KATHMANDU: With the launch of two electric SUVs in Nepal, VG Impex, the authorized dealer of Great Wall Motor, has moved forward with the ambitious goal of placing itself among the Top 5 brands. According to the company, it aims to sell more than 1,500 units in the current fiscal year.
The company plans to strengthen its presence in the Nepali market by expanding its product lineup, ranging from electric cars and SUVs to plug-in hybrids and premium SUVs.
With the launch of the Ora 5 and Haval Jolion Max EV in Nepal, the company has set an aggressive market expansion target. Besides these two electric SUVs, the company also offers the Ora 3 hatchback.
Speaking about the availability of the Tank series and Haval series in hybrid variants, General Manager Adhir Shrestha said, “Our target this year is to sell more than 1,500 vehicles. For that, we plan to add new models, expand the dealer network, and continue strengthening after-sales service.”
The company has recently positioned the Ora 5 and Jolion Max as its flagship products in Nepal. It has also indicated plans to bring other models in the Ora range, including the Ora 3, along with additional variants of the Jolion, in the coming days.
In addition, the company has plans to introduce models from the premium segment, including the Haval H6 (N-7) and Tank series.
Potential of Ora 3 in the hatchback market
Noting that customer interest in the hatchback segment has recently started to grow again in Nepal, Shrestha said, “The attraction shown by consumers towards hatchback models, even at the NADA Auto Show, signals that this segment is set to expand once more.”
According to him, customers who have already purchased the Ora 3 in Nepal have given positive feedback. He claims that Ora 3 users, satisfied with the driving experience, design, and range, have been recommending it to their friends.
He asserts that the Ora 3’s driving experience is good, its looks are well-liked, and customers are satisfied with the overall range as well. Shrestha claims that it is this success that has helped the market easily embrace the new Ora 5.
Two new models within a month
The company claims that, keeping the Nepali market as a priority, Nepal became the first international market for the Jolion Max. In line with its strategy of introducing new products to the market, two new models have arrived within a short span of time.
The company has planned not to limit itself in Nepal to the segment priced around Rs 4-5 million, but to establish a presence ranging from entry-level models to the luxury segment.
The company has presented the Ora 5 as a new alternative in electric cars with a distinct design. The Jolion Max, on the other hand, is a product targeted at customers who prefer a traditional SUV design.
15 outlets nationwide
The company considers the expansion of its dealer and service network to be a key foundation for achieving its sales target. According to General Manager Shrestha, six networks are currently in operation.
The target is to expand this to 15 by September. For this, networks in various locations have almost been finalized.
The company is expanding its showroom and service network in areas including Pokhara, Narayangarh, Biratnagar, Dhangadhi, Bhairahawa, and Itahari. Shrestha said a new showroom inauguration campaign will start from tomorrow.
All networks will offer 3S facilities, namely sales, service, and spare parts.
Heavy investment in service alongside sales
Shrestha says the company gives as much priority to after-sales service as it does to sales, claiming this is grounded in its own service center located in Kathmandu.
The company claims that availability of spare parts, fair pricing, and timely service are important pillars of brand-building.
Aiming for the Top 5
With more than three dozen Chinese brands currently competing in the Nepali market, GWM has set the ambitious goal of ranking among the top five.
According to the company, a broad product lineup, aggressive network expansion, after-sales service, and marketing campaigns will help it achieve this target.
“Our effort is to be in the Top 5; that’s almost certain,” said General Manager Shrestha.
According to him, GWM’s long history in international markets, product quality, and battery technology form the basis for winning over Nepali consumers. “That is why we will be in the Top 5 this year,” he said.
