KATHMANDU: Around 30 brand-new cars were burned in Thapathali, the auto hub of Kathmandu, on the second day of the Gen-Z movement. Car showrooms in the area were also targeted by unruly groups during the protests.
Cars from Aion, Xpeng, Smart, Hyundai, Mahindra and Suzuki showrooms were set on fire, while some protesters also stole new vehicles.
Since the showrooms were closed during the movement, the protesters were able to take the cars without much difficulty.
According to company sources, the most damage occurred at CG Motors, the official dealer of Xpeng, Aion and Smart under Chaudhary Group. The company confirmed that 16 brand-new cars were completely destroyed and the rear of one used car was also burned.
The second most damage was reported at Tata Motors, operated by Sipradi Trading. Four new electric cars were completely burned, while three others were severely damaged. Two Tata cars stolen from Tripureshwor and Dhapasi have already been recovered.
At Mahindra’s showroom, up to five cars may have been burned, though the exact number has not been confirmed.
The Suzuki showroom under CG Motocorp also suffered damage, with two cars completely destroyed and about half a dozen others damaged. A few Suzuki cars looted from the showroom were also caught by the public and handed over.
At Hyundai’s showroom, the glass windows were broken and one car inside caught fire, burning the seats and sunroof shade, although the showroom itself was not set on fire.
In addition to these incidents, the Citroen showroom was also damaged and several other new vehicles in the showrooms were broken during the protests.
