Kathmandu -BYD’s new electric car, the Atto 1, has not received an import permit as importer Cimex failed to submit the required documents.

The model is based on BYD’s 'Seagull,' sold globally, but its specifications were altered and it was renamed 'Atto 1' for Nepal. Cimex applied for an import permit before the NAIMA Mobility Expo but could not provide the necessary paperwork.

Despite this, on August 6—the first day of the expo—Cimex announced the official retail price and began taking bookings. By August 12, the company still had no permit or customs clearance.

The car was brought to Nepal under a financial guarantee, meant only for exhibitions, where the importer deposits the vehicle’s value with customs. 

Such cars cannot be priced or sold and must be returned to the country of origin within six months. 

However, Cimex set prices and took bookings anyway.

This is the same company that earlier complained to the Chinese Embassy, accusing the Department of Transport Management of blocking its Sealion 7 model to target Chinese cars. 

At that time, the department had simply asked for more documents. Instead of complying, Cimex’s managing director—while serving as NADA’s Revenue Committee chair—wrote to the embassy, sparking criticism for using the association’s letterhead for personal business.

Cimex also petitioned the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport. A customs official said the company is trying to use political pressure instead of following the law.

'They bring lower-power vehicles, refuse full testing documents, and rush to embassies before the legal review is complete,' the official said. 

'Announcing prices for a deposit-imported car is just another attempt to show they’re above the law.'

Cimex has set the Atto 1’s prices at Rs 2,895,000 for the Dynamic variant and Rs 3,295,000 for the Premium variant—despite not having a permit.

Misleading Promotion

The BYD Seagull sold abroad has a 70 kW motor, but the Atto 1 in Nepal has only 45 kW. Its dimensions also differ, yet Cimex has promoted it as the '2025 Car of the Year.'

The Seagull’s size is 3,780 mm long, 1,715 mm wide, 1,540 mm high, with a 2,500 mm wheelbase. The Atto 1 is 3,925 mm long, 1,720 mm wide, 1,570 mm high, with the same wheelbase.

EV enthusiasts say the Nepal version not only has less motor power but also downgraded interiors and features.