KATHMANDU: The NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2026 has attracted a larger-than-expected crowd. The organizers have started special preparations for the public holidays, expecting visitor numbers to rise further.
The Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) had expected around 25,000 visitors daily and nearly 150,000 visitors during the expo. However, attendance during the first four days has exceeded expectations.
NAIMA has made special arrangements for parking ahead of the public holidays. NAIMA Executive Director Rajkumar Dulal said the parking areas around Bhrikutimandap and the Nepal Police Club have been heavily occupied.
“Open spaces around Bhrikutimandap and both floors of the Nepal Police Club building were packed during the first four days,” Dulal said. “We have made special parking arrangements for Saturday and Sunday due to the high visitor turnout.”
According to Media Space Solutions Managing Director Shrijal Bhattarai, visitors have been lining up outside the Bhrikutimandap gate before the expo opens.
“The expo opens at 11 am, but visitors start arriving from 10 am,” Bhattarai said. “We are very encouraged by this level of interest.”
Visitors have also noticed the unusually high turnout. Navina Nakarmi from Old Thimi, Bhaktapur, said she had attended previous auto shows but had never seen such a large crowd.
More than 108,000 people had visited the expo by the third day. Around 29,000 visitors attended on the opening day, followed by 26,000 on the second day and 22,000 on the third day. More than 31,000 visitors attended on the fourth day.
The expo features vehicles from more than 55 brands. Distributors are attracting visitors by launching new models and offering various deals. The wide range of vehicles has also given customers more options to choose from.
Two-wheelers have also attracted significant attention. Premium motorcycle brands have particularly drawn young visitors.
Visitors are mainly asking about battery capacity, motor performance, driving range, after-sales service, battery warranty, and resale value. Many are also considering the expo as an opportunity to book a vehicle within their budget.
Automobile companies are offering several promotional benefits to attract customers. These include discounts, one-year insurance, one-year road tax, free servicing, and loans at lower interest rates.
So far, 52 new vehicle models have been launched at the expo. NAIMA expects around 150,000 people to visit the event during its six-day run.
