Proton has officially entered Nepal’s electric vehicle market with the launch of the Proton e.MAS 7, marking a significant step in the company’s global expansion strategy.
Proton's entry could not have been timed any better as Nepal’s EV sector is experiencing rapid growth, increasing nine-fold over the past few years - perfect for Proton to position itself in a key role in Nepal's green mobility shift.
The e.MAS 7 launch was attended by key figures from Proton, PRO-NET and Jagdamba Motors, along with Mohammad Firdaus Azman, Chargé d'Affaires of Malaysia in Nepal.
Representing Proton were CEO Dr. Li Chunrong, PRO-NET CEO Zhang Qiang, and Director of International Sales Edmund Lim Meng Thong. From Jagdamba Motors, Chairman Shanker Lal Agrawal and several other board of directors.
Currently, Proton's authorized distributor in Nepal, Jagdamba Motors Pvt Ltd, operates three dealerships with plans to expand this network to 12 dealerships by the end of 2025. Efforts are also underway to establish charging infrastructure and a robust service network.
The Nepali market will get two variants of the e.MAS 7 similar to Malaysia - Prime and Premium priced at NPR5,699,000 (RM183,000) and NPR6,799,000 (RM218,000).
Ahead of its official launch, 50 units of the e.MAS 7 were shipped to Nepal in Feb for market introduction and nationwide tour that ran from Feb 21 to March 14 - covering all seven provinces, making 18 stops in key locations such as Janakpur, Birtamod, and Itahari.
The e.MAS 7 captured significant public interest resulting in Proton Cars Nepal's Facebook following reaching over 27,000 by early March.
EV adoption in Nepal has surged dramatically in recent years - penetration rate rose from 6% total industry volume in 2021 to 73% in 2024. This growth aligns with Nepal’s Green Mobility Vision, which aims to reduce fossil fuel dependence through increased electric vehicle adoption.
Additionally, to support this initiative, the Nepal Electricity Authority has committed to establishing over 300 charging stations across the country within the next three years.
For Proton, this launch is more than just an entry into Nepal - it marks the start of a broader international strategy. According to Dr. Li, “Nepal is just the beginning, we are committed to expanding our presence internationally, building relationships with new customers, and reinforcing our position as a key player in the EV sector.”
Plans are in motion to introduce the e.MAS 7 to other global markets, including Trinidad & Tobago, Mauritius, and Singapore with several units of the e.MAS 7 having been sent to Singapore and Trinidad & Tobago for evaluation.
