KATHMANDU, Aug 8: With the commencement of the NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2025’ on Wednesday, Nepal’s auto dealers are already sensing the festive spirit of Dashain. Featuring a wide array of automobile brands, the expo being held in Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu has become a vibrant marketplace where dealers showcase their latest offerings and consumers explore a variety of choices.
Ritu Singh Vaidya, President of the Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), noted that policy stability—backed by political stability—is crucial for the long-term growth of Nepal’s mobility sector. “This sector alone contributes approximately 4.7 percent to employment in the services industry. It is comparable to sectors such as health, tourism, and financial services in terms of direct and indirect job creation,” she said.
The arrival of green technology-based vehicles has opened up new avenues for employment, including charging infrastructure, technical training and innovation. “In partnership with CTEVT and the Ministry of Education, we are increasing our investment in skill development to seize the opportunities brought by electric vehicle imports. NAIMA is actively participating in workforce development to equip youths with employable skills,” Vaidya added.
Ritu Singh Vaidya
BYD Dolphin Launched to Meet Market Demand
Yamuna Shrestha, Managing Director of Cimex Inc., the official distributor of BYD in Nepal, announced the launch of two variants of the BYD Dolphin at the expo. “We’ve launched the models that consumers have been demanding. We’re present at both NAIMA and NADA platforms,” she said.
BYD also introduced its electric hatchback Atto 1 in Nepal, globally known as BYD Seagull, Dolphin Mini, or Dolphin Surf. This model is expected to be a game-changer for urban electric mobility in the country. A winner of the “World Urban Car of the Year 2025” at the World Car Awards, the Atto 1 sets new benchmarks in pricing, safety and innovation.
Built on BYD’s advanced e-Platform 3.0 and equipped with the revolutionary Blade Battery and Cell-to-Body (CTB) technology, the Atto 1 promises an integrated design and enhanced safety. Two variants are available in Nepal: the Dynamic, with a 30.08 kWh battery offering a 230 km WLTP range and the Premium, with a 38.88 kWh battery providing a 300 km range. Prices are set at Rs 2.895 million and Rs 3.299 million respectively.
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Special NAIMA Offers
Customers booking the vehicle at the expo will receive a range of benefits, including cash discounts, a one-year free Auto Plus insurance, a 3.3 kW portable charger, a 10-year extended warranty, free accessories, and 10 years of free app connectivity. “The BYD Atto 1 combines cutting-edge design, urban utility, and unmatched safety. With this launch, we’re reinforcing our vision of a cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive electric future for Nepal,” Shrestha said.
Yamuna Shrestha
Mahindra Unveils Three New Electric Models
Mahindra introduced three new electric vehicles at the expo, including the BE.06 and the XUV.e9.
“These are new models, and surprisingly priced lower than expected,” said Cabinet Shrestha, Managing Director of Agni Group. “They offer excellent technology and striking designs.” The models, manufactured by a separate company called Infinity and marketed by Mahindra, are equipped with 99 kW motors, with one variant of the XUV.e9 featuring a 199 kW motor.
The BE.06 is priced at Rs 5.7 million and the XUV.e9 at Rs 6.9 million. Both SUVs come with 59 kWh and 79 kWh battery packs using LFP chemistry, supporting ultra-fast charging. A 175 kW charger can replenish the battery from 20 to 80 percent in just 20 minutes. The 59 kWh battery delivers 231 hp, while the 79 kWh pack generates 286 hp and 380 Nm torque. Both models accelerate from 0–100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds. The BE.06 offers a 682 km range on a single charge, while the XUV.e9 provides 656 km. Both vehicles come with a lifetime battery warranty.
Cabinet Shrestha
Jaecoo and Omoda Bring Premium SUVs to Nepal
Sarada Group is showcasing three brands at the expo, including the launch of the Jaecoo J5. Along with models from Omoda and Jaecoo, the new J5 introduces a premium SUV lineup tailored for both city roads and off-road journeys. Featuring Range Rover-inspired design, the vehicle comes with 185 mm ground clearance, an 18-inch spare tyre, a driving range of 461 km, and a boot space of 480 litres—making it a compelling option for Nepali consumers.
Gaurav Sarada, Director of Sarada Group, said efforts are being made to present the concerns of the mobility sector to the government. “The sector is facing multiple challenges. In the absence of an international-standard auto show in Nepal, we decided to organise the NAIMA Auto Show, which has enabled dealers and manufacturers to directly engage with consumers,” he said.
Exclusive Expo Pricing
The Jaecoo J5 is priced at Rs 6.099 million but is currently available for booking at a special rate of Rs 5.699 million. The Omoda E5, previously priced at Rs 6.199 million, is now being offered at Rs 5.499 million. Similarly, the Jaecoo J6, earlier available at Rs 6.999 million, is now priced at Rs 6.599 million under the NAIMA special offer.
Gaurav Sarada
Customers booking any Omoda or Jaecoo model at the NAIMA Mobility Expo 2025 can take advantage of these special offers and discounts.
Leapmotor Unveils B10 Electric SUV at Special Introductory Price
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Leapmotor has launched its latest electric SUV, the B10, at the ongoing NAIMA Mobility Expo 2025, with a special introductory price of Rs 49.99 lakh, significantly lower than its previously announced price of Rs 60 lakh.
The B10 comes equipped with a 160 kW electric motor delivering 240 Nm of peak torque, and a 67.1 kWh battery pack. On a full charge, the vehicle provides a driving range of 460 kilometres, according to the company. Built on Leapmotor’s EV Platform 3.5 architecture, the B10 offers a ground clearance of 180 mm, designed to handle both urban roads and light off-road conditions.
Jay Golchha, director of Shangrila Motors, the authorised distributor of the brand in Nepal, said the main goal of participating in the expo is to increase visibility and establish Leapmotor as a mainstream player in Nepal's growing EV market. “The primary objective of any auto show is to showcase products. We are here because we have a vehicle that can enter the mainstream. Our goal is to become a bigger player than we’ve been in the recent past, and fully compete with brands like BYD and Omoda,” he said, while emphasising Leapmotor’s commitment to becoming more visible, accessible and mainstream in the Nepali market
Jay Golchha
Earlier, Leapmotor had introduced the C10 and T03 models in Nepal, which were well received by local consumers. They are also being sold at a special discount rate at the expo.
