The current fiscal year is witnessing intense competition in Nepal’s passenger car import market, with Indian brand Tata and Chinese brand BYD emerging as front-runners. According to data up to Jestha 14, a total of 17,732 passenger cars were imported, with these two brands locked in a tight race for the top spot.
Tata leads with 2,607 units imported. This includes 1,174 units designated as taxis and 1,433 units as other passenger vehicles. Tata currently markets models such as the Tiago EV, Nexon K3 EV, Curvv EV, and Punch EV, alongside their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts.
Closely trailing is Chinese EV giant BYD, with 2,506 units imported. BYD offers popular models like the Atto 3, Dolphin, Seal, and M6 in the Nepali market. This intense rivalry between Tata and BYD was also a highlight of last year’s import figures.
The battle for third place is equally fierce between Mahindra and Hyundai. Mahindra imported 1,740 units, while Hyundai imported and assembled 1,704 units, a marginal difference of just 36 units separating the two.
Among other significant brands:
- Chinese brand MG is in fifth place with 1,250 units.
- Legacy brand Suzuki (1,092 units) and newcomer Dongfeng Nami (1,024 units) hold the sixth and seventh positions, respectively.
- Chery’s Omoda & Jaecoo (710 units) and Changan’s Deepal (704 units) are also in close contention for market share.
- Kia ranks tenth with 465 units imported.
Of the approximately 60 car brands available in the Nepali market, Electric Vehicles (EVs) command a significant 80% market share, highlighting a clear shift in consumer preference and market dynamics.
Surge in EV Imports: Top 5 Models in First Five Months of 2025
From January to May 2025 (pre-budget), a remarkable 8,494 electric jeeps, cars, and vans were imported. This figure accounts for over 60% of the total annual car sales in Nepal. Dealers had reportedly stocked up on EVs anticipating tax revisions in the budget; however, the EV tax rates remained unchanged.
The top 5 most imported models during this five-month period were:
- MG S-5: 1,052 units (imported within three months of its sales launch). Starting price: Rs. 43.99 Lakh.
- Tata Xpres-T (Taxi): 756 units. Price: Rs. 36.99 Lakh.
- Dongfeng Nammi Box: 664 units. Starting price: Rs. 30 Lakh.
- BYD Dolphin: 585 units. Price: Rs. 41.15 Lakh.
- Hyundai Creta EV: 345 units (launched in March 2025). Starting price: Rs. 51.96 Lakh.
These figures underscore the dynamic and increasingly competitive nature of the Nepali automobile market, especially within the burgeoning electric vehicle segment.
