How Are Service and Spare Parts Availability Impacted by the Increase in Various Vehicle Brands?

August 13, Kathmandu – With the expansion of the electric vehicle market in Nepal, a rapid influx of new brands has been observed. Attractive designs, advanced technology, long ranges, and competitive pricing have brought electric vehicles from China and other countries to the Nepali market. This trend is also evident at the ongoing “NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo–2026” at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, which started on August 11.

More than 55 brands are participating in the expo, and over 40 new models have been launched. The addition of new brands in four-wheelers, two-wheelers, and commercial vehicles continues to accelerate.

However, as the variety of vehicle brands and models increases, consumers face important questions: Where will they get service after purchase? Are spare parts available? Who repairs batteries or motors in case of faults? What happens if the company withdraws from Nepal?

When buying a vehicle, customers often focus on price, range, design, features, and financing options. But post-sale service is equally critical for managing the real ownership cost and ensuring the vehicle’s long-term reliability.

Currently, customers tend to prioritize new models over service quality and spare parts availability. Attractive offers on new models attract customers, but adequate attention is rarely given to service center accessibility and availability of spare parts after the purchase.

New Brands Bring New Risks

In recent years, Chinese electric vehicle brands have surged into Nepal’s auto market. Brands such as BYD, Omoda/Jeko, Denza, Forthing, Henry Volts, iCar, K, Lipmotor, Maxus, RFox, Henry Boma, Wuling, and Ziker are participating in the NAIMA Expo-2026.

Among these, some are new to Nepal, while others are expanding their market presence. The greatest challenge for new brands is to ensure post-sale service and parts supply. Opening showrooms to sell cars is very different from establishing a widespread service network throughout the country.

Operating an attractive showroom and a few service centers in Kathmandu does not guarantee long-term service for customers nationwide. Following sales outside Kathmandu, questions arise about regular servicing, accident repairs, battery testing, motor and electronic parts repairs, and availability of genuine spare parts.

How Extensive Are Service Centers Outside Kathmandu?

Established brands have been expanding their service networks alongside sales growth. Well-known manufacturers are increasing service centers along with customer attraction. However, new brands vary in this regard. Some have started with a limited network only in Kathmandu, while others are expanding to major cities across Nepal.

Therefore, customers visiting the expo should inquire: “Where are your service centers located?” How many are in Kathmandu? Are there centers in Pokhara, Chitwan, Butwal, Nepalgunj, Biratnagar, Itahari, Birgunj, and other key cities?

In the global EV market, BYD has 14 service centers across Nepal. Tata Motors operates 37 charging stations nationwide, with more than two dozen service centers. Similarly, brands including GWM, Mahindra, Royal Enfield, Proton, Omoda, Nissan, Hyundai, Suzuki, Denza, TVS, KTM, Athar, among others, have also expanded service centers throughout Nepal.

For newer brands, service centers remain limited in Kathmandu Valley and a few other locations.

What Is the Spare Parts Stock Situation?

Having service centers alone is insufficient; necessary spare parts availability is equally crucial. While common service parts may be locally available, components like motors, controllers, inverters, battery modules, charging systems, airbags, and various electronic parts often need to be imported if damaged. This delays repairs and increases costs for customers.

When introducing new brands in Nepal, ensuring spare parts availability and a robust service network is essential. Gaurav Sharda, coordinator of NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo–2026 and Director of Sharda Group, stresses that post-sale service is a fundamental responsibility of every brand.

“Every brand must manage its own service network. We are also engaging with the government regarding road infrastructure,” he said.

According to him, learning sessions are being organized through collaboration with Nepal Police Club at the expo venue, Bhrikutimandap. However, he believes that brand responsibility for service is paramount.

“Service is simple; if I provide good service to my customers, tomorrow who will buy my vehicle? Customers are not foolish,” Sharda stated.

He further emphasized that customers investing over 3 million NPR to purchase vehicles often decide based on the company’s history and service network.

“I urge customers to check the manufacturer, official dealer, service history, and spare parts availability before choosing a vehicle,” he added.

The expo also offers an opportunity for customers considering new brands to meet representatives from multiple companies in one place. They can inquire not only about price and features but also about after-sales service. Sharda advised that customers should get answers to at least these five questions:

• How many official service centers exist nationwide?
• In which cities outside Kathmandu are service facilities available?
• What is the stock of essential genuine spare parts, and how long does it take to import them?
• If the battery, motor, controller, or inverter fails, is repair service available within Nepal, or must the parts be fully replaced?
• If the importer or manufacturer ceases operations in Nepal, who will be responsible for providing service and parts to customers?

When purchasing new vehicles, questions should cover not just the company size, but also the official dealer’s identity, financial strength, years present in the market, investments in service networks, and the company’s commitment to spare parts supply duration.

Without clear answers to these questions, buying a vehicle based solely on attractive designs, range, features, or price seen at the expo can pose additional risks for customers in the future.