In the Age of Driverless Cars, Suzuki Bolan is Relaunching with an ‘Air Conditioner’

Suzuki Bolan-The quintessential school van for commuting that has been roaming the roads of our homeland since time immemorial. Suzuki Bolan is one of those remnants of the past that we can’t seem to get rid of even with the myriad of advancements in the automobile industry. Even after 40 years, this iconic ‘Carry Dabba’ thrives on the roads of Pakistan and is one of the top searched used cars for sale in Pakistan on online car selling platforms.

Recently the Japanese manufacturer has come under fire for introducing the ‘AC feature’ with plastic knobs that remind us of our washing machine in Suzuki Bolan. In the age of technological advancement, where driverless cars and EVs are becoming a common sight, Suzuki has finally realised that sitting on the iconic scorching seats of Bolan (as its engine is placed below the seats) is undeniably a very unpleasant experience.

Some say that Bolan is simply a box on wheels with a lack of proper retractable seatbelts and airbags which constitute a safety hazard. Moreover, it comes with a 2 disc and 2 drum brakes which makes Bolan extremely unstable and wobbly while driving. Despite these woes, It is sold for more than a million and its used car price in Pakistan keeps on increasing.

The Legacy of the ‘Carry Dabba’ in Pakistan

In 1982, Suzuki Bolan came to Pakistan titled ‘High-Roof’ however it was rebranded with an indigenous name as ‘Suzuki Bolan’ in 1991. The rebranding was timely as its assembling had started locally in Karachi at the Bin Qasim facility. If we talk about the specs and the technology, it is deemed an obsolete vehicle as it is a 7th generation Suzuki Carry ST-90 which was introduced in 1979.

Although this particular model has gone through a lot of modifications in other parts of the world i.e. eight-generation DA-71 Carry the outdated Bolan continues to thrive with its nothingness. With a mere slight change in engine function and a negligible cosmetic change, Suzuki Bolan is an omnipresent vehicle in the market with little change since its inception. Despite these reasons, Suzuki Bolan used car price in Pakistan is elevating in the current amplified market.

Reasons Behind the Popularity

Suzuki Bolan became popular due to numerous reasons. The first and foremost popular reason we see it still today is its use for school and college vans. Many people invested in a Bolan and kick-started their driving career. Due to this factor, many people are always looking for Suzuki Bolan used cars for sale in Pakistan.

Others who wanted a big family car opted for one owing to the large number of people it can seat. The seating capacity is one of the core reasons so many people bought the iconic white Bolan. Moreover, it is a really great investment if used commercially with a relatively good resale value having very minimal maintenance costs.

These advantages are static and in today’s era, Suzuki has made no significant change to the make and model in order to add value and the car just exists in the automobile ecosystem. It has a niche market and people continue to buy it with the knowledge that is not made for the current times. Three decades have passed and Pak Suzuki are still the assemblers of the obsolete ST-90 Bolan. They have made no efforts to attain the Intellectual Property Rights of Suzuki Mehran.

When it comes to collaboration like these, a local car assembler can acquire the rights to modify the vehicle is just 4 to 5 years but Suzuki Mehran is just stuck in the past like a relic from a past life.

Discontinuation and What Lies Ahead?

Many car aficionados and enthusiast believe that introducing the AC feature was just a farewell note to the legacy of a memorable car in order to make it more attractive for prospective buyers. According to the Auto Industry Development and Export Policy (AIDEP 2021-26), the government has announced that the sale of imported or locally manufactured/ assembled vehicles will be halted after June 30, 2022 who don’t comply with the necessary regulation of dual airbags.

It is imperative that airbags are present for driver & front passenger which isn’t realistically possible for a Suzuki Bolan. This is a last and final try by Suzuki to increase the sales of Bolan before it is halted forever as their interior space lacks the room required to install safety airbags.

Prospective buyers and everyone else in the Pakistani car market is well aware of the current situation that Suzuki is withdrawing this obsolete model and unveiling a sixth-generation minivan in 2022. But Suzuki still hopes that it can rope in a few sales in the guise of nostalgia.