13th NADA Auto Show 2018: EV-Trend Takes Off

The Bhrikutimandap Exhibition Hall at Kathmandu was abuzz between September 11-16, 2018 with the events of the 13^th NADA Auto Show 2018.

Organized in collaboration by the Nepal’s Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA) and Global Exposition & Management Services, the six-day expo showcased some of the latest entrants in the two-wheeler and four-wheeler market.

The event showcased the best of 20 two-wheeler brands and 19 four-wheelers brands.

The event saw the participation of over 70 importers, dealers, distributors and manufacturers from Nepal’s automobile industry, accounting to 135 stalls and 65,000 visitors in all.

However, NADA 2018 missed the grandeur of heavy commercial vehicles due to space constraints.

Highlights of the Event:
Surprisingly, the event witnessed a significant number of queries for Electric Vehicles (EVs). The demand for EVs is on the rise in Nepal’s automobile industry, following which, companies have been introducing these automobiles in the two-wheeler sector.

However, this trend is facing a challenge in terms of infrastructure, says NADA Vice-President Krishna Prasad Dulal.

“We have made suggestions to the government for the development of infrastructure for EVs. The government needs to install charging stations at different places to promote EVs,” adds Dulal.

Another highlight of the event was the high number of transactions on bookings of low-cost vehicles. The expo recorded an account of Rs 5 billion transactions.

As per organizers, automobile companies made up to 30 percent of their annual sales in the expo itself. Special schemes and offers, new launches, availability of accessories and financial assistance were identified among the key reasons for enhanced sales during the expo.

Conclusion:
The 13^th NADA Auto Show presented the likes of leading automobile brands including Tata Motors, Toyota, Skoda, Hyundai, Renault, Nissan and Royal Enfield.

Nepal has been witnessing a steady rise in the purchase of automobiles over the years. According to recent reports, the country’s automobile industry recorded a registration of 437,614 vehicles in the last fiscal.