NADA Auto Show 2026 Kicks Off in Kathmandu

The NADA Auto Show 2026, organized by the NADA Automobiles Association of Nepal (NADA), has officially begun at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav inaugurated the automobile exhibition on Tuesday. The exhibition will continue until Bhadra 14, bringing together automobile brands, component manufacturers, financial institutions, insurance companies and other businesses associated with Nepal’s automotive sector. Addressing the inauguration ceremony, NADA President Upendra Upreti called for a change in the traditional perception of vehicles as luxury goods. Upreti said vehicles have become a basic necessity closely linked to citizens’ mobility, business activities and employment. He emphasized that the automobile sector has evolved into an important contributor to Nepal’s economy.

“The perspective of viewing vehicles only as luxury items needs to be reviewed,” Upreti said, noting that the sector provides employment to more than one million people and contributes more than Rs. 90 billion in annual revenue. He added that the automobile industry plays a significant role in keeping economic activities dynamic and supporting businesses across multiple sectors. Upreti also highlighted the lack of adequate exhibition infrastructure in Kathmandu, saying the existing facilities at Bhrikutimandap are insufficient to showcase large vehicles and heavy equipment. He noted that trucks, buses and other heavy machinery cannot be displayed properly due to space constraints. He therefore urged the government to prioritize the construction of an international-standard exhibition centre in Kathmandu. The NADA president also stressed the importance of policy stability for long-term investment in the automobile sector. He said frequent changes in tax rates and government policies make it difficult for businesses to prepare long-term investment and operational plans. “Frequent changes in tax rates and policies make it difficult for businessmen to plan,” Upreti said, urging the government to implement its commitment to maintaining stability in tax policy and creating a more investment-friendly business environment. Upreti said the growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in Nepal has created new opportunities for the country’s automobile industry. He stressed that the government and private sector should now focus not only on EV imports but also on developing vehicle assembly industries and manufacturing components within Nepal. He called for additional concessions and incentives to promote and sustain vehicles manufactured in Nepal, arguing that stronger policy support would help develop domestic production capacity. Upreti also reaffirmed NADA’s willingness to cooperate with the government and private sector in promoting clean energy, new automotive technologies and charging infrastructure. The NADA Auto Show 2026 features more than 200 stalls showcasing a wide range of vehicles, automotive products and related services. The exhibition includes 23 four-wheeler brands, 17 commercial vehicle companies, 13 two-wheeler brands and around 70 stalls dedicated to auto components. Banks and financial institutions, insurance companies and other businesses supporting the automobile industry are also participating in the exhibition. Visitors can explore automotive parts, accessories, tyres, lubricants, garage equipment, batteries, helmets and other automobile-related products and services. Vehicles assembled in Nepal are also being showcased at the event. This year’s NADA Auto Show carries special significance as it marks the 50th anniversary of NADA. The exhibition is being organized as the Golden Jubilee Edition. Alongside automobiles and automotive components, the event also features emerging technologies, including the G1 humanoid robot and J02 quadruped robot, highlighting the growing role of technology in the future of transportation and mobility. The exhibition aims to provide a platform for automobile businesses to showcase new products and technologies while connecting consumers, manufacturers, dealers, financial institutions and other stakeholders under one roof.