KATHMANDU: Nepal has seen strong passenger car imports since the start of 2025. Anticipation of higher taxes in the federal budget prompted dealers to bring in a large number of vehicles during April and May.
According to the Department of Customs, 54 different passenger car models entered Nepal till mid-August of 2025, with overall imports reaching 9,597 units.
The MG S5 was the most imported model during the period. Paramount Motors, the authorized distributor of MG in Nepal, imported 1,052 units of the electric SUV during the period.
The Hyundai Creta, which has remained the best-seller in Nepal since 2016, ranked second. Laxmi Intercontinental, which represents Hyundai in Nepal, also assembles the Creta locally. It also distributes Creta Electric in Nepal. A total of 853 units of Creta were imported in the review period.
The third place went to Dongfeng Nammi 01. The compact electric hatchback has quickly become a popular choice for consumers looking for their first car. MAW Vriddhi, the authorized Nammi distributor in Nepal, has imported 664 units of this model so far this year.
BYD’s Dolphin hatchback, which is credited with revitalizing the electric hatchback segment, came fourth with 585 units imported between January 1 and August 15. Another BYD model, Atto 2, was next with 431 units imported. Cimex Inc represents BYD in Nepal.
Chinese automaker BYD has two models in the top ten – Dolphin and Atto 3.
Tata Punch EV, introduced in the Nepali market a year ago by Sipradi Trading, ranked sixth with 406 units imported between January and mid-August.
Seventh place went to Deepal’s S07 crossover. MAW Vriddhi, the authorized Deepal distributor in Nepal, brought in 278 units of the Chinese brand’s popular NEV model in the Nepali market during the period.
Leapmotor’s flagship SUV, the C10, secured eighth position with 239 units imported. Shangrila Motors is the authorized distributor of Leapmotor in Nepal.
Malaysian brand Proton was next with 202 units of eMas 7 electric SUV imported till mid-August. Jagdamba Motors represents Proton in Nepal.
Omoda E5, an electric SUV from Chery’s NEV lineup, ranked 1oth. SPG Automobiles, Chery’s authorized distributor in Nepal, imported 199 units of E5 in the review period.
