Weekend crowd surge
NAIMA made special preparations for Saturday and Sunday at the NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2026 in Bhrikutimandap after visitor turnout rose beyond expectations. The expo, which began on Tuesday, saw a particularly large crowd on Saturday, with many visitors taking advantage of the holiday.
The organiser had initially estimated around 25,000 daily visitors and about 1.5 lakh total visitors for the full event. By the fifth day, that estimate was already surpassed, with more than 1,50,000 people visiting the expo. The daily footfall was reported at 29,000, 26,000, 22,000, 31,000+, and a record 42,000 on Saturday. The event concluded with a total of over 1.8 lakh visitors, with more than 30,000 attending on the final day.
Parking becomes the main concern
NAIMA’s weekend plan was centered on parking management. Open spaces around Bhrikutimandap and both floors of the Nepal Police Club building were already full in the first four days. Visitors have been arriving before the venue opens at 11 am, with queues starting to form from around 10 am.
Strong buying interest
The event featured more than 55 automobile and mobility brands, with 53 new models launched. Two-wheelers and cars priced below Rs. 5 million attracted significant attention, and premium brands also saw strong interest, particularly among younger visitors.
Visitors paid close attention to battery capacity, motor performance, driving range, after-sales service, battery warranty, and resale value. Companies pushed offers such as discounts, one-year insurance, one-year road tax, free servicing, and vehicle financing at preferential interest rates.
NAIMA's President, Ritu Singh Vaidya, highlighted the expo's success, stating that the participation of over 1.8 lakh visitors and the unveiling of 53 new products marked a significant achievement. She emphasized the collective success of Nepal's mobility industry and expressed gratitude to all participants.
Board member Kabinet Shrestha noted the large turnout as a positive indicator for the auto industry, while Planning Committee Chair Gaurav Sharada expressed excitement over exceeding expectations in visitor numbers, inquiries, and bookings.
The expo, co-sponsored by Global IME Bank Limited and powered by Red Bull, also featured various partners, including NMB Bank Limited, Siddhartha Bank Limited, and Sagarmatha Lumbini Insurance Company Limited, among others. The event aimed to promote sustainable, green, and technology-friendly transportation systems in Nepal, with significant participation from domestic and multinational vehicle manufacturers and importers.
Writes on vehicle pricing, taxation and the Nepali auto market from ongoing tracking of distributor price lists. Editorial policy.
