Branding is a crucial aspect of a business.
Especially in super competitive industries.
The automotive industry in Nepal is of such nature.
Car brands in Nepal have to provide the best products and service to increase brand value.
When we see the company logo in the front and rear of a car, we immediately recognize the brand. That itself is enough for us to know what to expect from the car. This is why branding is important in business.
No brand is ever the same. Different companies focus on different aspects and each customer will have their own preference. But, as there are so many car brands in Nepal, it is hard for a customer to choose one that suits them.
Thus, to win the market, each brand tries to outdo another and provide the best product quality and services.
This article talks about all the reliable car brands in Nepal and the product it offers.
Honda
Founded by Soichiro Honda in 1946, Honda Motor Company is a Japanese company. Honda manufactures car, bikes, airplanes, and power equipment.
It is the largest manufacturer of motorcycles and eight in the automobile in the world. You can identify the Honda brand by its logo, a simple silver color H within a box or its motto “The Power of Dreams”
The Jyoti Group has been importing Honda motorcycles since 1967. It was only from 2002 that they started importing 4-wheelers. Syakar Trading Company Pvt. Ltd. a company under the Jyoti Group is now the sole authorized distributor of Honda in Nepal.
Honda Nepal has different cars across different segments. The Honda City and Civic are two of their admired Sedans. The Honda Brio, Wr-V and the CR-V are some of the other popular cars available in the country.
Mahindra
Mahindra & Mahindra Limited is a famous Indian car manufacturer. The Mahindra brothers established the company in the year 1948.
It is the largest manufacturer of tractors in the world. The logo of Mahindra is a red colored ellipse with three stripes. The stripes signify its core principles- No restriction, positive attitude, and teamwork coherence.
In Nepal, Mahindra vehicles are distributed by Agni Incorporated Pvt. Ltd. since 1991. With 45 dealers and branches, it is the leading distributor of utility vehicles in Nepal.
Most of the remote, off-road mountainous roads of Nepal use Mahindra utility vehicles. These vehicles transport people as well as goods.
The Bolero camper, Scorpio pickup, Bolero maxi truck are some of the vehicles used for this purpose. But, these days other cars like the XUV 500, Thar, and Scorpio also sold as family cars. Agni Incorporated has also brought an electric car, the e20 Plus.
Hyundai
Hyundai Motor Company is a South Korean automotive manufacturer. The founder Chung Ju-Yung established Hyundai in 1967.
It is the third largest manufacturer in the world. This brands logo is a slanted letter H, but there is a meaning behind the logo. It represents a company representative shaking the hands of a customer. This is a symbol of mutual trust and respect. “New Thinking. New Possibilities” is the company's motto as they strive for advancement.
Laxmi Intercontinental Pvt. Ltd is the sole authorized dealer of Hyundai since 2009. Reliability, durability, after sale service and the best resale value is what Hyundai is known for. The company focuses on 3S- Sales, Service and Spare parts for customer satisfaction, which is their top priority.
Laxmi Hyundai currently has 12 different models of cars for sale in Nepal. The Grand i10, i20 Active, Elite i20, and the Creta are some of the top-selling cars in Nepal. The Hyundai Tucson is also a popular choice for people looking to buy an SUV.
Maruti Suzuki
Maruti Suzuki is an Indian manufacturer, a subsidiary of the Japanese Suzuki Motors. Established in 1981, but only started production from 1983 with the Maruti 800.
CG/Motocorp, subsidiary of Chaudhary Group is the authorized distributor of Maruti Suzuki. It has the widest reach within the country, thanks to its retail outlets and dealers networks.
CG Motocorp is also the leading distributor of automobiles in Nepal.
Maruti Suzuki mainly has a line up of small cars like the Alto, A-star, Ignis, Wagon R, Swift, and Dzire. Recently they added the Baleno and the Vitara Brezza to their fleet.
Renault
The French automobile manufacturer, Groupe Renault is a new brand name in the Nepali Market. Louis Renault founded the company in 1899 with his brothers Marcel and Fernand.
Renault comes under top 10 biggest automaker in the world in production Volume. A silver-colored, diamond figure against a yellow background represents the Renault brand globally.
Advanced Automobiles Pvt. Ltd. has the license to distribute Renault vehicles in Nepal. Their aim is to provide high quality service and spare parts to their customers.
The company first started importing different variants of the Duster and the Kwid. Both these cars got a positive response from the customers. This year they launched the Captur with the hope of attracting more customers in Nepal.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen (VW) is a German Company founded in 1937 by the German Labour Front under Adolf Hitler.
The term Volkswagen translates to ‘People’s Car’, as it is for the masses. The famous VW Beetle is still one of the most iconic cars that ever came out of its manufacturing plant.
In Nepal, Pooja International is the authorized dealer of Volkswagen vehicles. They believe that Volkswagen offers the right mix of vehicles for the Nepal. Those who value quality engineering and technological innovations will accept Volkswagen.
Pooja International has brought in a wide range of sedans to Nepal. Jetta, Passat, Vento and the Ameo are some of them.
They also offer two SUVs, Tiguan and Touareg. But, the VW Polo seems to be one of the best selling premium hatchback in the country.
TATA
Tata Motors Limited is a part of the Indian giant company, Tata Group. They manufacture cars, trucks, buses, and military vehicles.
The company came to life in 1945, and has been a dominant figure in the Indian Industry ever since. Tata Motors also owns the luxury car manufacturers Jaguar and Land Rover.
Sipradi Trading Pvt. Ltd (STPL). is the distributor of this car brand in Nepal since 1982. They started out by distributing commercial vehicles. Distribution of passenger vehicles only started from the year 2003.
The main focus of STPL is to distribute commercial vehicles like pick up cars, vans, and trucks of all sizes. As of recent years, it has got a wide range of passenger cars too. Some of their best selling passenger cars are the Nexon, Sumo, Tiago, Tigor, and bolt.
KIA
Chul-Ho Kim founded Kia Motor Corporation in the year 1944. It is South Korea’s second largest manufacturer of cars after Hyundai.
The alphabet KIA within an ellipse in red is the Kia Brands logo. The logo signifies the companie’s growth in the global market.
Continental Trading is the authorized dealer of this South Korean automobiles in Nepal. Kia is a representation of reliability and value for money. Many customers associate the brand with good performance and service.
Continental Trading is currently distributing passenger cars as well as commercial vehicles.
Rio, Sorento, Soul and the Sportage are other popular cars from KIA. The Pregio is also used as micro-buses in Nepal.
Kia have also brought in the electric version of the Soul to the Nepali market.
Jeep
Jeep, a famous American automobile brand, is a division of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
Jeep started producing cars in 1944 after getting requests from the American army. These military vehicles were used during the World War II.
Morang Auto Works Pvt. Ltd has got the official rights to distribute Jeep in Nepal. This brand unveiled itself during the NADA Auto Show, 2018.
The company has brought its first car, the Jeep Compass into the market. It is available in petrol and diesel variant. The Compass is also available with a 4WD, which is what the Jeep brand is famous for.
Mitsubishi
The origin of the Japanese automotive manufacturer, Mitsubishi dates back to 1917. Iwasaki Yataro founded Mitsubishi as a shipbuilding company. Mitsubishi Group now specializes in different industries.
Globally, the company is well known for its SUVs. A red colored three-diamond design represent the Mitsubishi brand.
Currently, Leon Motors Pvt. Ltd is the authorized car dealer in Nepal for Mitsubishi. They started importing these vehicles in 2008.
Mitsubishi saw its glory days in Nepal when the Pajero was the epitome of an SUV. Over time, the brand has lost market to other competitors.
Leon Motors Pvt. Ltd aims to revive the brand image of the Mitsubishi Motor by bringing in new models of cars.
Mitsubishi specializes in producing high-performance SUV, that is exactly what the company offers. Leon Motors has brought in 3 models of the Pajero. They also have the ASX 2.0 and the Outlander thus giving you ample option in the SUV segment.
Nissan
Yoshisuke Aikawa is the founder of the Japanese multinational automobile manufacturer, Nissan. Established in 1930, this company sells cars under 3 brands. Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun.
Nissan is also a part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance since 1999.
Durga Brothers & Sons Pvt. Ltd is one of the authorized distributors of Nissan Motors in Nepal. They have been importing passenger and commercial vehicles since 1972.
Their goal is to give the customer total satisfaction through and after sales.
Nissan offers its customers a choice of the Micra, Sunny, Patrol and the X-trail for passenger car. They also have the Navara pick up, for personal or commercial purposes.
Toyota
Kiichiro Toyoda founded the Japanese automotive giant Toyota in 1937. It produces vehicles under five brand names, Toyota, Hino, Daihatsu, Ranz and Lexus.
It is the second largest manufacturer of automobiles in the world. Toyota also leads in the sales of hybrid electric cars globally.
United Traders Syndicate Pvt. Ltd. (UTS) is the sole distributor of Toyota vehicles in Nepal. UTS has maintained a dominant status in Nepal ever since it got established in 1967.
UTS is trying to give the best after-sale vehicle maintenance. Many of their engineers and technicians get trained in Japan itself.
The Rav4, Fortuner, Land Cruiser and the Prado are some of the best SUVs available from Toyota. UTS brought the all new Rush to add to their list of SUVs.
Different models of the Etios are also available if you want smaller cars. And for the commercial purpose, you have the option of the Hiace van or the Hilux pick up.
Ford
Henry Ford founded the American company, Ford in 1903. It is now the second largest automaker in the US and fifth largest in the world. The brand logo is an oval figure with shades of blue and white with the signature of Henry Ford in the middle.
GO Automobiles Pvt. Ltd (GO Ford) is the exclusive distributor of Ford cars in Nepal. The focus of the company is to provide world class service in the showroom and in the service station as well. They have equipped themselves with the latest tools and well trained staff to ensure the best quality and service.
GO Ford currently offers the new Aspire, Figo and the Fiesta in the small car segment. They also have Ecosport, Endeavour and the Ranger for those who want a bigger one. All Ford cars come from either India or Thailand.
SsangYong Motor
Established in the year 1988, SsangYong is a South Korean auto manufacturer. It is the fourth largest automaker in Korea.
Mahindra and Mahindra acquired 70% of the company in the year 2011.
IMS Motors, subsidiary of IMS Group is the authorized distributor of SsangYong Motor. The aim of IMS is to get the citizens familiar with the brand and enjoy the new experience.
SsangYong claims that its car is a mix of durability, comfort and luxury.
So far, IMS Motors have brought the Tivoli, Rexton, Kyron, Actyon, Korando and the XLV to the market. Except the Actyon, all these cars come under the SUV segment.
Peugeot
Peugeot is an esteemed French Brand that started manufacturing cars in the year 1889. It has, since, gained recognition and rewarded with many international awards. Peugeot has also received the European car of the Year award 5 times.
The brand is associated with a lion, which is the logo of the company.
Shangrila Motors Pvt. Ltd. holds the license of distributing Peugeot motors within the country. Peugeot produces modern and elegant designs with optimum comfort and low CO2 emission.
Shangrila Motors brought the Peugeot 3008 SUV to Nepal in 2017, a car that won the European Car of the Year that year. The two other cars in their line up are the 2008 SUV and the 508 sedan.
Peugeot is often considered to be a luxury brand of cars in the Nepali Market.
Skoda
Established in 1895, Skoda was first called Laurin & Klement. The Czech company started production of automobiles in 1905. Before that, they were into manufacturing bicycles.
A green winged-arrow within a circle is the symbol used to distinguish the Skoda brand.
Morang Auto Works Pvt. Ltd. the distributor of Jeep have the license to distribute Skoda motors as well. After sales, they provide facilities like informing customers when servicing is due.
They will even pick up and home deliver your car before and after servicing. This service is available for people who don't have the time to visit the workshop themselves.
As of now, Skoda has five car models in their fleet. Two SUVs- Kodiaq and Karoq and three Sedans- Rapid, Octavia and Superb.
MG
MG Motors is a UK based auto manufacturer that used to manufacture sports cars. The history of the company dated back to 1920, when William Morris first started the company.
After undergoing many changes, MG motor was re-established in 2006 after the collapse of MG Rover. It is now a subsidiary of China-based SAIC Motor.
MG entered the Nepal market this year under the dealership of Paramount Motors. The company plans to expand its presence by providing great products and services. MG plans for success in the market through aggressive marketing and sales strategy.
Paramount Motors have already got two models of the MG brand for its customers. The MG ZS, a compact SUV and the more premium MG GS which is a proper SUV.
Luxury Brands
If you like more finer things in life, these brands may not be very tempting.
Don't worry.
There are other luxurious and more premium car brands in Nepal. Mercedes, Land Rover, Jaguar, Lexus, Bentley, and BMW are some of them.
These cars do not have showrooms to showcase these cars as the high price tag makes it difficult to sell. But, there are dealers that can have the car imported when there is a demand for it.