KATHMANDU: Nepal’s automobile industry is now openly divided. Two competing auto shows scheduled just two weeks apart at the same venue are a living proof of the deepening rift among the country’s major auto players.
The 17th edition of the NADA Auto Show is set to open at Bhrikutimandap on August 19. But before that, the newly formed Nepal Automobile Importers Association (NAIMA) will debut its Nepal Mobility Expo at the same venue on August 5.
The back-to-back events lay bare long-simmering factionalism within Nepal’s automobile sector. NADA, a nearly five-decade-old institution, has traditionally been the face of the country’s auto industry. However, years of internal politicking resulted in a formal split earlier this month, with former NADA presidents Saurabh Jyoti and Shekhar Golchha on the board.
The rift within NADA first surfaced nearly three and a half years ago when two panels led by Dhruba Bahadur Thapa and Karan Kumar Chaudhary contested the election. Although it was hoped that the division would heal after the elections, and senior industry leaders even selected the next leadership team unanimously in a bid to restore unity, the split only deepened.
For years, some vehicle importers dissatisfied with NADA’s internal politics had floated the idea of forming a new association. However, no one was willing to lead and take the blame for splitting the association. This year, that changed. Former NADA presidents themselves took the initiative to form NAIMA. Two former Presidents, Saurabh Jyoti and Shekhar Golchha, agreed to sit on the Board of Directors.
The 17th edition of the NADA Auto Show is set to open at Bhrikutimandap on August 19. But before that, NAIMA will debut its Nepal Mobility Expo at the same venue on August 5.
The automobile industry is now clearly split between NADA and NAIMA. While both associations have announced their respective auto shows, it remains unclear whether businesses will participate in both, choose one or align their involvement based on affiliations.
Who’s With Whom?
The split has left the industry divided. Only a few four-wheeler, two-wheeler and light commercial vehicle importers are active in NADA. Among them, Sipradi Trading (official dealer for Tata Motors), CG MotoCorp (official dealer for Suzuki and CG Motors (official dealer for brands such as Xpeng and Hero motorcycles) are committed to participating in the NADA Auto Show.
Likewise, brands sold by CG Motors, such as Riddara pickups, and brands under MAW Group, like Yamaha, Deepal, and Dongfeng, remain committed to NADA. Most of these brands are expected to participate in the NADA Auto Show 2025.
NAIMA, on the other hand, boasts a robust lineup, including Shangrila Motors (Leapmotor and Citroën), Pioneer Motocorp (Zeekr and Nissan), Paramount Motors (MG and Wuling), SPG Automobile (Omoda and Jaecoo), United Traders Syndicate (Toyota), Vaidya’s Energy (Ather), Hansraj Hulas Chand & Company (Bajaj, Triumph and KTM), Agni Incorporated (Mahindra), Continental Trading (Kia and Isuzu), Laxmi Intercontinental (Hyundai), Laxmi e-Mobility (Kia), Pooja International (Volkswagen), Syakar Trading (Honda two-wheelers) and Cimex Inc (BYD).
Concerns Over Oversaturation
Both associations are holding their event at the same venue, Bhrikuti Mandap, in the space of two weeks. Although NAIMA has not yet opened stall bookings for the Nepal Mobility Expo, sources say it has already secured the venue. NADA, on the other hand, has completed stall booking. However, no information about the participating brands has been disclosed.
Some automobile dealers are concerned that two major shows so close together could backfire for the industry. They fear auto shows could meet the fate of shoe fairs. Although these fairs drew visitors initially, bringing good business to participating companies, they lost their appeal as organizers saturated the market with too many events. This ultimately led to lower footfalls and sales.
With high exhibition costs, limited visitors and a split industry, the auto sector now faces a similar risk. Some dealers warn that frequent events could erode the excitement and commercial success that auto shows have traditionally enjoyed. This would hurt organizers, participating brands and buyers alike.
