NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2026 concludes with over 180,000 visitors

KATHMANDU: The six-day NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2026 officially concluded on Sunday, drawing an overwhelming turnout of more than 180,000 visitors. Organised by Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), the second edition of the expo aimed to promote a sustainable, green, and technology-friendly transport system in Nepal, exceeding its initial attendance target of 150,000 people.

At the closing ceremony, NAIMA President Ritu Singh Vaidya highlighted the participation of over 55 domestic and multinational brands, the launch of 53 new products, and the massive turnout as major accomplishments of the event.

"This expo is not just the success of an individual or organisation, but the collective success of Nepal's entire mobility industry. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all participants," Vaidya said. "Along with displaying new vehicles and technology, we prioritised knowledge and learning at the expo. We believe that an expo should be a platform to generate knowledge, not just display vehicles."

NAIMA President Vaidya added that attracting over 180,000 people provides immense encouragement for a young organisation like NAIMA. "This is not the end, but a beginning," she said. "Our goal is to move forward bigger, better, and stronger in the days to come."

Industry leaders and committee representatives expressed strong enthusiasm over the outcome. Gaurav Sharda, Chair of the Auto Show Planning Committee, stated that the event surpassed all expectations, citing high visitor numbers, strong enquiries, and vehicle bookings. NAIMA Strategy and Membership Affairs Committee Chair Akash Golchha called the event a 'super hit', while Board Member Cabinet Shrestha noted that the high turnout brought joy to the entire auto sector. NAIMA Executive Director Raj Kumar Dulal added that the event validated its core concept through learning sessions, broad collaboration, and demand-focused management, noting that visitor satisfaction remains the true measure of success.

The turnout built steadily throughout the week following its opening on Tuesday, August 11, which recorded 29,000 visitors. The event recorded 26,000 attendees on the second day, 22,000 on the third day, 31,000 on the fourth day, and a peak of 42,000 on Saturday, before concluding with more than 30,000 visitors on Sunday.

Alongside vehicle displays, the event featured daily knowledge-sharing sessions under the NAIMA Mobility Sambaad series. The closing day hosted a panel titled 'Importing Talent, Exporting Workers: Bridging Nepal's Education, Skills and Entrepreneurship Gap,' featuring Member of the House of Representatives Vidushi Rana, NAIMA Board Member and Chairman of Padma Jyoti Group Saurabh Jyoti, Padma Kanya Campus Assistant Professor Bhagawati Sedai, and Thapathali Engineering Campus Assistant Professor Lochankendra Devkota, moderated by Sanjay Silwal Gupta. Earlier sessions covered 'AI and Automotive Technology: Driving the Future of Mobility' on Saturday, 'Technical: Battery Recycle and Ethanol Blending in Fuel' on Friday, 'Mobilising Mobility through Finance & Insurance' on Thursday, 'Mobility: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow' on Wednesday, and 'Investment and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Mobilising Fuel for Economic Growth' on Tuesday.

The event received corporate support from a wide range of industry partners. Global IME Bank served as the co-sponsor, with Red Bull as the powered-by partner, alongside banking partners NMB Bank and Siddhartha Bank, and insurance partners Sagarmatha Lumbini Insurance Company (SALICO) and NLG Insurance Company. Key operational partners included Bosch for technology, Global College and Embark College for education, Agni Energy and Agile Engineering Solutions for charging, Pathao Nepal for ride services, Aqua Minerals (Aqua Hundred) for hydration, The Soaltee Kathmandu for hospitality, Grande International Hospital for medical care, Vatsal Impex (Hikvision) for surveillance, and Hitco for fire and safety. Additional partners included IME Khalti for co-ticketing, UnionPay for QR services, Pioneer Event Management and Media Network for audio-visual support, Digipal Solutions for digital services, ATS Nepal for vehicle safety, Media Space Solutions for event management, WorldLink Communications for connectivity, and Profit Media as publication partner.