KATHMANDU: Competition among business conglomerates has intensified as electric vehicle (EV) sales continue to rise. Most major business houses are now importing multiple EV brands, some handling nearly a dozen, as they race to capture the growing market.
Fierce competition is particularly evident in the four-wheeler and light commercial vehicle segments. As many as three dozen brands are competing for market share in these segments.
According to the Department of Customs (DoC), a total of 17,085 electric vehicles have been imported into the country till May 29 of the current fiscal year, which began on July 16 last year. MAW Group is currently at the top based on import volume.
Apart from these big groups, other companies collectively imported 2,030 units during the review period.
MAW Vriddhi, under the MAW Group, has been importing EVs from brands such as Dongfeng, Changan, Foton, Sokon and Seres. Additionally, the group’s other subsidiary, MAW Ride, imports the premium Chinese brand Avatr.
During the period, MAW Vriddhi imported 1,025 units of Dongfeng Nammi electric hatchbacks, 712 units of Deepal vehicles, 685 units of Foton vans and 175 units of Sokon vans. It also imported 122 units of Seres. Similarly, MAW Ride brought in 40 units of Avatr vehicles. Altogether, MAW Group imported 2,759 electric vehicles during the review period.
Sipradi Trading, the authorized distributor of Tata, is closely behind. It has imported 2,754 electric vehicles, including electric taxis, as of May 29 in the current fiscal year.
CG Motors, under the CG Group, is in the third position in terms of import volume. Light commercial vehicles made up the lion’s share of the group’s imports in the review period. CG Motors brought in a total of 2,751 units, including 949 units of KYC vans and 887 units of Kinglong vans. Likewise, it imported 234 units of Riddara pickup trucks, 206 units of GAC Aion SUV, 175 of Dayun, 162 of Neta, 134 of Xpeng and four units of Smart EVs during the period.
Cimex Inc, the authorized distributor of BYD, is in the fourth position, importing 2,515 units. Popular SUV Atto 3 and hatchback Dolphin are the major offerings of BYD in Nepal.
Vishal Group ranked fifth with a total of 2,274 units imported. The group brought in 1,260 units of MG vehicles, 28 units of Great Wall Motors and one Renault car. Toward commercial vehicles, the group imported 553 units of Shineray vans, 362 units of Joylong vans and 60 units of Jinbei vans.
The joint venture of Sharda Group and Golchha Organization was in the sixth position with a total of 1,458 units imported till May 29 of the current fiscal year. These include 709 units of Omoda/Jaeco, 437 units of Leapmotor, 163 units of Kaiyi, 72 units of Zeekr, and 57 units of Citroën.
Laxmi Group ranked seventh with 584 units. Due to lower sales of Hyundai EVs. As of May 29, the group has imported 345 units of Hyundai, 184 units of Kaiyi, 53 units of BMW and two units of Forthing vehicles.
Apart from these big groups, other companies collectively imported 2,030 units during the review period.
Brands with imports exceeding 100 units include DFSK vans (377 units), JMEV (215 units), Proton (202 units), Kama pickup trucks (170 units), DFAC vans (119 units), Skywell SUVs (114 units), Keyton vans (114 units) and Higer vans (105 units).
