NADA auto exhibition 2024 from 27 Aug to Sep 1

Nepal Automobile Distributors Association (NADA) is all set to hold the 16th edition of its annual auto show. The automobile exhibition will take place from August 27 to September 1 at the Bhrikui Mandap Exhibition Venue in Kathmandu.

The exhibition is featuring 12 light commercial vehicle brands, 19 two-wheeler brands and 24 four-wheeler brands. Moreover, 33 companies specializing in lubricants, tyres, batteries, repair and maintenance equipment, and other automobile components along with 7 financial institutions will be participating in it. In total, the exhibition will accommodate 95 exhibitors and 130 stalls.

Tata.ev is the title sponsor of the exhibition that is co-sponsored by Shikhar Insurance Company. Heo Xoom Scooter, Khalti, Wordlink and Hitco are its other strategic partners. The event will be managed by Global Exposition and Management Service Pvt Ltd.

The show is expected to see around 75,000 footfalls over its 6-day duration.  “It will offer an unparalleled opportunity for automobile enthusiasts to explore the latest models technologies and trends,” according to the organisers.

“The current economic slowdown is severely affecting Nepali automobile sector, in this context, this year’s show will not only help boost the sector but also assist in stimulating the national economy,” the opine.

The exhibition will showcase a variety of vehicle categories including 2-wheelers, 3-wheelers, 4-wheelers, light commercial vehicles, as well as sections for financial institutions, auto components, and garage equipment. Notably, this year’s event will also feature electric a wide variety of vehicles. That signifies growing importance and market of non-polluting vehicles in Nepal.

The NADA Auto Show is an important event for both automobile dealers and, relevant service providers and consumers. It is also a crucial platform for the public to learn about the latest developments and innovations in the automotive industry. It offers an opportunity for businesses to showcase new products and for consumers to gather valuable information about new vehicles and related services.

The exhibition will bring a tug of war situation between electric vehicles and fossil fuel engine vehicles. The same situation was seen last year, but more ev companies represented by established big houses and new comers are showcasing lucrative and lavish ‘new model’ electric vehicles. BYD, MG, Tata, Hyundai, Kia, Changan are participating where Zeeker, Xpeng, Leap Motors, Henery, Dongeng, Shnadong, Kaiyi are bringing in new brands of evs.  

Moreover, the automobile dealers in Nepal are facing low volume of sales of four wheelers with ICE against electric vehicles since a year back.

The government has paved a wider way to electric vehicles to get better pace by lower tax rates, wider bank financing and awareness on contributing to climate change actions. But, ICE vehicles are allowed not more than 50 percent bank finance and tax rate is also higher as 248 percent on the price of import. The leaders at NADA has been expressing their dissatisfaction on the tight situation policy on importing ICE vehicles and their distributions.

The present situation has been a better climate for electric vehicles for private and institutional uses. That needs to be better for public transport as well which so far has not been ‘good’ for transport entrepreneurs. Although 11 seater and 14 seater electric vans are sold around two thousand units and serving different routes, electric buses with 24 seats and above are yet to be entrepreneur friendly. As Sajha Yatayat has been operating 40 electric buses and a few by Sundar Yatayat so far, the authorities need to consider on promoting EVs for Public Transportation.

However, Kinglong, Joylong, SRM are showing 11 to 20 seater electric vans as the alternatives to electric buses for the Kathmandu valley and other cities and inter-city public transportation.

In this connection, it is worthwhile to expect good results from an ongoing electric public transport support program being undertaken by GIZ and GGGI with Nepal Government.

Thus, as an apex institution of automobile traders in the country, NADA should not ignore their potential role in promoting electric vehicles for public transport.