KATHMANDU: Auto dealers are working to bring pending vehicle bookings into Nepal in time for Dashain and Tihar.
Flood damage at Rasuwagadhi and a safety shutdown at Tatopani have disrupted the usual China routes for new vehicles heading to Nepal. Trade traffic has shifted west, and Korala in Mustang has become the main crossing for China-made cars and SUVs. Deliveries start in Dashain.
Korala Customs officials say they are currently busy clearing incoming consignments of passenger vehicles and electric cars. Photos of trailers lined up at the border and cars being unloaded show that shipments are already reaching the crossing.
Chery, BYD, Nammi, iCAUR, Omoda, Jaecoo, Arcfox, Leapmotor, MG, GWM and Skywell are using or preparing to use the Korala route for their Nepal-bound stock. Dealers for these brands have to clear a pile of bookings taken during recent auto shows.
Customers who booked during the fairs are asking one question: when will my car arrive? Consignments are now on the move through Korala and dealers are giving regular shipment updates, with many brands publicly assuring that booked vehicles are on the way to Nepal.
At the same time, showrooms are preparing for fresh demand. Vehicle sales usually rise before Dashain as buyers time their purchases to festive offers and holidays, so importers are trying to balance clearing old bookings with stocking enough units for walk-in customers.
With China supply delayed, brands sourcing from India could gain an edge because their stock flow is less exposed to the northern border closures. That could shift short-term market share in some segments, especially entry EVs and compact SUVs.
For now, the clear message from dealers to waiting buyers is simple: festive-season deliveries are planned, but depend on how smoothly Korala can handle the extra load.
Writes on vehicle pricing, taxation and the Nepali auto market from ongoing tracking of distributor price lists. Editorial policy.
