Kathmandu – After a sharp slowdown in June and July following the budget announcement on Jestha 15, car imports rebounded in August, with both electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles showing growth.

According to customs data, only 325 cars were imported in June and 442 in July. In contrast, imports surged to 1,013 units in August. The rise is attributed to declining pre-budget stock and the start of festive-season demand.

Events such as the NIMA Mobility Expo and NADA Auto Show helped create sales momentum, though unrest during the 'Gen Z Movement' on September 8–9 briefly disrupted the market. Several showrooms, including five in Thapathali, were damaged by arson and vandalism. Dealers, however, say they are working to restore confidence.

Meanwhile, with Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani border points blocked by floods and landslides, imports have begun through Mustang’s Korala crossing. By September  20, 209 EVs had already entered Nepal via this route.

Ahead of the current fiscal year 2025-26, speculation of higher EV taxes had prompted importers to rush large shipments. But as the budget retained last year’s tax rates, imports slowed before picking up again.

In August, ICE vehicles outnumbered EVs. Mahindra led the tally with 323 units, followed by Tata (112, mostly EVs), Kia (107), and Suzuki (103). Hyundai imported 35 units, excluding models brought in for local assembly, which would raise its total further.

August 2025 Car Imports by Brand:

Mahindra – 323

Tata – 112

Kia – 107

Suzuki – 103

BYD – 98

Toyota – 34

Hyundai – 34 (excluding assembly units)

Deepal – 33

Nissan – 30

Citroën – 23

JMEV – 22

Omoda – 19

Geely – 10

MG – 9

Volkswagen – 7

Mitsubishi – 7

Voltz – 5

Skoda – 5

Forthing – 5

Ford – 5

Nami – 5

Honda – 4

Tesla – 3

Isuzu – 3

Mazda – 2

LS Auto – 1

Junio – 1

Jeep – 1

iCar – 1

BMW – 1