Hub Power Company (HUBCO) plans to begin local production of Chinese automaker BYD’s vehicles in Pakistan in December 2026, with the Sealion 6 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) expected to be the first locally assembled model.

The development was shared during a management briefing attended by Arif Habib Limited (AHL) on Tuesday.

According to AHL, HUBCO’s electric vehicle business is gaining momentum, with cumulative BYD sales crossing 10,000 units. The business earned approximately Rs. 1.5 billion in profit during the first quarter of fiscal year 2027, of which HUBCO’s share was Rs. 780 million.

AHL said management expects further growth after local production begins under the completely knocked down (CKD) arrangement in December 2026.

The Sealion 6 PHEV will be the first model assembled locally as part of the company’s initial production plans.

HUBCO is also evaluating additional BYD vehicles, particularly models in the higher-volume B and C segments. The Sealion 6, B8 and B5 are expected around the end of calendar year 2026, according to AHL.

The move is part of HUBCO’s expansion into Pakistan’s automotive market through its partnership with Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD.

BYD entered Pakistan’s passenger vehicle market in March 2024 through a partnership with Mega Conglomerate Pvt. Ltd. The arrangement was subsequently structured through HUBCO’s wholly owned subsidiary, Hub Power Holdings, and its associated company, Mega Motor Company (MMC).

MMC is responsible for manufacturing, marketing and distributing BYD-branded passenger vehicles in Pakistan.

The company is also interested in developing electric vehicle charging infrastructure, building on HUBCO’s existing power generation business.

The BYD and MMC manufacturing plant near Karachi is initially expected to have an annual production capacity of 25,000 vehicles on a double-shift basis. This capacity could eventually increase to 50,000 vehicles annually.