Chereads / Beyond steel and wheels / Chapter 18 - **Chapter 16: Launching the First Car**.

Chapter 18 - **Chapter 16: Launching the First Car**.

With the **Hyundai partnership secured**, Dewan Motors was ready to make its grand comeback. The deal marked a **new chapter in Pakistan's automobile industry**, promising innovation, affordability, and competition against established brands. But securing a deal was only the beginning—the real challenge lay in **bringing the first car to market**.

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### **The Vision Takes Shape**

Back in **Dewan House, Karachi**, Dewan Mohammad Yousuf Farooqui gathered his key executives. The room buzzed with anticipation.

**"We need a car that makes an impact,"** Yousuf said, pacing the room. **"It should be practical, fuel-efficient, and appeal to middle-class Pakistanis."**

Salman Farooqui, the **COO**, nodded. **"Hyundai suggests launching with the Santro. It has brand recognition and fits the urban market."**

Nadia Hussain, **CFO**, interjected. **"But will the market trust us again? We need a strong marketing strategy."**

Sikandar Mehmood, **Head of Operations**, placed a document on the table. **"Our biggest challenge is setting up the production line in Sujawal. Hyundai's engineers will be arriving next month to oversee assembly."**

Yousuf exhaled, placing both hands on the table. **"We have one shot at this. Let's make it count."**

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### **Rebuilding the Factory**

The **Sujawal plant**, once a thriving hub of automobile production, had fallen silent. Machines were rusted, and production lines were gathering dust. But with **new investment**, the factory was being revived. **Korean engineers** from Hyundai arrived, working alongside Pakistani technicians to reassemble the production line.

During a **visit to Sujawal**, Yousuf watched workers reinstall equipment. He turned to Sikandar. **"Can we meet the six-month timeline?"**

Sikandar hesitated. **"It'll be tough. We need to rehire skilled workers."**

Yousuf called for an urgent recruitment drive. Within weeks, hundreds of former employees returned, eager to be part of Dewan Motors' revival.

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### **Marketing the Comeback**

As production neared completion, Dewan Motors launched an aggressive **marketing campaign**.

- **TV commercials** showcased the Santro driving through Karachi's streets, emphasizing affordability and reliability.

- **Social media campaigns** targeted young professionals and families.

- **Dealerships** were reopened, offering pre-booking incentives.

At a **press conference in Karachi**, journalists fired questions.

**"Mr. Dewan, why should consumers trust Dewan Motors after its collapse?"**

Yousuf responded confidently. **"We have learned from our past. This time, we are here to stay."**

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### **The Grand Launch Event**

On **June 15, 2017**, at the **Karachi Expo Center**, Dewan Motors hosted a grand launch event. The hall was packed with **industry leaders, government officials, and media personalities**.

As the lights dimmed, a large screen played a video of Dewan Motors' journey—from its early days to its rebirth. Then, with a dramatic music cue, the curtains lifted, revealing the **first locally assembled Hyundai Santro**.

Applause erupted. Yousuf took the stage.

**"Ladies and gentlemen, the new era of Pakistani automobiles begins today!"**

Salman added, **"The Santro is just the beginning. More models will follow."**

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### **First Sales and Market Response**

Dealerships saw a surge in **pre-orders**. Within the first month, **over 5,000 units were booked**. Customers praised the Santro's **fuel efficiency, compact design, and affordability**.

**Customer Testimonials:**

- **Hassan Ahmed, a young professional:** "Finally, a reliable local car that isn't overpriced!"

- **Sadia Malik, a teacher:** "It's perfect for city driving. Easy to handle and park."

Competitors took notice. **Suzuki and Honda** launched aggressive promotions, but Dewan Motors had reignited consumer excitement.

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### **Conclusion**

Chapter 16 captures the thrilling journey of launching Dewan Motors' first car post-revival. It was a testament to resilience, strategy, and a vision to redefine Pakistan's auto industry. With the first success secured, the company now aimed to **expand its lineup and solidify its market position**.