14th September 2025, Kathmandu
The second day of the ongoing Gen-Z movement in Kathmandu saw a new and destructive turn, as anarchic groups targeted the city’s automotive industry.
Thapathali Car Showroom Fire
In Thapathali, the capital’s well-known auto hub, a shocking scene unfolded as approximately 30 brand-new cars were set on fire at multiple showrooms.
The widespread vandalism and arson have resulted in massive financial losses for major automobile companies and have sent shockwaves through the business community.
The acts of arson and destruction hit showrooms of some of the biggest names in the Nepali automobile market, including CG Motors, Hyundai, Mahindra, and Suzuki.
Protesters not only set vehicles ablaze but also stole some cars directly from the showrooms. Two of the stolen vehicles, both Tata models, were later recovered by police—one in Tripureshwar and another in Dhapasi.
The fact that offices were closed due to the protest and subsequent curfew made it easier for the agitators to break into and vandalize the showrooms.
This targeting of private businesses marks a concerning escalation in the protests, which have their roots in a widespread youth frustration over issues like corruption, unemployment, and government policies.
While the initial movement was largely peaceful, the escalation into violence and arson has been condemned by various business and transport federations.
A Detailed Breakdown of the Damage by Company:
The losses are significant and are distributed across several major dealerships. Here is a detailed account of the destruction:
CG Motors (Avon, Xpeng, Smart – under Chaudhary Group):
The most severe damage was inflicted upon CG Motors, the automotive arm of the Chaudhary Group. A staggering 16 brand-new cars from their showrooms were completely destroyed by the fire.
Additionally, one Xpeng car sustained partial damage to its rear, though its overall condition is yet to be fully assessed. The high number of vehicles affected at this location highlights the intensity of the attack and represents a massive financial setback for the company.
Tata Motors (Sipradi Trading):
Sipradi Trading, the sole authorized distributor of Tata Motors in Nepal, suffered the second-largest loss. According to sources from the company, four electric cars were completely incinerated.
In addition to the fire damage, two new Tata cars were stolen from the showroom, though they have since been recovered. The company also reported that three more vehicles suffered severe damage, making the total count of affected vehicles at this showroom a grim figure.
Mahindra (Agni Incorporated):
At the Mahindra showroom managed by Agni Incorporated, sources indicate that up to five cars may have been burned or significantly damaged.
The exact figures are yet to be officially confirmed, as the company is still assessing the full extent of the damage. This uncertainty underscores the chaos and swiftness of the attack, which left little time for immediate damage assessment.
Suzuki (CG Motocorp):
CG Motocorp, the distributor of Suzuki cars, also fell victim to the vandalism. In their Thapathali showroom, two cars were completely burned. Furthermore, about half a dozen other vehicles sustained varying degrees of damage, adding to the total losses for the company.
Hyundai:
While Hyundai’s showroom did not suffer major fire damage, it was not spared from the attack. The glass front of the showroom was shattered, and one car inside sustained partial fire damage to its seat, sunroof shade, and interior, showing that even in cases without total destruction, the violence left its mark.
Citroën and Others:
The anarchic groups did not discriminate, and other new car showrooms in the vicinity, including that of Citroën, also reported damages.
The full list of affected vehicles and showrooms is still being compiled as businesses and authorities work to assess the total financial impact of the events.
The targeting of these private businesses marks a significant and worrying development in the ongoing protests. While the political and social roots of the movement are complex, such acts of destruction against private property are widely condemned as they cause irreparable economic harm and put jobs and livelihoods at risk.
The total cost of the damage is estimated to be in the hundreds of millions, a severe blow to the Nepali auto industry, which is still recovering from the economic slowdown.
For more: Thapathali Car Showroom Fire