Pakistan’s Electric Rickshaws Hit the Roads of the Philippines

Pakistan’s Sazgar Engineering has expanded its international footprint with the inauguration of its first overseas vehicle assembly plant in the Philippines, marking a significant milestone for the Pakistani automotive manufacturer.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inaugurated the facility in Biñan, Laguna, which is designed to produce up to 12,000 three-wheelers annually, with electric vehicles accounting for 60% of the initial production mix.

The new plant will manufacture passenger, commercial and electric three-wheelers for the Philippine market, supporting the country’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation.

Sazgar’s First Overseas Manufacturing Facility

The assembly plant represents Sazgar Engineering’s first manufacturing venture outside Pakistan, expanding the company’s operations into Southeast Asia.

The facility is 60% Filipino-owned and is expected to contribute to local employment, industrial development and the availability of affordable transport options.

With an annual production capacity of 12,000 three-wheelers, the plant will initially focus on electric models while also offering conventional passenger and commercial vehicles.

Electric three-wheelers are expected to account for 60% of production during the initial phase, reflecting growing demand for environmentally friendly mobility solutions.

🇵🇰🤝🇵🇭 Made in Pakistan, now in the Philippine market!

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. driving a Made-in-Pakistan three-wheeler(EV).
🇵🇰🤝🇵🇭

@mincompk
@tdap_official
@PkPublicDiplo https://t.co/TowNGdkDCt

— Pakistan Embassy Philippines (@PakinPhl) October 30, 2026

President Marcos Calls for Greater Local Manufacturing

During the inauguration, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. toured the assembly plant and reviewed its manufacturing operations.

He encouraged the company and its local partners to increase the use of domestically manufactured components, including batteries and rubber products, to strengthen the Philippines’ automotive supply chain.

Marcos emphasised the importance of developing local industries alongside foreign investment, particularly in sectors supporting electric mobility and sustainable transportation.

Greater use of locally sourced components could create additional opportunities for Filipino manufacturers and suppliers while reducing dependence on imported automotive parts.

Philippines Targets 50% Electric Vehicles by 2040

The new facility supports the Philippines’ broader ambition to accelerate electric vehicle adoption and reduce emissions from the transport sector.

The country aims to achieve a 50% electric vehicle share by 2040 as part of its transition towards cleaner mobility.

By prioritising electric three-wheelers, the Sazgar facility is expected to contribute to the expansion of electric transport options, particularly for passenger and commercial use.

Three-wheelers play an important role in local transport systems, providing mobility and livelihood opportunities in communities where smaller vehicles are widely used.

New Opportunities for Pakistan’s Automotive Industry

The establishment of Sazgar Engineering’s first overseas assembly plant marks an important development for Pakistan’s automotive manufacturing sector.

The expansion demonstrates the potential for Pakistani vehicle manufacturers to enter international markets through local partnerships and assembly operations.

The Philippine facility is expected to strengthen industrial cooperation while creating opportunities for technology exchange, employment and local supply-chain development.

With production capacity reaching 12,000 units annually, the investment positions Sazgar Engineering to participate in the Philippines’ growing electric mobility market.

The project also reflects expanding opportunities for Pakistani engineering companies in Southeast Asia as countries increasingly invest in cleaner transport solutions.