়ছে। মানুষের ক্রয়ক্ষমতায় বাড়ছে। তবে জনসংখ্যার তুলনায় পর্যাপ্ত গণপরিবহন না থাকায় মানুষ ব্যক্তিগত গাড়ি কিনছে। এক্ষেত্রে রিকন্ডিশনড্ গাড়ি আমদানি দেশের অর্থনীতিকে বেগবান করছে। তবে আমদানির সাথে সাথে অ্যাসেম্বলিং এবং তারপর প্রস্তুতকরণে কাজ শুরু করতে হবে"।

উন্মুক্ত আলোচনায় অংশ নিয়ে ব্যবসায়ীরা দেশে অটোমোবাইল খাতের ভেন্ডর উন্নয়নে জোর দেন। তারা বলেন, অটোমোবাইল খাতের বিশাল বাজার রয়েছে সারাবিশ্বে। এসব বাজার ধরতে দেশে যন্ত্রপাতি তৈরিতে ভেন্ডর উন্নয়ন জরুরি। ভেন্ডর উন্নয়নে প্রণোদনাসহ লক্ষ্য নির্ধারণ করা উচিত।

এছাড়া অটোমোবাইল খাতের মেইটেইন্যান্সের জন্য আলাদা অঞ্চল নির্ধারণ করে দেয়া, সময়ের সাথে সাথে এসআরও-তে পরিবর্তন আনা, দেশে ইলেকট্রিক যানবাহন আমদানি সহজীকরণ করা, বিআরটিএ-তে যানবাহনের রেজিস্ট্রেশন প্রক্রিয়া দ্রুততর করা, ব্যাংকগুলোকে একই নীতি অনুসরণ করাসহ অটোমোবাইল খাত সংশ্লিষ্ট সরকারের যেকোনো নীতিমালা প্রণয়নে অভিজ্ঞ ব্যবসায়ীদের মতামত গ্রহণ করার দাবি জানান ব্যবসায়ীরা।

সভায় আরও উপস্থিত ছিলেন এফবিসিসিআইর পরিচালক হাফেজ হাজী হারুন অর রশীদ, কাওসার আহমেদ, নিয়াজ আলী চিশতী, আমির হোসেন নূরানী, মহাসচি মো. আলমগীর, কমিটির কো-চেয়ারম্যান ও সদস্যবৃন্দ।​

 

[Saif]

PHP Motors unveils Malaysia's Perodua in Bangladesh

PHP Motors has introduced Perodua, the Malaysian automobile brand, to the Bangladeshi market for the very first time, according to a press release Saturday. The launching event was hosted by Sufi Mohamed Mizanur Rahman, founder chairman of the country's top conglomerate PHP Family and Ekushey Pada

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

PHP Motors unveils Malaysia's Perodua in Bangladesh
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
May 11, 2024 22:48
Updated :
May 11, 2024 22:52

PHP Motors has introduced Perodua, the Malaysian automobile brand, to the Bangladeshi market for the very first time, according to a press release Saturday.

The launching event was hosted by Sufi Mohamed Mizanur Rahman, founder chairman of the country's top conglomerate PHP Family and Ekushey Padak winner for social service, at Pan Pacific Sonargaon in Dhaka on Thursday.

This landmark occasion promised to be an evening of grandeur and significance as PHP Motors introduced the renowned Malaysian automotive brand to the Bangladeshi market for the first time, said the release.

PHP Motors Executive Director (Sales and Marketing) Taseer Karim moderated the ceremony.

Mohammed Akther Parvez, managing director of PHP Motors said, "Sufi Mohamed Mizanur Rahman is the visionary person who established the first automobile plant in Bangladesh in the private sector. Today is a day of celebration for Perodua vehicle launching program inauguration."

"We would like to thank the National Board of Revenue for supporting our automobile industry from day one by setting up policies to encourage industrialists to establish assembly factories in Bangladesh. I also like to take this opportunity to thank Chittagong Customs for giving priority to this industry."

"I am thrilled to introduce to all of you our latest innovation in the world of transportation. Introducing vehicle app perfect vehicle solutions is a regulation initiative in the automobile industry. Anyone can download this app for free and order their desired spare parts hassle-free."

"You all will be happy to know that we have also established a proper service centre in Dhaka where our customers will be able to buy their desired vehicles and also get spare parts and after-sale service."

"And we also have a service centre in Chattogram as well where our customer is already enjoying after-sale service and also getting spare parts on time."

High Commissioner of Malaysia Haznah Md Hashim and Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury also spoke at the event.​

 

[Saif]

3-day Dhaka Motor Show to begin May 23

The 17th edition of Dhaka Motor Show 2024 is set to begin from May 23 at Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre at Purbachal in Dhaka...

www.newagebd.net

3-day Dhaka Motor Show to begin May 23
Staff Correspondent 13 May, 2024, 22:44

CEMS Global USA and Asia Pacific managing director Meherun N Islam, CEMS-Global group chief executive officer SS Sarwar, executive director Tanveer Qamrul Islam and international marketing director Abhishek Das are present at a media briefing on the 17th Dhaka Motor Show 2024 in Dhaka on Monday. | — Press release

The 17th edition of Dhaka Motor Show 2024 is set to begin from May 23 at Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre at Purbachal in Dhaka.

The annual show organised by CEMS Global USA also includes three more specialised expos named 8th Dhaka Bike Show 2024, 7th Dhaka Auto Parts Show 2024 and 6th Dhaka Commercial Automotive Show 2024.

'The Dhaka Motor Show serves as an one-stop platform for motor lovers and auto industry business buyers and sellers,' said Meherun N Islam, managing director of CEMS Global USA and Asia Pacific, at a media briefing on Monday.

The three-day exhibition will showcase brand new cars, motorbikes, auto-parts, commercial vehicles and all kinds of auto accessories where visitors and exhibitors will get to know each other, she added.

The Dhaka Motor Show will host more than 600 booths and over 175 exhibiting companies this year, from more than 17 countries.

The show will remain open from 11:00am to 9:00pm every day and will end on May 25.

SS Sarwar, group chief executive officer of CEMS-Global, Tanveer Qamrul Islam, executive director of CEMS-Global and Abhishek Das, director of international marketing of CEMS-Global, were also present at the media briefing.​

 

[Saif]

Turkish media has discussed about 'Palki'---Bangladesh's first electric car and termed it as an alternative to Elon Mask's Tesla. The video is in both Bengali and English.

 

[Saif]

Dhaka Motor Show begins in Purbachal

175 companies from 17 countries are taking part in the show

www.thedailystar.net

Dhaka Motor Show begins in Purbachal
175 companies from 17 countries are taking part in the show

The 17th edition of the Dhaka Motor Show kicked off at the Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre (BBCFEC) in Purbachal area today.

Automotive manufacturers of over 175 companies from 17 countries, including Japan, India, China, Malaysia, South Korea and the USA, are showcasing latest cars, bikes and other aftermarket supporting parts for vehicles in the show occupying more than 600 booths.

To read the rest of the news, please click on the link above.​

 

[Saif]

EVs, locally assembled cars steal the show

Locally assembled cars and the range of electric vehicles (EVs) offered by Mercedes-Benz were the main attraction during the 17th Dhaka Motor Show at the Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center on Friday.

www.thedailystar.net

EVs, locally assembled cars steal the show

A model poses for photographs with a Mercedes-Benz car at Dhaka Motor Show at the Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center. Photo: Collected

Locally assembled cars and the range of electric vehicles (EVs) offered by Mercedes-Benz were the main attraction during the 17th Dhaka Motor Show at the Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center on Friday.
The show, which ran from May 23-25, was organised by CEMS-Global.

Rancon Motors was showcasing Malaysian brand Proton's X70 model, which is assembled in Rancon's hi-tech industrial park, while Meghna Automobiles Ltd (MAL) was displaying two cars under South Korean brand Kia, the 1,500cc Seltos and 1,600cc Cerato.

To read the rest of the news, please click on the link above.​

 

[Saif]

Global car brands 'Jaecoo' and 'Omoda' arrive in Bangladesh

Three new models of cars from the brands ‘Jaecoo’ and ‘Omoda’ have been launched in Bangladesh: JAECOO J7, OMODA C5, and OMODA E5. According to a press release, Asian MotorSpeX Limited, the official distributor of these cars, unveiled them at the recently held 17th Dhaka Motor Show 2024.

www.thedailystar.net

Global car brands 'Jaecoo' and 'Omoda' arrive in Bangladesh

Three new models of cars from the brands 'Jaecoo' and 'Omoda' have been launched in Bangladesh: JAECOO J7, OMODA C5, and OMODA E5. According to a press release, Asian MotorSpeX Limited, the official distributor of these cars, unveiled them at the recently held 17th Dhaka Motor Show 2024.

JAECOO J7

The JAECOO J7 is an AWD off-road SUV featuring seven different driving modes. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in eight seconds. Other features include steel chassis, ADAS safety systems, 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, and a panoramic sunroof.

The interior is equipped with smart AI voice assistance, 50 W air-cooled wireless charging, dual-zone automatic AC with climate control, among other features. The dimensions of the car are 4500 mm in length, 1865 mm in width, and 1680 mm in height.

To read the rest of the news, please click on the link above.​

 

[Bilal9]

Meghna Automobiles Ltd (MAL) was displaying two cars under South Korean brand Kia, the 1,500cc Seltos and 1,600cc Cerato.

Meghna Automobiles has a "screwdriver operation" in Northern Dhaka suburbs (probably Konabari or Gazipur proper) where they assemble the Kia Seltos and Cerato models from Indian-made engines, complete suspension assemblies, body panels and other major sub-assemblies.

This is highly unsatisfactory - because most of the value-addition (I'd say close to 90% or more) is being made in India, when ideally anything sold here should have at least 50% labor-value-addition or more. Screwing things together does not help a workforce learn anything like engine or suspension assembly or building sheetmetal body panels from scratch.

The Lax attitude of the Bangladeshi customs people are to blame because they allowed this (I'm sure bribes and corruption were involved).

You cannot get away with this in a country like India - they won't allow this sort of thing in a million years.

What the Bangladesh govt. should do is what they did for cellphone mfg. - tax the hell out of imported large vehicle assemblies (sheetmetal quarter panels, bonnets etc.) or major engine sub-assemblies for cars and ease-off on taxation for more discrete imported parts like engine parts. Which would essentially force companies like Meghna to set up engine-assembly and body-stamping operations. That is what we need.

 

[Bilal9]

Global car brands 'Jaecoo' and 'Omoda' arrive in Bangladesh

Three new models of cars from the brands ‘Jaecoo’ and ‘Omoda’ have been launched in Bangladesh: JAECOO J7, OMODA C5, and OMODA E5. According to a press release, Asian MotorSpeX Limited, the official distributor of these cars, unveiled them at the recently held 17th Dhaka Motor Show 2024.

www.thedailystar.net

Global car brands 'Jaecoo' and 'Omoda' arrive in Bangladesh

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Jaecoo and Omoda are sub-brands of Chery cars from China. As such quality should not be too bad. For myself - Chinese cars are still a bit of a question mark. More sold on major global brands.

 

[Saif]

Jaecoo and Omoda are sub-brands of Chery cars from China. As such quality should not be too bad. For myself - Chinese cars are still a bit of a question mark. More sold on major global brands.

Bangladesh has been importing Japanese cars since its independence but Japan hasn't established car manufacturing plants in Bangladesh so far. The Govt. should open the local automobile market for China and restrict Japanese cars in the market. This way we would be able to draw huge Chinese investments in our automobile sector. What do you say?