Can Bhutanese People Afford to drive Nissan Leaf

Can Bhutanese People Afford to  drive Nissan Leaf

It is very charming to learn that that "Nission Leaf" costing approximately Nu.12,00,000 when converted from the dollar exchange value. This electric car will hit on Bhutnases market segments supported by our current government as their "Go Green Plan" and zero emission cars to ply in the Bhutanese roads. How wondeful it could be if we have noiseless cars like Nissian Leaf moving on the roads like Tigers preying for their victims without much noises being created through the cities. We could have sound sleep during the weekends.

The car being run by lithium battery which can give us 160 kilometers of mileage approximately when  fully charged battery,  placed underneath the passenger seat without much worry to ride on by watching the battery meter. If my estimate is not wrong, this eight hours  of fully charged battery of "Nissian Leaf" will reach us from Thimphu to Phuntsholing without wasting another 30 minutes on the way for recharging with some snacks and tea with chat. The Bhutanese people can really save our money for refuelling the cars in fuel depots if it is succssful to roll out if the market accpets well. The threats may be felt by other car dealers too.

We all know that the "Nissan Leaf" is meant for the premium market segment, sgignifying that only few rich people can afford to buy this soundless car with many options to use. Therefore, I am just wandering, will "Nissan Leaf" really succeed in Bhutanese market where the customers are not that affluent to drive that luxury cars based on their disposible incomes. What pricing strategy will Nissan Leaf implement for Bhutanese common buyers?  Is Nissan Leaf aiming  to replace the old government pool vehicles  and city buses only?

The market segment of cabby drivers  are left out. Since these  cabby drivers are not that rich customers who can afford to buy that premium cars for taxi services in Bhutan. Nontheless, the market segment of low rank civil servants too is left out. Mostly, this low ranking civil servants own the private cars for their family duties in Bhutnaese market. Did Nissan Leaf CEO and marketing team really studied the market compositions of Bhutan before they launch their premium car which might back fire if wrongly predicted?

Who will finnace the buyers of the "Nissan leaf" Cars since vehicles loans are freezed already by the government? The economic situation in Bhutan is not that smiling but always with cloudy mood. The constant problem of Rupee crunch and trade deficits are killing our happiness and wellness. Life is getting harder day by day to earn the basic needs for survival. How can we think of driving such premimum cars like "Nissan Leaf" when our pockets are thin and squeezed?

This is just a food for  thought for the Bhutanese would be buyers and "Nissan Leaf" marketing team to brainstorm before we step in the dark room. It might hurt us later on if not well planned.

Written by:   Mindu Wangdi