Top SUV Brand Set to Enter Nepal After Competing With Toyota and Nissan in Middle East
Key Takeaways
- Chinese EV maker Jetour is expanding globally, with significant growth in the Middle East and plans to enter Nepal's SUV market in 2026
- The brand will launch two plug-in hybrid SUVs in Nepal: the **T2 PHEV** (360 hp, 90 km EV range, 1,100 km total range) and **T1 PHEV** (335 hp, 117 km EV range, 1,200 km total range)
- Jetour achieved over **80% year-on-year growth** in the Middle East in 2025, capturing **8.5% market share** and becoming the top Chinese brand in the region
- The Nepal launch faces pricing challenges due to limited government support for hybrids compared to fully electric vehicles, but strong after-sales support could aid market entry
- Jetour's rapid global expansion includes selling over **2.2 million vehicles worldwide** since 2018, with its **T-Series SUV lineup** surpassing **700,000 units sold** globally by May 2026
Jetour Expands to Nepal: A New Contender in the SUV Market
For decades, the Middle East SUV market has been dominated by established Japanese brands such as Toyota and Nissan. These manufacturers have built strong reputations for reliability, durability, and long-distance capability. However, the automotive landscape is evolving, with new Chinese brands entering the fray. Among these emerging players, Jetour has made significant strides, challenging traditional leaders with advanced technology, bold designs, and electrified powertrains.
From Chinese Startup to Global SUV Leader
Founded in 2018 under Chery Holding Group, Jetour was designed with a clear focus on SUVs tailored for travel, adventure, and modern mobility. Unlike traditional automakers that gradually shifted toward electrification, Jetour embraced new-energy vehicles from the start. The brand combines SUV practicality with cutting-edge technology, offering vehicles that feature rugged styling, premium interiors, and electrified powertrains.
In just seven years, Jetour has sold over 2.2 million vehicles globally, establishing itself as one of the fastest-growing Chinese automotive brands. A key driver of this success is its T-Series SUV lineup, particularly the Jetour T2. Within 33 months of its launch, the T2 surpassed 500,000 global sales, making it the fastest boxy SUV to reach this milestone. As of May 2026, the entire T-Series had crossed 700,000 cumulative sales, underscoring the growing appeal of Jetour’s adventure-oriented SUV philosophy.
The T2 has also gained recognition internationally, leading the boxy SUV segment in nine countries, including the UAE, Qatar, and Egypt. It has received prestigious awards such as “Car of the Year” in Angola and South Africa, as well as the Mild Adventure Category Championship at the 2026 South Africa Car of the Year awards. These achievements highlight Jetour’s strategy of blending traditional SUV appeal with modern technology, electrification, and lifestyle-focused design.
Jetour’s Middle East Breakthrough
The Middle East has always been a challenging market for new automotive brands. SUV buyers in the region prioritize vehicles that can handle long distances, extreme weather, and varied terrain. Additionally, brand reputation plays a crucial role, with established manufacturers enjoying decades of customer loyalty. Despite these hurdles, Jetour has made remarkable progress.
In 2025, Jetour recorded over 70,000 vehicle sales in the Middle East, achieving more than 80% year-on-year growth. This performance positioned Jetour as the No. 1 Chinese automotive brand in the region. By the end of 2025, Jetour had captured an 8.5% share of the Middle East SUV market, ranking third overall behind Toyota and Nissan. For a brand that launched just seven years ago, this accomplishment reflects the shifting dynamics of the global automotive industry.
Jetour’s Entry into Nepal
Following its success in the Middle East, Jetour is set to enter the Nepalese market. The brand will make its debut at the upcoming NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2026 through Laxmi Motorhub, a subsidiary of the Laxmi Group. Jetour will bring its SUV-focused lineup and hybrid technology to Nepali buyers, marking a significant expansion for the brand.
Jetour’s Nepal entry will be led by two plug-in hybrid SUVs: the T2 PHEV and T1 PHEV. The Jetour T2 PHEV embodies the brand’s adventure-oriented approach. Inspired by traditional off-road SUVs, the T2 features a boxy design, upright stance, high bonnet line, and rugged styling elements. Underneath its conventional SUV appearance lies a modern plug-in hybrid system. The T2 PHEV combines a 1.5-litre TGDI turbocharged petrol engine with a plug-in hybrid system and a 3-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). This setup delivers 360 hp and 610 Nm of torque, allowing the vehicle to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 7.5 seconds.
The SUV is powered by an 18.4 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, providing up to 90 km of electric-only range under the NEDC cycle. When combined with the petrol engine, Jetour claims a total driving range of around 1,100 km. The T2 PHEV also supports fast charging, with the battery capable of charging from 30% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes.
The smaller Jetour T1 PHEV follows a similar formula but targets buyers seeking a slightly more compact SUV. It uses the same 1.5-litre TGDI plug-in hybrid system, producing 335 hp and 530 Nm of torque. Equipped with a larger 26.7 kWh LFP battery pack, the T1 offers around 117 km of electric-only range under WLTC testing and a claimed combined driving range of up to 1,200 km. Both models exemplify Jetour’s commitment
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