NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2026 surpasses 150,000 visitors ahead of final day

KATHMANDU: NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2026 at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, is concluding today after reaching its overall target of 150,000 visitors within its first five days.

Organised by Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), the six-day event opened on Tuesday August 11 and crossed the 150,000 mark on Saturday, August 15, when attendance reached 42,000. Over 29,000 visitors were recorded on the opening day, 26,000 on the second day, 22,000 on the third day and more than 31,000 on the fourth day.

Despite persistent heavy rainfall, large crowds created tight parking conditions, requiring space across Bhrikutimandap, two floors of the Nepal Police Club and the Food Corporation warehouse grounds. Lekhratna Shakya, Secretary of the Kathmandu Gold and Silver Dealers Association, said, "The rain disturbed things for quite a while. When I arrived here, it was so crowded that there was hardly space to step foot; I also booked a scooter." Association Joint Secretary Abhisek Shakya said attendance was higher than in previous editions.

Gaurav Sharda, Chair of the Auto Show Planning Committee, welcomed the turnout. "We did not even have to wait until the final day to declare the event a complete success," Sharda said. "Our target has already been achieved, and I urge everyone to make tomorrow even more special by visiting the expo."

Industry figures pointed to strong engagement from visitors, who concentrated on battery capacity, motor power, range, after-sales service, battery warranty and resale value. Yamuna Shrestha, Managing Director of Cimex Inc, the official distributor of BYD for Nepal, credited the large turnout for the event's success. Shirish Kumar Murarka, Managing Director of Paramount Motors, said drawing such a large crowd reflected NAIMA's achievement.

More than 55 brands displayed vehicles, with 53 new models introduced during the expo, including the Arcfox Crossover launched on the fifth day by Laxmi Motorhub. Participating companies offered promotional deals such as price discounts, one year of free insurance, road tax coverage, free servicing and low-interest credit options.

Alongside the exhibition, the NAIMA Mobility Sambaad ran daily panel discussions with domestic and international experts. On Sunday, the dialogue focused on "AI and Automotive Technology: Driving the Future of Mobility," moderated by Tangible's Chief Executive Officer Alok Khatri, with panellists including Sanjay Paudel, Chief Advisor to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation; Suryansh Vaidya, Director of Vaidya Organization of Industries and Trading Houses (VOITH); Sandhya Sitaula, Executive Director of Nepal Applied Mathematics and Informatics Institute for Research (NAAMII); and Dr Suman Thapaliya, Director of Information Technology at Texas College of Management and IT. Earlier sessions covered investment and foreign direct investment on Tuesday, historical perspectives on Wednesday, finance and insurance on Thursday, and battery recycling alongside ethanol blending in fuel on Friday.

The second edition of the expo aims to support sustainable, green and technology-friendly transportation systems in Nepal. Banks, financial institutions and insurance companies provided subsidised loans and specialised on-site offers. Global IME Bank served as co-sponsor, with Red Bull as powered-by partner, alongside NMB Bank and Siddhartha Bank as banking partners. Insurance partners included Sagarmatha Lumbini Insurance Company (Salico) and NLG Insurance Company, supported by Bosch as technology partner; Global College and Embark College as education partners; Agni Energy and Agile Engineering as charging partners; Pathao Nepal as ride partner; Aqua Minerals as hydration partner; The Soaltee Kathmandu as hospitality partner; Grande International Hospital as medical partner; Vatsal Impex (Hikvision) as surveillance partner; and Hitco as fire and safety partner. Co-ticketing, QR, audio-visual, digital, safety, management, connectivity and publication partners also supported the event's execution.