Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Seven Chinese automobile brands—Chery, ArcFox, Jetour, BAIC, Denza ViAuto Honri and Hongqi—in the passenger car segment are making their formal debut in Nepal through the NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo.
The expo is being organized in Kathmandu from August 11 to 16 by the Nepal Automobiles Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA).
These brands are bringing a wide range of electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles to the Nepali market.
The entry of these brands reflects the growing interest of Chinese automakers in Nepal, where demand for electric vehicles has increased significantly in recent years.
Chery, one of China’s major automobile manufacturers, is officially entering the Nepali market with the compact SUV Chery QQ. The brand is represented in Nepal by SPG Automobiles. Chery has a wide international presence and produces conventional, hybrid and electric vehicles.
Although Chery sub-brands like Omoda & Jaecoo and iCaur are already present in Nepal, the QQ launch marks the formal entry of the Chery brand in Nepal. The Chery brand earlier introduced its ICE cars like QQ3, A1, and Tiggo through Bama Motors in 2010.
ArcFox, the electric vehicle brand of Chinese automaker BAIC, is entering Nepal with the T1 electric crossover. The model is positioned in the compact electric vehicle segment. Laxmi Group is the official distributor of ArcFox in Nepal. ArcFox is a sub-brand of Chinese automotive major BAIC Group.
Jetour, another Chinese automotive brand, is being introduced in Nepal with the T1 and T2 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The brand, which focuses on SUVs and crossovers, is also being represented by Laxmi Group in Nepal. It is also a sub-brand of Chery.
BAIC, short for Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co., is one of China’s established automobile manufacturers. It is launching the BJ30 Hybrid in Nepal. The SUV features a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine paired with dual electric motors . The brand is also being introduced by Laxmi Group.
Denza is a premium new-energy vehicle brand jointly established by BYD and Mercedes-Benz. However, the brand is now fully under BYD’s control following the German brand’s exit in 2024. Although Denza officially opened a dedicated showroom in Kathmandu in May, the brand will formally launch in Nepal during the Nepal Mobility Expo. Denza will showcase the D9 MPV and B5 and B5 SUVs at the expo.
Hongqi, a long-established Chinese automotive marque known for premium and luxury vehicles, is also entering Nepal’s growing electric vehicle market. The brand is better known as the maker of the Chinese president’s official car. The brand is debuting in Nepal with the E-HS9 premium electric SUV. Advanced Automobiles is the authorized distributor of Hongqi in Nepal.
ViAuto Honri is also making its debut in Nepal through GenNext Motors with the Boma electric mini car. The Boma EV is a compact electric vehicle aimed at urban users and city driving. According to the company, the model combines modern technology, features and an attractive price to provide an option for customers seeking a small electric vehicle.
