KATHMANDU: The NADA Auto Show 2026 has entered its fourth day. The auto show started on August 25 and is being held at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu.
The automobile sector has also been affected by the unexpected flooding in the Bhotekoshi River. Despite the difficult situation, automobile businesses have continued the auto show to keep economic activities moving.
The damage to the road connecting the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung border has raised concerns among customers who booked electric vehicles imported from China. However, automobile businesses are confident that vehicles booked during the show can be delivered before the festive season.
Businesses are preparing to use alternative border points and routes to deliver vehicles booked at the NADA Auto Show before Dashain and Tihar.
The flood has damaged roads and infrastructure around the Kerung route. This has disrupted vehicle imports from China through the Rasuwagadhi border. Importers are now preparing to use the Tatopani and Korala border points as alternatives.
BYD, one of the largest car brands in Nepal, will use the Korala border to bring in vehicles. The company had also used the Korala route to import vehicles last year.
A large number of BYD vehicles were swept away by the flood. However, the company plans to bring additional vehicles through the Korala route.
Ashish Shakya, manager at Cimex Inc, said the company has already been using multiple customs points. Therefore, a problem at one border point is unlikely to have a major impact on overall supply.
Deepal EVs are imported from Thailand and brought to Nepal through India. According to Gyanendra Bahadur Chand, CEO of MAW Vriddhi Motors, vehicles targeting the festive season are already on the way.
“Deepal vehicles are produced in Thailand and will enter Nepal through India. We will deliver all vehicles booked at the NADA Auto Show by Tihar,” Chand said.
NAMMI Vigo is among the most talked-about models at this year’s auto show. Milan Babu Malla, executive director of MAW Group, said the model will also be available during the festive season.
“Around 150 NAMMI EVs were swept away by the flood in the Rasuwa customs area,” Malla said. “We will use alternative routes to bring vehicles booked at the NADA Auto Show, as well as future bookings, into Nepal.”
Other importers are also preparing alternative routes to maintain vehicle supplies from China.
CG Motors imports Aion and Riddara vehicles. Jagadamba Motors imports Proton vehicles, while Paramount Motors imports MG and Wuling models from China.
Similarly, SPG Automobiles imports Omoda, Jaecoo, Chery and iCAUR vehicles. VG Impex imports GWM products, while LRR Group imports Skywell and Geely EVs.
Laxmi Group imports brands such as Kaiyi, BAIC and Arcfox from China.
Most importers have started preparations to ensure that NADA Auto Show bookings are not affected. They are looking at alternative routes to deliver vehicles before the Dashain-Tihar festive season.
The NADA Auto Show 2026 is being held at Bhrikutimandap from August 25 to August 30, 2026.
