Pakistan’s automaker Sazgar opens manufacturing plant in Philippines
- The plant is designed to assemble 12,000 three-wheelers annually
Sazgar Engineering Works Limited has inaugurated its manufacturing plant in the Philippines, marking the Pakistani automaker’s expansion into Southeast Asia and strengthening its international manufacturing footprint.
The facility, located in Laguna province, is designed to assemble approximately 12,000 three-wheeled vehicles annually, covering both electric and internal combustion engine models.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., speaking at the inauguration, said the investment reflected the country’s ambition to attract companies that manufacture locally rather than simply sell their products in the domestic market.
“That is the kind of investment that we want, not just companies that sell to the Filipinos but companies that make things with the Filipinos,” Marcos said.
He said the facility would strengthen the country’s manufacturing sector and support its transition towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation.
The plant is also expected to create employment opportunities for Filipino workers and business opportunities for local suppliers, including those involved in battery-related components, rubber, lubricants, etc the president said.
The facility’s electric three-wheelers are designed to travel between 100 and 210 kilometres on a single charge, potentially covering a full day’s trips without requiring petrol, added the president.
Sazgar Engineering Works Limited was established in Pakistan as a private limited company in 1991 and became a public limited company in 1994. The company’s main activities involve the manufacturing and sale of automobiles, automotive parts and accessories, and household electronic appliances.
Sazgar Engineering is recognised as one of Pakistan’s largest rickshaw manufacturers, with manufacturing plants located in Lahore. The company’s product portfolio includes auto rickshaws, tractor wheel rims, and home appliances.
Sazgar Engineering Works Limited exports three-wheelers and is actively looking to expand its presence in international markets.
Historically, the company has exported three-wheelers to Japan, Ethiopia, Qatar, Dubai, Mauritania, and Afghanistan. In 2024, Sazgar exported its three-wheelers to Japan, Liberia, Tanzania, and Afghanistan.
In September 2025, Sazgar announced plans to expand into new export markets, specifically targeting the Philippines, Mexico, and Afghanistan, as part of its strategy to strengthen growth and diversify revenues.