Kathmandu

After facing a series of challenges in 2015, Nepal’s automobile industry emerged stronger than ever in the year 2016. The industry, which confronted a tough path with the devastating earthquake in April 2015, followed by the blockade, witnessed significant downfall in sales last year.  However, this year the industry has accelerated in top gear. Compared to 2014 (as 2015 was passive for the  industry), the domestic automobile industry experienced a growth of around 40 per cent.

“Given last year’s turmoil, 2016 has been favourable with desired achievement exceeded,” said Karan Chaudhary, Executive Director of CG MotoCorp, authorised distributor of Maruti Suzuki.  According to him, the overall automobile industry witnessed around 40 per cent growth when compared to 2014. “We have sold more than 5,000  units (excluding the taxi sales) till date,” he shared. “Although we have managed to exceed sales target every month, sales during the festive season from September to November are the highest,” he said, adding that they witnessed almost 50 per cent growth in sales during

the festive season in comparison with regular months.

On the other hand, Chaudhary asserted that Swift has still maintained its position as one of the most in demand passenger car popular along with Alto and Celerio. He also added that the newly launched Baleno and Vitarra Brezza have gained widespread popularity in short span of time.

“In 2016, the overall domestic automobile industry expanded by 70 per cent as compared to 2014,” informed Rupesh Sharma Bhatta, Assistant General Manager of Laxmi InterContinental, authorised distributor of Hyundai Motors. “The major reason behind the massive growth in sales was due to the pending sales of the 2015, which was largely affected by the April earthquake and economic blockade,” he shared, adding that flexible auto loans and aggressive new launches were other factors that helped boost the industry.

“When it comes to Hyundai, our sales increased by 60 per cent in comparison to 2014,” said Bhatta, adding that Creta, Grand i10 and i20 Active were the major contributors followed by i10 and Eon (excluding taxi). This year the automotive industry also welcomed a couple of new brand of vehicles and many new models in the market. The most vibrant period for the automotive industry has been the festive season. With exciting offers and flexible auto loans, sales during this period almost doubled.

“Compared to 2014, the automobile industry witnessed a growth of almost 50 per cent,” shared Sunil Chettri, Deputy General Manager of GO Automobiles, authorised distributor of Ford vehicles. “We aim to close this year at 1,500 units (sales),” he claimed.

“Compact and SUV segment held the major chunk of four-wheeler sales,” said Chhetri, adding that these two segments are fiercely competitive with introduction of new models and attractive pricing. “EcoSport has been a favourite for customers since its launch,” he said, adding that the New Figo and Aspire were introduced in late 2015, and both these models did well in respective segments.