KATHMANDU: Several car models that were once popular in Nepal are no longer being sold in the market. Although these models continue to perform well in their countries of production, their imports to Nepal have stopped.
Many vehicles produced and sold in India are no longer being imported to Nepal. The rapid rise in electric vehicle adoption and the relatively higher price of petrol cars have reduced the demand for small gasoline models in the country.
As a result, imports and sales of several models have gradually stopped.
One of the affected models is the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, a premium hatchback previously sold in Nepal by CG Motocorp. The car was popular among Nepali buyers, but its import stopped after 2022, even though it remains a strong seller in India.
The Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 also disappeared from the Nepali market after production ended in India. The model was widely used as a taxi across Nepal.
Another Maruti Suzuki model, the Maruti Suzuki Ignis, has not been imported to Nepal for the past five years, despite continuing sales in India.
The Maruti Suzuki S Presso has also stopped arriving in Nepal, with imports halted for around three years.
The Renault Kwid, once a successful small hatchback known for its affordable price and low running cost, is another model no longer available in Nepal. The car was officially sold by Advanced Automobiles, but rising EV demand significantly reduced its sales.
Similarly, Renault Kiger, a sub-four-meter compact SUV, has also stopped sales in Nepal.
The Tata Altroz premium hatchback continues to sell well in India, but its sales in Nepal were limited. Official distributor Sipradi Trading introduced the model, although imports have stopped in recent years.
Among sedans, the Hyundai Aura is another model no longer imported to Nepal. Declining demand for sedans and rising EV adoption have reduced its presence in the market. In India, however, the model continues to record steady sales. Hyundai vehicles in Nepal are distributed by Laxmi Intercontinental.
Another sedan affected is the Honda Amaze, which was sold in Nepal by Syakar Trading. Imports have now stopped, and the model is no longer available in the market.
The Changan Alsvin sedan, one of the first models introduced by MAW Vriddhi, has also been discontinued in Nepal. The company now focuses on EV models from Changan’s new energy brand Deepal.
In addition, the MG ZS petrol SUV has been discontinued globally, which also ended its availability in Nepal. Buyers can now choose the MG S5 as an alternative.
Another discontinued model is the BYD e6, the first model that helped Cimex Inc. establish a presence in Nepal. The model has now been replaced by the newer BYD M6.
The decline of these models highlights a major shift in Nepal’s automobile market, where electric vehicles are rapidly replacing small petrol cars.
