KATHMANDU, Aug. 12: The second edition of the Naima Nepal Mobility Expo 2026 opened in Kathmandu on Tuesday, showcasing 48 new vehicle models and attracting more than 29,000 visitors on its first day, according to the Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association (Naima).
The six-day expo, which aims to promote sustainable, green and technology-driven mobility in Nepal, was inaugurated at the Blue Pavilion Auditorium Hall at Nepal Police Club amid a special ceremony.
Speaking at the opening, Naima Chairperson Ritu Singh Vaidya said the expo was not merely a marketplace for buying and selling vehicles but a common platform bringing together the broader mobility ecosystem. She also expressed concern over frequent changes in government policies, saying they had created uncertainty among businesses and discouraged new investment.
Vaidya urged the government to consult the private sector and other stakeholders before introducing policy changes.
Inspector General of Police Karki, speaking at the event, urged automobile businesses to go beyond vehicle sales and fulfill their social responsibility, particularly in the area of road safety. He also called on vehicle brands to give greater attention to after-sales services.
Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Anjan Shrestha criticized the government for viewing the automobile industry primarily as a source of revenue. He called for the sector to be treated as a necessity rather than a luxury and claimed that Nepal has among the highest customs duties on automobiles globally.
NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2026 enters final day
Shrestha also called for stable policies for electric vehicles, saying the private sector was ready to invest if the government created a conducive environment.
Similarly, Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) President Birendra Raj Pandey said the automobile sector should receive higher priority from the government as it is a major source of revenue. He said investment in transportation and its sustainable development could make a significant contribution to the national economy.
Nepal Chamber of Commerce President Kamlesh Agrawal said mobility was no longer limited to transportation but had become directly linked to economic prosperity. Citing figures presented at the event, he said the mobility sector contributes around 7 percent to Nepal’s gross domestic product.
“The sector is interconnected with banking, insurance, tourism, construction and information technology. Therefore, it should not be viewed merely as a luxury or consumption sector but as an engine of economic development,” Agrawal said.
According to Naima, more than 29,000 people visited the expo on its opening day, with organizers expecting around 150,000 visitors throughout the six-day event.
The first day also featured a discussion titled “Investment and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Mobilizing-Fuel for Economic Growth,” moderated by former banker Anil Keshary Shah. Nepal Rastra Bank Executive Director and Head of the Economic Research Department Dr Satyendra Timilsina, Dolma Foundation Chairperson Tim Gocher, Nabil Bank Chief Executive Officer Manoj Gyawali and Naima Chairperson Vaidya participated in the panel discussion.
More than 300 people participated in the learning session held on the first day, according to the press release. Learning sessions, policy dialogues and industry interactions involving Nepali and international experts will continue throughout the expo.
Grand International Hospital also delivered an informative presentation on “Basic Life Support and Immediate Care After Road Traffic Accidents.”
The expo features significant participation from domestic and multinational vehicle manufacturers and importers. New electric cars, e-scooters and electric commercial vehicles, including models from brands entering the Nepali market for the first time, are among the major attractions.
Banks, financial institutions and insurance companies are also offering special deals and concessional loans for vehicle purchases at the expo.
Global IME Bank is the co-sponsor, while Red Bull is the powered-by partner. NMB Bank and Siddhartha Bank are banking partners, while Sagarmatha Lumbini Insurance (SALICO) and NLG Insurance are insurance partners.
The expo has also partnered with BOSCH as its technology partner, Global College and Embark College as education partners, Agni Energy and Ajayal Engineering Solutions as charging partners, and Pathao Nepal as its ride partner. The Solti Kathmandu is the hospitality partner, Grand International Hospital is the medical partner, Vatsal Impex (Hikvision) is the surveillance partner, and Hitco is the fire and safety partner.
IME Khalti is the co-ticketing partner, UnionPay is the QR partner, Pioneer Event Management and Media Network is the audio-visual partner, and Digipal Solutions is the digital partner. ATS Nepal, Media Space Solutions, WorldLink Communications and Profit Media are the vehicle safety, management, connectivity and publication partners, respectively.
The expo will continue through August 16 at the Nepal Police Club.
