Hulas Motors: The Story of Nepal's First Jeep Manufacturing Company

In the early 1980s, Nepal's automobile market was dominated by imported vehicles. However, a Nepali entrepreneur named Nek Bahadur Thapa recognized the potential for a homegrown automobile industry. He established Hulas Motors, Nepal's first jeep manufacturing company, in 1984.

Hulas Motors' first product was the Hulas Sherpa, a jeep designed specifically for the rugged terrain of Nepal's mountainous regions. The Sherpa was initially assembled using imported parts, but Thapa's ultimate goal was to manufacture the parts domestically. In pursuit of this goal, Hulas Motors began investing in research and development to create a supply chain of locally sourced materials and components.

Despite facing several challenges, Hulas Motors managed to make significant progress in the following years. The company began producing various types of vehicles, including pickup trucks, buses, and mini-vans. Hulas Motors was also successful in establishing a domestic parts manufacturing industry, with the company producing many components in-house.


Hulas Motors' vehicles gained a reputation for their durability and reliability, which helped the company establish itself as a prominent player in Nepal's automobile market. By the late 1990s, Hulas Motors was producing over 600 vehicles annually and employing over 1,000 people.

However, the company's fortunes began to decline in the early 2000s. Hulas Motors faced increased competition from imported vehicles, which were becoming more affordable due to trade liberalization policies. The company also struggled to maintain its domestic parts supply chain, which led to production delays and quality control issues.

In 2010, Hulas Motors ceased production altogether, marking the end of Nepal's first jeep manufacturing company. The company's closure was a significant loss for Nepal's domestic automobile industry and had a significant impact on the local economy. However, Hulas Motors' legacy lives on, as it paved the way for future domestic automobile companies in Nepal.


In conclusion, Hulas Motors was a trailblazer in Nepal's automobile industry, establishing the country's first jeep manufacturing company and laying the foundation for a domestic parts manufacturing industry. Despite facing many challenges, Hulas Motors made significant progress in producing reliable and durable vehicles for Nepal's rugged terrain. Although the company's closure was unfortunate, it will always be remembered as a significant contributor to Nepal's industrial history.