Three days. More than 77,000 people. If anyone doubted Nepal's appetite for new vehicles, the NAIMA expo just settled the argument.
The NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2026, organised by the Nepal Automobile Importers and Manufacturers Association, has drawn a massive crowd since opening on Tuesday at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. And the numbers tell a clear story: Nepal's automobile and mobility market is buzzing, and buyers are showing up in force.
The Numbers Behind the Buzz
The footfall has been relentless. Over 29,000 people flooded in on the opening day, followed by more than 26,000 on the second and over 22,000 on the third, adding up to that headline figure of 77,000-plus in just three days. Thursday's third day stayed packed from open to close, with the venue crowded throughout.
For an event that's only in its second edition, those are serious numbers. They point to something bigger than curiosity: a market genuinely hungry for new mobility options, and a public ready to spend time, and money, exploring what's on offer.
What's Drawing the Crowds
So what exactly are people coming to see? The interest spans every price bracket. Participating companies report that both affordable and premium cars and motorcycles are pulling buyers, from budget commuters right up to the crore-club flagships. Many visitors were spotted inspecting vehicles closely and lining up for test rides.
For EV buyers in particular, the questions were pointed and practical. Battery capacity, motor performance, driving range and after-sales service topped the list of concerns, a sign that Nepali EV shoppers are getting savvier and more discerning by the year. The sheer variety on display, from sharp-priced newcomers like the Chery Q at Rs 30.99 lakh to premium electric arrivals, is exactly what's keeping the aisles full.
Deals, Bookings and Big Launches
The crowds aren't just window-shopping. Brands report a steady stream of bookings, helped along by an aggressive wave of promotional schemes. Cash discounts, one year of free insurance, one year of road tax, free servicing and low-interest financing are all on the table as companies scramble to convert footfall into sales.
The launch activity has been extraordinary too. A total of 52 new vehicle models hit the market during the first two days alone, with 48 unveiled on the opening day and four more on Wednesday. That's a staggering pace, and it underlines just how much brands are treating this expo as the launchpad of the year, much like the premium debuts seen from badges like the Hongqi E-HS4.
More Than Just Vehicles
The expo's ambitions run beyond metal and horsepower. This second edition of the six-day event is built around promoting sustainable, green and technology-driven mobility in Nepal, and the mix reflects that. Vehicles from domestic and multinational manufacturers and importers fill the halls, with brand-new entrants to Nepal, fresh electric cars, e-scooters and electric commercial vehicles among the biggest draws.
Crucially, the money side is here too. Banks, financial institutions and insurance companies are participating directly, offering special financing schemes and buyer benefits on the spot. That one-stop-shop approach, where you can browse, test ride, finance and insure all under one roof, is a big part of why so many visitors are converting interest into action.
Conclusion
With over 77,000 visitors in three days and 52 launches already on the board, the NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2026 has cemented itself as the marquee event on Nepal's automotive calendar. The expo runs at Bhrikutimandap until August 16, and if the opening pace is anything to go by, the final tally could be enormous.
But the real story isn't the footfall. It's what it signals. Nepal's mobility market is maturing fast, buyers are more informed and more demanding than ever, and the shift toward electric is no longer a fringe conversation. Will this expo be remembered as the moment green mobility truly went mainstream in Nepal? The next few days, and the sales that follow, will tell.
For more on every launch and offer from the show, Autoncell is tracking it all as it happens.
