August 15, Kathmandu.
The ‘NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2026’, currently underway at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu, is set to conclude on Sunday, August 16. However, by the fifth day of the six-day fair, which began on August 11, the number of visitors at the expo site in Bhrikutimandap has already met the organizer’s target.
On Saturday alone, 42,000 visitors toured the expo. With this, the total number of visitors to the fair in five days has exceeded 150,000. The Nepal Automobiles Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) had anticipated 150,000 visitors over the six-day fair.
Due to the unexpected increase in the crowd of expo visitors on Saturday, parking management became extremely challenging. Despite arranging parking in all empty spaces inside Bhrikutimandap, the two floors of the Nepal Police Club, and the food warehouse ground, visitors did not find it easy.
Ignoring the intermittent heavy rainfall, visitors continued to flock to Bhrikutimandap. “The rain disrupted things for quite some time,” said Lekhratna Shakya, Secretary of the Kathmandu Gold and Silver Dealers Association. “When I arrived, the crowd was so dense that there was barely any space to step, and I also booked a scooter.” Abhishek Shakya, the joint secretary of the association who accompanied him, also shared his experience, stating that this year’s fair saw significantly more people than in previous years.
Gaurav Sharada, Chairman of the Auto Show Planning Committee, stated that the significant participation of visitors has been encouraging. “We didn’t have to wait until the last day to say that the fair was completely successful,” he said. “Our goal has been achieved, and I urge everyone to visit the expo and make tomorrow even more special.”
On the opening day of the expo, August 11, 29,000 people visited, followed by 26,000 on the second day, 22,000 on the third day, and over 31,000 on the fourth day. More than 55 brands of vehicles are on display at the fair. Distributing companies are attracting visitors to their stalls by unveiling new models of vehicles.
Yamuna Shrestha, Managing Director of Cimex Inc. Pvt. Ltd., the official distributor of BYD for Nepal, stated that the widespread presence of visitors made the fair successful. Shirish Kumar Murarka, Managing Director of Paramount Motors, also opined that NAIMA’s success lies in its ability to attract a large number of visitors.
With many options available, visitors at the fairgrounds found it easy to choose the vehicle they desired. Two-wheelers also attracted a significant crowd of visitors. Young people, in particular, showed interest in expensive brands.
Visitors stated that the NAIMA Expo was an important opportunity to book a car according to their capacity. Visitors particularly showed interest in topics such as battery capacity, motor, range, after-sales service, battery warranty/guarantee, and resale value.
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Companies have also offered various facilities to attract customers. They have provided benefits such as price discounts, one-year insurance, one-year vehicle tax, free servicing, and low-interest loans. So far, various brands have launched 53 new models of vehicles at the fair. A vehicle was also launched on the fifth day. Laxmi Motorhub Pvt. Ltd., under Laxmi Group, unveiled the ArcFox Crossover.
Today’s NAIMA Mobility Dialogue featured a discussion on “AI and Automotive Technology: Driving the Future of Mobility”. The dialogue was facilitated by Alok Khatri, CEO of Tangible. Sanjay Paudel, Chief Advisor to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation; Suryansh Vaidya, Director of Vaidya’s Organization of Industries and Trading Houses (VOITH); Sandhya Sitaula, Executive Director of Nepal Applied Mathematics and Informatics Institute for Research; and Dr. Suman Thapaliya, IT Director at Texas College of Management and IT, participated as panelists.
On Friday, a discussion was held on “Technical: Battery Recycle and Ethanol Blending in Fuel”. Similarly, on Thursday, there was a discussion and interaction on “Mobilizing Mobility through Finance & Insurance”. Wednesday’s Learning Sessions featured a discussion and interaction on “Mobility: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow”, while on Tuesday, the first day of the expo, a discussion was held on “Investment and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Mobilizing-Fuel for Economic Growth”. Throughout the expo, “NAIMA Mobility Dialogues” will be conducted with the participation of national and international experts.
The second edition of the expo, organized with the aim of promoting a sustainable, green, and technology-friendly transportation system in Nepal, will run until August 16. The expo features significant participation from domestic and multinational vehicle manufacturers and importers. The main attractions at the expo include electric cars, e-scooters, and electric commercial vehicles from brands entering Nepal for the first time, as well as other new models.
Banks, financial institutions, and insurance companies at the expo are providing special offers and subsidized loans for vehicle purchases.
Global IME Bank Limited is the co-sponsor of the fair, and Red Bull is the powered-by sponsor. NMB Bank Limited and Siddhartha Bank Limited are the banking partners. Sagarmatha Lumbini Insurance Company Limited (SALICO) and NLG Insurance Company Limited are the insurance partners of the fair.
Similarly, BOSCH is the Technology Partner; Global College and Embark College are the Education Partners; Agni Energy Private Limited and Ajayal Engineering Solutions Private Limited are the Charging Partners; Pathao Nepal Private Limited is the Ride Partner; Aqua Minerals (Aqua Hundred) Private Limited is the Hydration Partner; The Soaltee Kathmandu is the Hospitality Partner; Grande International Hospital is the Medical Partner; Vatsal Impex Private Limited (Hikvision) is the Surveillance Partner; and Hitko Private Limited is the Fire and Safety Partner.
IME Khalti Limited is the Co-Ticketing Partner of NAIMA Mobility Expo; Union Pay is the QR Partner; Pioneer Event Management and Media Network Private Limited is the Audio-Visual Partner; Digipal Solutions Private Limited is the Digital Partner; ATS Nepal is the Vehicle Safety Partner; Media Space Solutions Private Limited is the Management Partner; WorldLink Communications Limited is the Connectivity Partner; and Profit Media Private Limited is the Publication Partner.
For more: Mobility Expo 2026 150K Visitors
