NAIMA Nepal mobility expo 2026 to showcase over 55 brands, 40+ vehicle launches in Kathmandu

KATHMANDU: Nepal’s automobile industry is gearing up for one of its biggest annual events as the Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) announced that the NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2026 will feature more than 55 automobile and mobility brands, 51 exhibition stalls, and over 40 new vehicle and mobility product launches, reflecting the country’s rapidly evolving transportation and electric mobility landscape.

The announcement was made during a press conference held at The Soaltee Kathmandu on Monday, where NAIMA unveiled the key highlights of the second edition of the expo in the presence of automobile industry leaders, government stakeholders, sponsors, exhibitors, media representatives, and association members.

Scheduled to take place from August 11 to 16, 2026 (Shrawan 26–31, 2083) at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, the six-day exhibition is expected to become Nepal’s largest mobility event, bringing together manufacturers, importers, technology companies, financial institutions, and service providers under one roof.

The exhibition will showcase two-wheelers, passenger cars, commercial vehicles, electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid technologies, charging infrastructure, mobility solutions, automotive technologies, financial services, and related products, highlighting both Nepal’s growing automobile market and the country’s ongoing transition toward cleaner transportation.

NAIMA President Ritu Singh Vaidya said the association has witnessed remarkable institutional growth within just one year of its establishment. Formed with 21 founding member companies, NAIMA has now expanded to 36 major automobile importers and manufacturers, reflecting growing confidence from the industry and the need for a unified platform representing Nepal’s mobility sector.

She said NAIMA’s vision, “Empowering Growth Through Mobility,” and its mission, “Mobility for All,” extend well beyond organizing exhibitions. According to her, mobility plays a critical role in improving access to employment, entrepreneurship, education, public service delivery, and overall economic development.

“When mobility improves, opportunities expand, and when people and businesses can move efficiently, the country’s economy also moves forward,” she noted.

Over the past year, NAIMA has broadened its activities beyond industry representation by engaging in policy advocacy, institutional development, road safety initiatives, and public awareness campaigns.

Among its major initiatives, the association has successfully organized the inaugural Mobility Expo, supported capacity-building training for 1,610 Kathmandu Valley traffic police personnel, assisted in reconstructing offices damaged during recent demonstrations, and collaborated with the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office and the Department of Transport Management on traffic management and road safety programs.

The association has also institutionalized several long-term programs, including the NAIMA Monthly Mobility Sambaad, NAIMA Mobility Journal, and NAIMA Capacity Building Training Sessions.

One of the Expo’s notable social commitments is that at least 10 percent of ticket revenue will be allocated to research fellowships and professional training programs aimed at strengthening Nepal’s mobility sector. Research papers produced under these fellowships will be published through the NAIMA Mobility Journal.

Looking ahead, NAIMA also plans to organize a NAIMA Mobility Conclave and collaborate with Nepal’s Ministry of Education to develop structured technical training programs focused on workforce development and employment generation in the automobile and mobility industries.

Responding to increasing demand from exhibitors, NAIMA revealed it is studying the possibility of organizing an additional specialized mobility exhibition focused exclusively on commercial vehicles and commercial mobility solutions in the future. President Vaidya also acknowledged that several interested exhibitors could not be accommodated this year because of limited exhibition space, underlining Nepal’s need for larger and more modern exhibition infrastructure.

NAIMA Board Member Sandeep Sharda emphasized that the private sector remains a key driver of Nepal’s economy, adding that large-scale trade exhibitions contribute significantly to investment promotion, business expansion, employment creation, and overall economic activity.

Meanwhile, Gaurav Sharda, Coordinator of the NAIMA Auto Show Planning Committee, said this year’s edition aims to build upon the success of the inaugural event by offering a more premium, organized, inclusive, and visitor-friendly experience.

Given that the Expo will be held during the monsoon season, organizers have made special arrangements to ensure smooth visitor movement and accessibility. The venue will include facilities for persons with disabilities, while parking will be available at Nepal Police Club.

Ride-hailing platform Pathao will offer discounted rides to and from Bhrikutimandap throughout the event, while UnionPay will provide cashback offers on ticket purchases made through its QR payment system.

A major new feature of the 2026 edition will be a series of free learning sessions at the Blue Pavilion Auditorium in Nepal Police Club. Industry experts, policymakers, academicians, business leaders, and technology specialists will discuss topics including electric mobility, automotive technology, road safety, consumer awareness, skills development, employment opportunities, and the future of Nepal’s transportation ecosystem.

Representing co-sponsor Global IME Bank, Deputy Chief Executive Officer Suman Pokharel highlighted the close relationship between mobility, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and economic growth. He announced that visitors attending the Expo will receive access to special banking products and vehicle financing schemes during the exhibition.

On behalf of beverage partner Red Bull Nepal, Head of Marketing Shree Krishna Shrestha praised NAIMA’s efforts in promoting road safety, professional training, and public awareness while announcing that Red Bull will organize various interactive activities throughout the Expo.

The event has attracted an extensive lineup of institutional partners, including Global IME Bank as Co-Sponsor, Red Bull as Powered By Sponsor, NMB Bank and Siddhartha Bank as Banking Partners, BOSCH Nepal as Technology Partner, Pathao as Ride Partner, WorldLink Communications as Connectivity Partner, IME Khalti as Ticketing Partner, Norvic International Hospital as Health Partner, UnionPay as QR Partner, along with several other organizations supporting insurance, education, charging infrastructure, digital services, event management, and safety solutions.

NAIMA Executive Director Raj Kumar Dulal, who facilitated the press conference, said the association aims to position the Expo as both Nepal’s premier automobile exhibition and an important learning platform. He invited families, students, entrepreneurs, professionals, policymakers, investors, and the general public to participate in the six-day event and experience what organizers describe as Nepal’s largest and most comprehensive mobility platform.