Resurgent NADA Auto Show Returns to Nepal After Four-Year Hiatus

After a hiatus of four years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nepal’s much-anticipated annual automobile show is making a triumphant return. The NADA Automobiles Association of Nepal has officially announced that the 15th edition of this grand automotive festival will kick off on September 12th in Kathmandu, spanning an exciting six-day run.

According to the organizers, 82 companies will grace the NADA Auto Show with their presence. Among them, 17 companies will showcase four-wheelers, 23 will present two-wheelers, six will exhibit commercial vehicles, and five banks and finance companies will offer their services. Additionally, 31 dealers specializing in spare parts, lubricants, and accessories will also participate in this automotive extravaganza.

Dhruba Thapa, the esteemed president of the NADA Automobiles Association of Nepal, expressed his enthusiasm for this year’s event. He noted that 25 percent of the participating companies are newcomers to the Nepali market, adding a refreshing dynamic to the show. Thapa stated, “This exhibition is special for us because it’s taking place after a long gap,” acknowledging the challenges posed by the pandemic, which had forced the show’s suspension since 2020.

Interestingly, autumn in Nepal traditionally witnessed a surge in automobile sales, with approximately 40 percent of annual sales occurring during this season. However, it’s worth noting that in April 2022, the central bank imposed a ban on the import of jeeps, cars, and vans, with exceptions for ambulances and hearses. This move aimed to safeguard the nation’s dwindling foreign currency reserves, as all motor vehicles on Nepali roads are imported. The ban also extended to motorcycles with engine capacities exceeding 250 cc.

Despite these challenges, the automotive industry in Nepal has shown resilience. In 2022, during the continued prohibition of gasoline-powered vehicles, auto dealers organized an exhibition exclusively featuring electric vehicles (EVs).

The outlook for the forthcoming NADA Auto Show is highly optimistic, with traders anticipating a turnover exceeding Rs20 billion. Additionally, they have exciting plans to unveil a host of new products during this much-anticipated expo.