Automobile Assembler: Revival in sight – By Insight Research
Dec 18 2024
Insight Securities
- Improving macro indicators has started to positively influence the auto sector, with signs of recovery appearing after months of sluggish activity. The 12-month moving average of auto sales has reached at 9.8k units, returning to the level last seen in Sep’23. The improvement is primarily attributable to broader recovery in overall macros along with stable exchange rate and lower borrowing cost. Interest rates have already been reduced by ~900bps, dropping from 22% in to 13%. This is also evident by improving auto financing number, which recorded uptick in last 2 consecutive month.
- Previously, challenging economic environment, higher car prices, and elevated interest rates had significantly affected car sales (passenger cars, jeeps & pickups), which dropped to 103.8K units in FY24, well below the 5-year average of 188.0K units & highest ever sales of 258.7K units in FY18. However in 5MFY25, car sales rebounded and depicted growth of 51% YoY to reach 50.9K units, compared to 33.6K units during the SPLY. This growth can be attributed to banks offering cheaper financing options, promotional incentives from manufacturers and supply side issues in SPLY. Historically, declining interest rates have spurred growth in auto financing, leading to higher vehicle sales. However, unfavorable conditions imposed on auto financing continue to limit growth. Many experts believe that improvement in auto financing limits can induce demand and as per media reports SBP is considering to raise the auto financing limit.