Luxury and Affordable cars in Demand
Sleek, glittering, stylish and luxury cars once seen in movies and among international celebrities are no more a fantasy for Kathmanduites. Some world class and globally proclaimed premium car makers have found takers in Nepal. With the elevation of Nepalis’ life styles and desire for something unique and premium in class, the rate of high-end cars hitting Nepali roads has soared. Industry insiders say that a considerable number of Nepalis believe cars are not just a necessity but a symbol of power, speed, wealth, pedigree and prestige. There is an increasing number of car connoisseurs who are ready to invest more on such machines. And the result is cars from premium brands like Land Rover, Mercedes, Audi, Hummer, Jaguar and BMW, some of which cost more than Rs 40 million being catered to an exclusive yet sizable clientele here. This is despite the lack of authorised dealership to import and distribute them. “A home and a vehicle are considered status symbols. To exhibit their upgraded status, there are growing number of people who are vying to purchase highend four-wheelers,” says Nepal Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) President Anjan Shrestha who believes growth in income level and exposure to the international markets are major reasons behind the pursuit of expensive cars. NADA officials believe corporate tycoons, professionals and staffers of the diplomatic agencies are among the privileged few who own the luxury cars.
Land Rover
As many as 50 units of this SUV have already been sold in Nepal. Originally from the United Kingdom, Kishore Gears deal with Land Rover sales in the country with five models on offer in a price range of Rs 15 million to Rs 30 million. Sipradi, CG and Prabhu Groups are among owners of this vehicle and NRN Association President, Shesh Ghale also possesses one.
As many as 50 units of this SUV have already been sold in Nepal. Originally from the United Kingdom, Kishore Gears deal with Land Rover sales in the country with five models on offer in a price range of Rs 15 million to Rs 30 million. Sipradi, CG and Prabhu Groups are among owners of this vehicle and NRN Association President, Shesh Ghale also possesses one.
Mercedes
The German car has been a matter of attraction not only for its ‘class’ but durability. Executive Chairman of Spiradi Trading, Siddhartha Rana drives a Mercedes. He purchased the four-wheeler at approximately Rs 21 million in 2009. The German luxury brand is also owned by members of business houses including Golchha Organisation and IME Group. Mercedes has been a top-pick for government dignitaries and diplomatic missions in Nepal as well.
It has been learnt that Mercedes S320, the most expensive from the company, is soon making its foray into Nepal under ownership of a leading corporate house.
The German car has been a matter of attraction not only for its ‘class’ but durability. Executive Chairman of Spiradi Trading, Siddhartha Rana drives a Mercedes. He purchased the four-wheeler at approximately Rs 21 million in 2009. The German luxury brand is also owned by members of business houses including Golchha Organisation and IME Group. Mercedes has been a top-pick for government dignitaries and diplomatic missions in Nepal as well.
It has been learnt that Mercedes S320, the most expensive from the company, is soon making its foray into Nepal under ownership of a leading corporate house.
Jaguar
The celebrated British brand has recently hit Nepali roads. The entry of the vehicle attracted great attention among car lovers since it is the much touted sedan worldwide. The Dhumbarahi based showroom witnessed a huge footfall from automobile enthusiasts.
The celebrated British brand has recently hit Nepali roads. The entry of the vehicle attracted great attention among car lovers since it is the much touted sedan worldwide. The Dhumbarahi based showroom witnessed a huge footfall from automobile enthusiasts.
Six units belonging in two models - Jaguar XF and Jaguar XJL - have been shipped to Nepal some months ago. These are 2014 models, and Kishore Gears sold the Jaguar XF and Jaguar XJL for Rs 13 million to 14 million and for Rs 15 million to Rs 16 million respectively. Golchha Organisation, Sarada Group, President Travels and Shanker Group among others secured these units.
Toyota
One of the most popular Japanese car makers, Toyota is not new to Nepal. Among all premium car makers, Toyota may be the highest supplier of SUVs in the country. Donor funded projects, diplomatic missions, high ranking government officials and big business players use these vehicles for daily commute. Models like Rav 4, Fortuner, Prado, Land Cruiser and Camry are in high demand. Toyota RAV4 has been the most liked model in Nepal at a price of above Rs 10 million. Vaidya Organisation of Industries and Trading Houses deals in vehicles from Toyota.
One of the most popular Japanese car makers, Toyota is not new to Nepal. Among all premium car makers, Toyota may be the highest supplier of SUVs in the country. Donor funded projects, diplomatic missions, high ranking government officials and big business players use these vehicles for daily commute. Models like Rav 4, Fortuner, Prado, Land Cruiser and Camry are in high demand. Toyota RAV4 has been the most liked model in Nepal at a price of above Rs 10 million. Vaidya Organisation of Industries and Trading Houses deals in vehicles from Toyota.
Hummer
The American brand Hummer first hit Nepali roads some five years ago. Known for its sturdy build and fame as a once-US Army-used jeep, two units of Hummer entered Nepal, owners being Kantipur Media Group and Shanker Group. Besides these, premium cars from Subaru, Mazda, Volkswagen, Nissan, KIA and Skoda are in major demand.
The American brand Hummer first hit Nepali roads some five years ago. Known for its sturdy build and fame as a once-US Army-used jeep, two units of Hummer entered Nepal, owners being Kantipur Media Group and Shanker Group. Besides these, premium cars from Subaru, Mazda, Volkswagen, Nissan, KIA and Skoda are in major demand.
Published Date: September 15, 2016, 12:00 am
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