Kathmandu-Hongqi, the luxury car brand used by Chinese President Xi Jinping, is set to enter the Nepali market as demand for electric vehicles continues to grow.

The Chinese premium marque will officially debut its electric SUVs at the NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo' 2026. The name Hongqi literally means 'Red Flag' in Chinese and the brand is regarded in China as a symbol of prestige and national pride.'

The brand is being introduced by Advanced Automobile Pvt. Ltd., the authorised distributor of Hongqi in Nepal. Hongqi is the premium vehicle division of China's state owned FAW Group, one of the country's largest automobile manufacturers, which also produces commercial vehicles.

Advanced Automobile recently signed an official dealership agreement with Hongqi and has already begun importing the vehicles that will be showcased at the expo.

Initially, the company plans to introduce one or two electric SUV models in Nepal. While the battery capacity and motor specifications have not yet been disclosed, the vehicles are expected to be priced between Rs 6 million and Rs 6.5 million.

Hongqi currently offers four battery electric vehicle models globally, including the E HS9 and E HS7 SUVs, and the EQM5 and EH7 sedans. The company plans to launch the E HS9 and E HS7 in Nepal in the first phase.

Advanced Automobile has previously been selling French automaker Renault's vehicles in Nepal.