It has been established that DFSK is a new brand, at least in the Nepali territory.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople used to value brand name a lot. However, these things have changed as customers are getting more self-aware. But it doesn\u2019t mean that brand name amounts to nothing.<\/p>\n
We are trying our best to build our brand recognition. So, we have already participated in several programs and events to improve brand awareness in Nepal. Nonetheless, we try to emphasize that DFSK isn\u2019t a new brand that came into existence a few years ago.<\/p>\n
The brand has a rich history along with a combined presence in more than 80 countries. Furthermore, it also has a strong online presence which has helped with new customers. So far, customers have given us positive feedback on their experience with our SUVs. The trust-building process is long, but it\u2019s worth it.\u201d, <\/strong>says Mr. Shrestha.<\/p><\/blockquote>\nOn a separate note, DFSK Nepal imports their SUVs from Indonesia rather than China. DFSK China builds its SUV for the left-hand drive which isn\u2019t applicable for Nepal\u2019s right-hand drive. Since Indonesia follows the same right-hand drive rule, DFSK Nepal imports from Indonesia instead.<\/p>\n
Unique Offerings<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe auto industry is highly competitive. For an auto brand to be successful, the company must offer something unique to differentiate among the competition. In this regard, DFSK Nepal provides a unique proposition to consumers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe wanted to take the \u2018value-for-money\u2019 approach. Since we are a relatively new company, the strategy matched well with what we were trying to achieve. We wanted to provide consumers premium SUVs with premium features but at a more affordable price. Moreover, the overall quality would match equally to competing for high brands without any compromises.\u201d, <\/strong>says Mr. Ummeed Shrestha.<\/p><\/blockquote>\nDFSK Nepal lives up to this promise, offering premium-class SUVs at a fraction of price, that too without any compromise.<\/p>\nDFSK Glory 580<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\u201cAs an example, DFSK Nepal offers DFSK Glory 580 as its flagship SUV. It is a 7-seater luxury SUV, offering 5-stars safety features, Sunroof, 1.5L Turbo engine, and aggressive styling. While the price seems to be above Rs. 1 Crore, but DFSK Nepal offers it with a starting price of Rs. 67.5 Lakhs.\u201d<\/p>\n
While the price might seem high for an SUV, it is miles more affordable than SUVs of popular brands like Jeep, Volkswagen, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia among others. The pricing is just one of the many aspects where DFSK resounds as a good bargain.<\/p>\n
Pandemic and Lockdown<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe global pandemic and nation-wide lockdown have hurt every business. Unfortunately, the auto industry was among the many that took a heavy blow.<\/p>\n
Talking about the effects of the lockdown, Mr. Shrestha says, \u201cThe series of lockdowns has affected our business. We were getting a few sales leading up to the infamous 3-months lockdown.<\/p>\n
Unsurprisingly, the post-lockdown scenario didn\u2019t do much to restore confidence in customers to buy new products. Understandably, people were more saving-oriented than before. However, we were still getting responses from interested customers outside of the valley. Again, most of them couldn\u2019t approach us due to the travel restrictions.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr. Ummeed Shrestha also points out that the lockdown has affected the current sales, as well as, the upcoming launch of new DFSK products in Nepal.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were planning to introduce DFSK EVs in Nepal. Then, the lockdown happened. Subsequently, the governments removed their tax support for EVs. So, we were forced to halt our plans. Likewise, we were in the process to launch the new DFSK Glory 560 in Nepal. Then, lockdown 2.0 happened, we were stopped on our track yet again.\u201d<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n