KARACHI – China, South Korea and Singapore are the leading markets for electric vehicle (EV) adoption and readiness in the Asia-Pacific region, according to a new index published by Australia-based insurance comparison platform Compare The Market.

The EV-Friendly Countries Index assessed 25 countries using five indicators: charging infrastructure, EV market share in 2025, operating costs, government incentives and policies to phase out internal combustion engine vehicles.

Norway topped the global rankings with a score of 75.43 out of 100, followed closely by China with 75.27. South Korea ranked third with 68.17, while Singapore was seventh overall with a score of 54.59, making it the only other Asia-Pacific country to feature in the top 10.

According to the index, Singapore ranked second globally for EV market share and third for charger accessibility, with 10.54 charging points per 1,000 drivers. However, it also recorded one of the highest operating costs, at $56.10 per 100 kilometres.

The remainder of the top 10 was dominated by European countries, with France, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, the United Kingdom and Germany all securing places in the rankings.

Other Asia-Pacific countries ranked lower, with India placing 16th, Australia 19th, Japan 20th and New Zealand 22nd.

The report noted that while Australia benefited from relatively low charging costs, limited charging infrastructure, lower EV market penetration and the absence of government incentives weighed on its overall ranking.

Compare The Market said the findings suggest that higher charging costs do not necessarily discourage EV adoption, as several countries with strong EV uptake also recorded above-average operating costs, indicating that factors such as infrastructure, policy support and market maturity play a more significant role.

ISLAMABAD – Pak Suzuki Motor Company has announced the disassociation of three dealerships from its authorised dealer network with effect from June 24, 2026.

In a public notice, the company said the affected outlets include Suzuki Habib Motors in Rahim Yar Khan, Suzuki Habib Motors’ Khanpur branch and Suzuki Habib Alipur Motors in Alipur.

The automaker clarified that the dealerships are no longer authorised to sell Suzuki vehicles or receive payments on behalf of the company.

Customers were advised not to contact the former dealerships for vehicle bookings, payments, delivery-related matters or after-sales services.

Pak Suzuki urged consumers to use only its authorised dealership network for vehicle purchases and related services to avoid inconvenience and ensure access to official company support.

The company did not provide reasons for the disassociation in its notice.

The announcement forms part of an update to Pak Suzuki’s dealer network and follows the company’s advice to customers to verify dealership status before carrying out vehicle transactions or obtaining after-sales support.

LAHORE – Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts & Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) held a special ceremony in Lahore to formally announce and launch the 21st Pakistan Auto Show (PAPS) 2026. The event’s theme, “Make in Pakistan,” emphasises the country’s expanding industrial and automotive sectors while supporting local manufacturing and production excellence.

The exclusive event was attended by PAAPAM members, leading figures from Pakistan’s automotive industry, manufacturers, and key stakeholders. During the ceremony, PAAPAM’s Organising Committee formally announced PAPS 2026 and outlined the strategic vision and roadmap for the exhibition, reinforcing the “Make in Pakistan” theme as a platform to showcase innovation, local manufacturing strength, technological advancement, and investment opportunities.

A detailed briefing session was held to introduce the official PAPS 2026 website, explaining the exhibitor registration process, participation guidelines, and digital booking system. The organizing committee announced that the website will go live on Wednesday, February 17, at 8:00 PM, enabling exhibitors to book their slots online. Even prior to the launch, the response from industry participants was overwhelmingly positive, reflecting strong confidence in the exhibition’s scale, potential, and national industrial vision.

The launch ceremony was attended by Usman Aslam Malik (Chairman, PAAPAM), Syed Nabeel Hashmi (Chief Organizer, PAPS 2026), Salman Saleem (Convener, PAPS 2026 Organising Committee), Mr. Muhammad Nasim (Co-Convener, PAPS 2026), Col. Attiq (Secretary, PAAPAM), Anas Haroon (Project Manager, PAPS 2026), Irfan Qureshi (Committee Member), Taufeeq Sherwani (Committee Member), Javed Hafeez (Committee Member), Muhammad Ashraf (Committee Member), and other distinguished members of the association.

PAPS 2026 is scheduled to take place on September 18–20, 2026, in Lahore, bringing together automotive parts manufacturers, OEMs, vehicle assemblers, engineers, technology providers, investors, and international exhibitors under one roof, celebrating the vision of Make in Pakistan.

Usman Aslam Malik, Chairman of PAAPAM, said: “We are proud to officially launch the 21st edition of Pakistan Auto Show 2026 in Lahore under the ‘Make in Pakistan’ theme. This platform will showcase Pakistan’s automotive industry to the world, strengthen local manufacturing, and open new investment opportunities for our domestic industry.”

Salman Saleem, Convener, PAPS 2026 Organising Committee, stated: “The Pakistan Auto Show has become the largest platform of its kind in the country. It brings together manufacturers and assemblers of auto parts, motorcycle parts, and tractor components. Every year, this exhibition highlights the strength, innovation, and dedication of our industry while promoting the national agenda of Make in Pakistan.”

The ceremony reinforced PAPS 2026’s position as a premier platform for networking, business development, and showcasing Pakistan’s automotive and manufacturing capabilities.