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๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ต Nepal /Technology

NAIMA Mobility Expo opens today. 18 new two-wheeler, 29 four-wheeler brands on offer

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • The NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2026 has opened in Kathmandu, featuring 53 stalls with 18 new two-wheeler and 29 four-wheeler brands.
  • Electric vehicles are a major focus, with models ranging from approximately $15,000 to $260,000, alongside workshops on battery management and road safety.
  • Industry leaders discussed the transition to electric mobility, highlighting the private sector's role while emphasizing the need for supportive government policies and infrastructure.

The NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2026 commenced Tuesday at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu, signaling a growing interest in electric mobility within Nepal. Organized by the Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), the expo runs until August 16 and presents a diverse range of automotive options across 53 stalls.

This year's expo introduces 18 new two-wheeler brands and 29 four-wheeler brands that are either entering or expanding their presence in the Nepali market. Electric vehicles are the central attraction, with displayed models spanning a price range from around Rs2 million to Rs35 million (approximately $15,000 to $260,000). Complementing the vehicle displays, the expo includes workshops focused on crucial topics such as road safety and the responsible management and recycling of lithium-ion batteries.

The private sector is driving the growth of electric mobility, but the government must create policies and infrastructure that support this transition.

โ€” Ritu Singh VaidyaThe president of NAIMA emphasizing the need for government support in the electric mobility transition.

Ahead of the festive season, a traditionally strong period for vehicle sales, the expo also features promotional offers on vehicle bookings. The event follows a roundtable discussion hosted by Kantipur Media Group, where industry experts and government officials examined the state of Nepal's automobile sector, current government policies, and the necessary infrastructure to facilitate the nation's shift towards electric mobility.

Ritu Singh Vaidya, president of NAIMA, noted the increased participation from 42 brands last year to 55 this year, reflecting growing confidence in the expo and Nepal's automobile market, particularly in electric mobility, which now boasts over 80 EV brands. Vaidya stressed that while the private sector is driving this growth, government support through policies and infrastructure is essential. She also raised concerns about the practical implementation of maximum retail price (MRP) requirements at customs and logistical challenges at northern border crossings, which increase import costs.

The process is cumbersome and increases the cost of doing business, ultimately affecting consumers.

โ€” Ritu Singh VaidyaDescribing the logistical challenges faced by vehicle importers at Nepal's northern border points.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.