Inside Kaiyi Auto: What a Factory Tour Reveals About a Brand's Global Vision

In Nepal’s rapidly expanding electric vehicle (EV) landscape—where competition is fierce and new models are launched at a relentless pace—brands are often locked in a race of pricing, features, and promotional noise. But beyond the spec sheets and showroom gloss, what customers increasingly seek is credibility and transparency. That’s where initiatives like factory visits can make a real difference.

A recent trip to Yibin, China, offered a firsthand look into the evolving landscape of China’s automotive industry—and Kaiyi Auto’s growing ambitions within it. The visit, organized by Kaiyi Auto in collaboration with Laxmi E-Mobility, provided a two-day immersion into the company’s operations, culture, and vision for international markets like Nepal. Over two immersive days, we gained insight not only into Kaiyi’s cutting-edge automotive capabilities but also into the cultural, strategic, and collaborative spirit that defines the brand.

A Glimpse Into Kaiyi Auto’s Global Ambitions

While Kaiyi may still be a relatively new player in Nepal, the factory tour and early glimpse of upcoming products suggest a brand that is quietly but confidently laying the groundwork for something bigger. The experience revealed not just a carmaker, but a company that is methodically building for the long haul—with transparency, smart manufacturing, and genuine global intent. 

In a market like ours, where trust in new EV brands is hard-earned and customer expectations are rising, experiences like this go beyond just showcasing cars—they showcase intent. And for a brand like Kaiyi, that intent could prove to be its biggest differentiator.

A Cultural Start in the Bamboo Sea 

Before diving into the business of cars, the visit began on a tranquil note with a visit to the Bamboo Sea — a sprawling forest reserve on the outskirts of Yibin.

The endless stretch of bamboo groves, winding wooden walkways, and mist-covered hills provided a quiet introduction to the region and a subtle reminder of the deep-rooted traditions that still shape much of China’s modern development. This natural wonder, with its endless stretches of green and misty pathways, was the perfect cultural start to a trip focused on forward-thinking mobility.

Later that evening, delegates from various countries gathered for the Kaiyi Dealer Awards Dinner. Among the honorees were Laxmi E-Mobility and G.O. Automobiles from Nepal, each receiving the “Most Promising Partner” award.

For Nepal, the recognition marked not only a growing business relationship with Kaiyi but also an acknowledgment of the country's role in the brand's broader global ambitions. The evening was not just about awards—it was a celebration of collaboration, trust, and shared vision.

Behind the Scenes at Kaiyi’s World-Class Manufacturing Hub

Day two brought us closer to the core of Kaiyi’s operations with a visit to its manufacturing facility in Yibin. The factory, built with support from the local municipal government and equipped with Chery Group’s engineering know-how, is central to the brand’s global push.

With Chery Group’s technology at its core, the plant features automated assembly lines, AI-driven quality control systems, and green production techniques. Kaiyi’s growth is also driven by strong government support from the Yibin municipality, which offers industrial incentives and policy backing. Together, this creates a launchpad for Kaiyi’s long-term global ambitions. 

The first thing that struck us was the scale and structure of the facility. Backed by the proven engineering DNA of the Chery Group, the Kaiyi factory isn’t just another production line—it’s smart, scalable, and future-ready manufacturing. Every section of the plant reflects a deep integration of automation, efficiency, and precision. The same engineering philosophy that helped Chery become a global name is now the backbone of Kaiyi’s production strategy.

Our factory visit at Kaiyi Auto began at the press shop, the very foundation of any vehicle’s physical form. Here, giant coils of steel are unrolled, flattened, and fed into high-tonnage stamping machines that apply immense pressure to mold precise body panels—everything from doors and roofs to hoods and structural reinforcements.

The rhythmic clang of presses and the seamless automation underscored Kaiyi’s emphasis on efficiency and precision in its early-stage manufacturing. Each stamped piece, once checked for dimensional accuracy, moves forward into the production line, forming the skeleton of the vehicle.

From there, we proceeded to the body shop, where robotic arms performed intricate welding operations with clockwork precision. This section of the plant reflected Kaiyi’s adoption of modern manufacturing principles—robotic welders handled most of the structural joins, while human supervisors monitored real-time metrics on digital dashboards to ensure consistent build quality. 

Next was the assembly line, a buzzing ecosystem where components from different parts of the plant came together. Engines were mounted, dashboards installed, electricals connected, and wheels fitted—all along a moving line that adapted to multiple powertrain types, whether it be internal combustion, hybrid, or fully electric. What stood out was not just the scale, but the flexible production of the plant. The modularity of this setup means Kaiyi can switch between variants without halting production, giving it an edge in responding quickly to changing global demands.

One of the most unexpected yet insightful stops on our tour was the design studio. Inside, under soft lighting and walls lined with sketches, clay models, and concept interiors, Kaiyi gave us a rare peek into its future product line. Prototypes of yet-to-be-released models, still in the final stages of design, were presented for feedback.

In an unusual but welcome gesture, we were asked to share our impressions on aesthetics, ergonomics, and even what colours we’d expect in vehicles launching next year. It wasn’t just a showcase; it felt like a conversation—an opportunity for international partners to influence the direction of upcoming models. It revealed a side of Kaiyi that is both confident in its capabilities and open to external perspectives as it refines its global strategy.

The company’s partnership with the Yibin municipal government appears to play a significant role in its expansion efforts. Local policy support and industrial incentives have helped create a stable foundation for growth — a notable advantage for a relatively new brand looking to establish itself on the global stage.

Test Drives and First Impressions

In the afternoon, attention shifted to the vehicles themselves at the Yibin International Convention Centre. Three models were available for brief test drives:

E-Qute 04: A compact, electric city car with a minimalist design and urban agility.

X3 Pro: A compact ICE SUV combining basic practicality with a more refined driving feel.

S7 Hybrid: A midsize hybrid SUV aimed at bridging performance and efficiency.

Though time behind the wheel was limited, the models reflected Kaiyi’s attempt to blend affordability, functionality, and growing consumer expectations around tech and electrification.

Reflections from the Hilltop

The day concluded with dinner on a hill overlooking Yibin’s skyline — a quiet moment to reflect on a trip that had offered more than just product previews. While the brand is still relatively new to many global markets, including Nepal, the experience painted a picture of a company working to build credibility through manufacturing standards, strategic partnerships, and a broad product portfolio.

Kaiyi may not yet have the brand recognition of China’s automotive giants, but its vision appears methodical. Rather than chasing quick wins, the company seems focused on building systems that scale, both in product development and market strategy. With strong local partnerships and increasing visibility in countries like Nepal, the coming years will show whether that approach pays off.

What remains clear is this: Kaiyi Auto is not simply testing international waters — it’s laying the groundwork for a long-term presence. And as it does, smaller markets like Nepal may become early case studies in how newer Chinese automakers can integrate into the global automotive narrative.

Kaiyi Auto currently offers a range of models in the Nepalese market, including the X3 Pro EV, a compact electric SUV, along with two urban vehicles, the e-Qute 02 and e-Qute 04.