Asia emerging as new market for China's electric carmakers

Nation's motor manufacturers exploring opportunities presented by Nepal and Thailand

Asia is emerging as a new destination for China's electric carmakers, as they rev up efforts to explore and expand into global automotive markets.

Last week, Chinese startup Neta handed over a Neta V model to its first-ever customer in Nepal, starting its foray into the South Asian country.

Neta inked its deal with Nepalese company CG Motors in April. Besides the Neta V, the two plan to introduce models like the Neta S and the Neta U into the market.

Nirvana Chaudhary, an executive at CG Motors, told local media that Nepal is reducing the dependence of the transport sector on fossil fuels.

"Electric mobility presents an attractive option to reduce the national trade deficit and foster long-term domestic sustainable energy solutions. So we are intending to embrace sustainable mobility in both the private and commercial sectors of the Nepalese market," he said.

Neta's delivery of its first vehicle in Nepal came days after its first wholly-owned showroom opened in downtown Bangkok, the capital of Thailand.

All dealerships combined, Neta now has 25 outlets in the Southeast Asian nation, and the figure is expected to reach at least 30 by the end of this year.

China's largest new energy vehicle maker BYD, is more ambitious.

It announced earlier this month that it plans to produce vehicles in Thailand from 2024. They will be sold in the country and exported to neighboring markets in Southeast Asia.