Nine Nepal, an investment company established by nine Nepali businessmen, including a banker, travel and tour operators and vehicle dealers, has started what it calls Nepal´s first ´organized´ chauffeured four-wheeler rental service.
“Unlike most rental companies, all vehicles will be brand new,” Santoo Shrestha, managing director of the company, said at a press meet on Wednesday.
“This will be a very professionally managed service. We are introducing an interactive website quoting our rates and also develop efficient fleet management software.”
Nine Nepal´s fleet will include Suzuki Swift Dezire sedans, Nissan Sunny SuperSaloons and Tidas, super luxury cars like Cefiro, MUV´s like Mahindra Xylo, SUVs like KIA Sorento and Nissan Patrol to ultra luxury cars like a BMW 7 Series.
According to Shrestha, the company has already invested Rs 30 million and plans to have 100 vehicles by the end of the current fiscal year.
All vehicles will be driven by trained chauffeurs, who have been recruited after a tough screening process, and the rent will include the cost of the driver, vehicle and fuel, according to the company.
While rental charges start from Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,500 a day (eight hours), renting the BMW will cost around US$ 350 a day (eight hours). Rental charges are also divided into shifts of 9 am to 5 pm, 5 pm to 9 pm and 9 pm to 9 am, with the evening and night rental charges being higher. The charges will be fixed to a minimum number of kilometers and packages for longer duration or distance will also be offered.
The company aims to target tourists, visitors of diplomatic missions and INGOs, as well as Nepali customers, including corporate clients to those who need a ride to the outlaying parts of the country or even to go to a party.
“People who have sent their car for repairs or servicing or have a relative or friend visiting and need a car avail our service,” Shrestha said, adding that the company is also looking at wooing hotels.
“We will take care of their guest´s transportation management so that they can concentrate on what they do best — hospitality.”
