Nepal has banned imports of used cars. The country also does not have any policy and law regarding hybrid vehicles. However, the government is working to introduce a policy to promote hybrid and electric cars.

At a programme here on Saturday, the company said they were ready to make available reconditioned hybrid cars in Nepal at affordable prices provided Nepal allows doing so.

“Hybrid cars are expensive compared to other cars, but are environment-friendly. So there is a need for hybrid cars in Nepal too,” BP President Masumi Mori said.

“If the government allows us to export used cars, we would provide a car that has travelled 5,000 km at Rs 500,000.

BP auctions used cars from Japanese brands like Toyota and Honda in the international market. Established in 2007, BP exports used cars to more than 19 countries. The company also plans to enter Bangladesh by January 19.

Speaking at the programme, Finance Minster Ram Sharan Mahat said Nepal’s existing laws do not allow importing used cars, so the government could help if any company wants to establish a vehicle assembly line in the country. “We can provide concession in excise duty for hybrid vehicles and auto parts to promote vehicle assembly in the domestic market,” he said.

Previously, Nepal had a provision for the imports of used vehicles, but it was later withdrawn considering the environment degradation used vehicles could cause.

Bhawana Pandey, country representative of BP, said hybrid vehicles are better for mileage, engine-life and they are environmentally-friendly, urging the government to promote such vehicles.