Arjun Karki

LOAN TERMS HIT AUTO MARKET BUT SALES TEAMS ARE POSITIVE

Nepal Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) is the largest auto show in Nepal. In the 13th edition of this flagship event, B360 spoke with some NADA participants who lead the marketing and sales of their respective automobile brands about the impact of limitation on auto lending and their coping strategy.

Arjun Karki Assistant General Manager, Sipradi Trading

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Has the restriction on auto loan affected sales?

Auto loan is something that’s not in our hands. But now financing has been gone up to 65%. The restriction put earlier affected the overall auto industry since we could not finance our customers going against the rule. We tackled this issue by making customers aware, tying up with several banks and financial institutions. In the same down payment rate, we were looking into what extra we could offer.

What are the factors you consider while selecting a product for the Nepali market?

The hatchback segment is the biggest in Nepal. More than premium hatchback, entry hatchbacks are more popular. We are looking into the prospects to better the hatch market. Without targeting hatchback, we can’t improve the auto industry. We are upgrading the existing hatchbacks as well as the utility vehicles.

What do you credit the success of your sales to?

Tata and Sipradi represent passenger vehicles. We enjoy a partnership of 35 years. From Indica to Tigor many things have changed, marketing strategies to markets, and we have jointly been successful in moving with the changing market.

What is the signature element of your brand?

Rather than brand it’s more about products. All the products have certain features which makes us stand out from the crowd. The image of the brand depends on how the products perform.

What is the latest model you have released in the Nepali market and the signature element?

It is Tata TIGOR, Nepal’s first styleback. We don’t call it a sedan but a ‘styleback’. Tigor is the third vehicle based on the company’s IMPACT Design philosophy. It is designed with expressive, exciting and extraordinary exterior features.