Kathmandu: NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2025, which began on 5 August, has brought unprecedented vehicle discount offers, with some auto brands slashing prices by up to Rs 2 million per unit.
The expo, organized by the Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), has stunned customers with offers far beyond the modest Rs 10,000–15,000 discounts that were common in the past.
Many brands are providing Rs 400,000, Rs 500,000, Rs 800,000, and even Rs 2 million off on certain models. Nearly all participating distributors are offering at least Rs 150,000–200,000 in cash discounts, in addition to free chargers, 5–6 years of complimentary servicing, free insurance, and other perks.
The aggressive price cuts have sparked questions over why brands that previously hesitated to give Rs 20,000 off are now offering the equivalent of another car’s value as a discount.
Industry insiders say the reason lies in last year’s speculation that the federal budget would raise taxes on electric vehicles (EVs). Expecting a hike, dealers imported large volumes of EVs in advance. When the tax increase failed to materialize, importers were left with excess stock and mounting financial pressure to sell quickly.
Holding unsold cars for long periods adds costs such as parking fees and interest on bank loans. To avoid these carrying costs — and the risk of having to sell at older prices or even return units to suppliers — dealers are prioritizing fast sales, even at steep discounts. Many are extending these offers beyond the expo, through Dashain and Tihar, Nepal’s peak auto sales season.
Customs Department data confirms the surge in imports ahead of the budget announcement. In May (Jestha) alone, 3,633 EVs worth Rs 8.44 billion entered Nepal. This was far higher than in prior months, with only 77 units imported in June (Asar). Over FY 2024/25, Nepal imported 13,578 EVs worth Rs 31.76 billion, generating Rs 19.70 billion in government revenue.
The glut of stock, coupled with intense market competition, has triggered a price war. Many brands are selling similar-range, similar-feature vehicles, prompting customers to seek the lowest possible price. Dealers, in turn, are undercutting rivals to secure sales.
While some sales are being closed at the expo, many dealers see it as a way to create buying momentum for the upcoming Dashain–Tihar season.
“We are using this exhibition to build a festive buying atmosphere,” said Dipak Thapaliya, General Manager of Laxmi Group. “Crowds have been strong, and customers are engaging deeply with our products and after-sales service information.”
Some brands have already announced Dashain-long offers, including “lucky winner” schemes and various prize giveaways.
Yamuna Shrestha, Managing Director of Cimex Inc., the official BYD distributor in Nepal, echoed that sentiment, saying the back-to-back NAIMA and NADA auto shows would keep the market active through the festive season.
“We saw strong turnout and bookings from day one. The momentum will carry into Dashain, creating excitement among potential buyers,” she said.
With NAIMA’s expo until 10 August and the NADA Auto Show set to begin on 19 August, Nepal’s auto market is entering one of its most competitive and customer-friendly sales periods in years — driven as much by stock clearance urgency as by festive season marketing.
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