The product features of the 5 cylinder, diesel engined vehicles include impact absorbing front bumper, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, central locking system, separate air-conditioning controls for driver and passenger cabins and door open warning lamp.

Company sources claim that the German MB series – which are assembled in Korea – do not have competitors in the segment and are ‘in a class of their own’.

Gurans Business System (P) Ltd. has presented into the Nepali market Honda AME A and Honda AME B motorbikes. The bikes, assembled in China, are priced at Rs. 135,000 and Rs. 145,000 respectively in Nepal.

Managing director of Gurans Business System, Rup Shakya, claims that the bikes are equipped with fine shock absorbers, providing the riders a car driving comfort. Self-start system and disk brakes are other prime features of these motor cycles. Also, the tubeless tyres facilitate puncture-free riding enabling the rider to get the punctured tyre mended when he chooses to, claims Shakya. He adds that the 100 CC bikes have been so popular that the first consignment sold out very fast.

Immediately after Euro-1 norms for vehicular emission were formally adopted in Nepal, Hyundai Motor Ltd., the Indian subsidiary of Korean automaker Hyundai Motors, has introduced in Nepal its Euro-1 compliant car – Santro.

According to AVCO International (P) Ltd., the distributor of Hyundai Products in Nepal, the 3495 mm long car is being marketed with emphasis on its high power efficiency, durability and safety.

The recently launched Hyundai Santro DX2 ‘Deluxe’ and Hyundai Santro L2 ‘Base’ models feature collapsible steering column with lock, dual-member side impact protection, A/C with R 134a gas & heater, low fuel warning lamp, day and night mirror, and remote fuel filler among others. The capacity of fuel tank is 35 liters.

With a view to provide added services, AVCO International (P) Ltd. claims to offer after sales service at their own workshop with readily available spareparts. According to the distributor, the price of Hyundai Santro Dx2 ‘Deluxe’ is Rs. 969,000 and that of Hyundai Santro L2 Base model is Rs. 845,000, including VAT.

Shree Distillery (P) Ltd., the producer of Mount Everest Whisky and Gorkhali Rum, has launched "King’s Pride" De Luxe whisky into the Nepali market at a consumer’s price of Rs. 375 per bottle of 750 ml.

"King’s Pride" is one of the international class brands of Morrison Bowmore Distillers Ltd., Scotland, with which Shree Distillery has technical collaboration. Launching the new product on the eve of the New Year 2000 with the slogan "Choice of the New Millennium", the company adopted a new promotional gimmick – it used a helicopter on the launching day to drop prizes at various places in the Kathmandu valley. The prizes were offered by various other organizations that ranged from restaurants to resort hotels and airlines to provision stores. King’s Pride available in Nepal is a blend of six-year-old Scotch malt whisky with Nepali alcohol of highest quality, according to company sources.

Launched first in Kathmandu on December 30, the 25° UP product will be available throughout the kingdom within a few months, say company sources. It is also planned to be made available in 180 ml and 375 ml bottles in the near future.

Headway Nepal has launched into the Nepali market a new perfume for women, Jaipur Saphir, manufactured by French perfume manufacturer Perfume Boucheron.

Available in 100 ml, 50 ml and 30 ml EDT spray packs, the new perfume is structured around four synergetic tones of fruit, floral, wood and amber.

According to company sources, the aim of the new brand is to consolidate the market, develop accessibility and broaden target customers.

With a full automatic plant in Kohalpur, Nepalgunj, Shree Shahastra Food Products (P) Ltd. has begun producing a wide range of vegetarian snacks – Dal-mot, Moong Dal, Chana Dal, Salted Peanuts, Alu Bhujia and Bikaneri Bhujia among others.

Launched for the first time in the World Youth Friendship Day Festival 1999-2000, the products are for the time being available only in Kathmandu and the far-west. Established with an investment of Rs. 45 million, the company targets a monthly turnover of Rs. 3 to 4 million. Shree Shahastra, a member of Snack Food Association, Virginia, USA, boasts of a daily production capacity of 2000 to 5000 Kg of ready-to-eat snacks. The company sees similar Indian products as its main competitor and views that proper VAT implementation would enhance competitive edge of Nepali products.

Promoted by Shyam Khetan, Shree Shahastra eyes export potentials in SAARC countries as well as China, Tibet and the Gulf. All range of products are available in 30, 100 and 200 gm. packages and are priced at respectively Rs. 6 at the lowest and Rs. 35 at the highest depending upon the product type and quantity contained. Rastriya Banijya Bank has provided project loan for Shree Shahastra.

Eaasy Connection – Easy Page". With this slogan, KAT Easy Page (P) Ltd. has commenced its radio paging services within Kathmandu valley from 13th December 1999.

"Easy Page" is one of the five radio-paging operators in the valley with its corporate office at Pako, New Road, Kathmandu. According to the company sources, it is currently marketing five models of pagers and has both numeric and alphanumeric services.