If you’re into the Pakistani automotive market, you probably know that Pak Suzuki has officially discontinued the iconic Bolan. That’s because soon, Pak Suzuki will be bringing Every as a replacement for that boxy Bolan. So far, the company has not officially revealed the launch date.
We have tried contacting multiple official personnel of Suzuki Pakistan, but they kept it confidential and didn’t tell us. However, according to third parties and our reliable sources, the Every will be launching in Pakistan around October 12, 2024.
In remembrance of “Carry Dabba,” Bolan was undoubtedly one of Pak Suzuki’s iconic products. Let’s examine whether Suzuki did the right thing by discontinuing Bolan.
Why Suzuki Dipped the Bolan?
Well, everything was going normal, and suddenly, a picture of the last Bolan chassis production went viral on the internet, stating that Suzuki had officially ended Bolan’s production line from its factory. Interestingly, this decision wasn’t taken by government regulations or legal issues,, and there seemed to be no external pressure behind the move.
So far, we know Suzuki began planning this strategy back in 2022. They kept it confidential for two years, and now, finally, the Bolan is being replaced by the Suzuki Every. While this seems like a sudden decision, it was actually part of Suzuki’s longest and riskiest strategic move in recent history.
But why? After 40 years, why did Suzuki decide to discontinue their best-selling vehicle? The answer is ahead:
Fierce Competition from Changan Karvaan
Yes, if you visit the motorway or GT road, you’ll mostly see the Changan Karvaan, a commercial minivan used for inner-city travel. As for the Bolan, there was really no competition with the Karvaan in this segment, as it had outperformed this 40-year-old boxy van.
While the Bolan was much cheaper than the Karvaan, it was more of a solid, weight-bearing pickup with a roof. It lacked features like AC, had a very stiff ride, and had poor suspension, and overall, it wasn’t suited for comfortably carrying passengers, especially for inter-city travel.
On the other hand, the Karvaan is a reliable minivan equipped with AC, comfortable seating, good cabin insulation, and a larger engine. It has become so popular that around 80% of private commercial inter-city minivans are now Karvaan.
Every – Suzuki’s Answer to Changan Karvaan
Suzuki recognized that if they didn’t act, Karvaan would be the only dominant player in the minivan market. In response to Karvaan’s success, they decided to introduce the Suzuki Every.
Changan, being a 1300cc invoice of Rs. 30 lacs, is expected to be Rs. 3-4 lacs more expensive than Every, which has an expected price tag of Rs. 26 lacs. Suzuki’s vehicle has a 660cc engine, making it more fuel-efficient than the 1300cc engine. In terms of driving experience, it’s expected to be nearly on par with the Karvaan, plus it will carry the trusted Suzuki emblem.
So, while the Suzuki Every may not be the best option for intercity travel on the motorway with 5-6 adult passengers on board due to its small 660cc engine, it will certainly give tough competition to the Karvaan for city uses. Some segments where we think the Every can compete with the Karvaan include:
- School pick-and-drop services
- Office staff pick-and-drop services
- In-city cargo delivery services
- Family travel, especially bigger families, which are concerned with fuel average
- Government offices and NGOs for fieldwork
- Utility vehicle for small businesses
Bolan Was Literally Too Outdated Vehicle
We know that Bolan was the first choice of small businesses, school pick-and-drop drivers, and cargo delivery companies, but it was way too old for today’s time. It didn’t have any AC, hard-rock leaf springs with 0 comfort on the back, and a tiny 800cc that only outputs 37 HP. The only technological change in this car was the EFI that Suzuki added back in 2012. Except that it was exactly the same thing that Suzuki used to offer in 1980, “Carry ST90” in Japan.
Changan Karvaan is better designed and more comfortable, and the main thing is that it has good AC performance. Due to AC, drivers could charge a premium from customers and, hence, more profit! That’s why, today, you’ll see inter-city private drivers mainly using this Changan minivan, even though it’s almost 11 lacs more expensive than Bolan.
This was just our opinion; let us know what you think. From our perspective, Changan Karvaan was the biggest reason why Suzuki is bringing Every to Pakistan.
Decision is good but…engine is small 600 cc..it should be 1000 cc
Price kitni hai
Suzuki spacialy crazy car Maker
Too old models making till now
Best information 👍
کیا معلوم انجن 660 سی سی سے زیادہ طاقت والا ھو۔
اگر 1000 سی سی کا ھوا تو یہ گاڑی بہت کامیاب رہے گی۔
ورنہ۔۔۔۔
ورنہ بھی کامیاب ھی ھو گی۔ سوزوکی کا نشان جو ھو گا۔
Suzuki should consider these things before production.
1. Every should be of 1000 or 800 cc not 600cc
2. Groud clearance should be considered
3. Price should be economical not too high
4. Should provide Ac vents for rear passengers
5. An option of Hybrid will give a added value to suzuki.
Suzuki should consider these things before production.
1. Every should be of 1000 or 800 cc not 600cc
2. Groud clearance should be considered
3. Price should be economical not too high
4. Should provide Ac vents for rear passengers
5. An option of Hybrid will give a added value to suzuki.
Every Engine is very small
Quite a nonsense decision, but nothing new, Suzuki has always been making such decisions, suddenly discontinuing with good selling models like Baleno and brought failed models like Liana.
Suzuki knows how to rules Pakistani s
And their pockets . So Suzuki will win its race and Pakistani will lose money in a cheapest Monopoly way……
660سی سی چھوٹا انجن ہے
Great article! I think replacing the Suzuki Bolan with the Suzuki Every makes a lot of sense, especially considering the need for updated features and better performance. The Bolan has been a reliable workhorse for years, but it was definitely due for a refresh. The Every offers more comfort, better fuel efficiency, and a modern design, which I believe will benefit both commercial users and families alike.
However, it’s also important to consider the price point and the specific needs of the market. The Bolan was affordable and easy to maintain, and I hope the Every can live up to that reputation while providing the upgrades users want. Overall, it seems like a good decision, but I’ll be keeping an eye on how well the Every performs in real-world conditions. Thanks for sharing this insightful comparison!
Every’s engine is looks like small and it may be not long listing good decision for all types of road,
I have a experience of 800cc engine which is very reliable from decades even on the off road, moterways intercity long routes it is really a very trusted of pakitanis.
Now I want to say only add 800cc engine in every it will be very amazing and strong and market staying decision for more many decades.
Think suzuki management.
Dear author where from where your information is coming? The stupid judge from Lahore high court asked every automaker to comply with W-29 standards. Even EDB warned Pak Suzuki about Suzuki Bolan. If these warnings hadn’t come down on Pak Suzuki, Suzuki Bolan would still be being assembled. Reason, the vehicle is still a preferred choice among trusts (NGOs,). Oh yes, just take a look at any scene of accident and answer what vehicle arrives first an ambulance of course. Well, most of Chippa, Edhi, Saylani vehicles are Suzuki Bolan kind, aren’t they? If no, then visit any hospital and find out the answer. Besides, small business owners set their store by Suzuki Bolan or Ravi, reason Bolan’s rear seat is pushed in full towards front seat. This seat arrangement leaves the entire deck free. The place is large enough to load even a Waves Triplet.
I know it because I had Suzuki Bolan for ten years and loaded even a 70cc bike inside it. Could you do that in Karvaan? No, so, the Chinese box can never replace Bolan among these categories because body layout isn’t that good its parts are expensive, fuel consumption is greater, and it isn’t as durable as a Bolan. It is for that reason that even TCS, OCS, M&P, and even UPS prefer using Suzuki Bolan.
For the record, take a look at outcome of Pak Suzuki’s decision to replace Mehran with Alto. They have lost their sizeable rural market’s share to Margalla, Khyber, Mehran, prior Alto, Cultus 2003-2017, Corolla 8th, 9th and 10th generations. I also remember people assuming Pearl beating Mehran. Well, Mehran is still being traded around like a hot cake, isn’t it? Its resale value and market are still held on, and the Pearl is limited to only few cities. Why? Comfort is not a priority for middle-class people because we know that a car is designed to travel, so it couldn’t offer comforts of a home that sits unmoving.
PS I am saying that again, Pak Suzuki is wrong. It should keep producing Bolan sidelong to secure a larger market base or at least as Mr. Tariq says retain engine and suspension set-up. After all Toyota Corolla 12th generation is offered in two suspension set-ups too and Toyota kept on producing 10th generation Corolla in South Africa until 2020.