29th August 2025, Kathmandu
The first eight months of 2025 have solidified Hyundai’s position as the leading passenger vehicle brand in Nepal, a testament to its enduring brand image and strategic market presence.
Hyundai Nepal Car Import
While Hyundai continues to dominate with its traditional and new-age models, the automotive landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, marked by the fierce competition among electric vehicle (EV) brands, particularly BYD and MG, for the coveted second position.
According to a detailed analysis of import data from January to August 2025, a total of 8,901 passenger vehicles entered the Nepali market.
During this period, Hyundai, through its official distributor Laxmi Intercontinental, led the charge by importing a remarkable 1,270 units, securing a commanding 14.27% share of the total market.
This performance highlights Hyundai’s deep-rooted customer trust and the success of its diverse portfolio, which includes everything from compact hatchbacks to popular SUVs.
The import figures reveal a dynamic and fluctuating market. The highest number of imports was recorded in April and May, with 1,310 and 4,142 units, respectively.
This significant surge in May could be attributed to a rush by distributors to stock up ahead of the fiscal budget announcement, a common trend in the Nepali auto industry.
Following this peak, imports saw a sharp decline in June (317 units) and a gradual recovery in July (462 units) and August (273 units until mid-month), but Hyundai consistently maintained its lead throughout these market shifts.
The Rise of Electric Vehicles: A New Era of Competition
While Hyundai’s dominance is notable, the real story of 2025 is the intense battle between EV specialists for the top spots. The data clearly shows that electric vehicles are no longer a niche segment but are rapidly becoming a major force in the market.
BYD, the global EV powerhouse, has emerged as a formidable challenger to Hyundai’s lead. With 1,173 units imported through its distributor, Cimex Inc., BYD captured a 13.18% market share, placing it in a strong second position.
This impressive performance is a clear indicator of the growing consumer preference for electric mobility in Nepal, driven by BYD’s innovative technology and a wide range of EV models.
Closely trailing BYD is MG, another strong contender in the EV space. Paramount Motors, the official distributor of MG in Nepal, imported 1,150 units, giving the brand a 12.92% market share and securing the third spot.
The neck-and-neck competition between BYD and MG underscores the rapid adoption of electric vehicles and the strategic efforts of their respective distributors to capture a larger share of this burgeoning market.
Market Rankings and Other Key Players
Beyond the top three, other brands also made a significant impact on the import figures:
- Tata Motors: Securing fourth place, Tata, distributed by Sipradi Trading, imported 906 units, achieving a 10.18% market share. Tata’s robust lineup of both ICE and electric vehicles continues to be a favorite among Nepali consumers.
- Dongfeng Nami: In fifth place, Dongfeng Nami, distributed by MAW Vriddhi, imported 667 units, holding a 7.49% market share, further proving the strength of Chinese EV brands in the Nepali market.
Beyond the leading brands, a diverse array of other manufacturers also contributed to Nepal’s vibrant automotive market. Maruti Suzuki led this group with a notable 544 units imported, while Chinese brands Dipal, Leapmotor, Kai, Proton, GAC Aion, and Omoda collectively imported a significant number of vehicles, ranging from 361 to 199 units each.
More established global names such as Kia, Nissan, and Toyota followed closely, with imports of 332, 150, and 145 units respectively. Additionally, the market saw contributions from brands like JAC (105 units), Mahindra (95 units), Seres (84 units), Xpeng (82 units), and Skywell (80 units).
Other brands with smaller, but still notable, import figures include Citroën, Zeekr, BMW, Skoda, Volkswagen, and Honda, among others, demonstrating the wide variety of choices available to Nepali consumers.
Additionally, a combined total of 73 units were imported by other premium and specialized brands, including Tesla, Farthing, Porsche, Land Rover, Jeep, Ford, Subaru, Wuling, LS Auto, Mazda, and Maxus.
This data paints a clear picture of an automotive market in transition. While established brands like Hyundai maintain their stronghold, the rapid ascent of EV players like BYD and MG signals a major shift in consumer preferences.
As electric vehicle technology becomes more accessible and the charging infrastructure expands, the competition for market share is only expected to intensify, making the Nepali auto sector a fascinating space to watch in the coming months.
For more: Hyundai Nepal Car Import