NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2025: A Promising Start for Nepal’s Automotive Future
The NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2025 wrapped up yesterday, and as a team that spent considerable time at the venue, we can confidently say—it surpassed all expectations. There was some natural curiosity and cautious optimism about how the event would unfold, and we were among those watching closely.
But from the smooth inauguration session at the newly opened Mahendra Police Club hall to the daily learning sessions and palpable enthusiasm among exhibitors and visitors, the expo delivered on its promise. The intense price-war among companies and the sheer energy on the floor confirmed that this inaugural edition is off to a very strong start.
The Buzz That Couldn’t Be Ignored
According to the organizers, footfall crossed the one-lakh mark. Many companies shared booking figures, and judging by the atmosphere, they clearly made a strong impact. The excitement was palpable, and the overwhelming response led to the expo being extended by an extra day. The extended hours until 8 pm were another positive sign, accommodating visitors who couldn’t attend during regular working hours.
The Good: Engagement, Accessibility, and Cleanliness
One of the standout features was the renewed spirit among participating companies. There was a spark—whether at the stalls or in conversations with company representatives—that set this event apart from typical auto shows. Exhibitors weren’t merely showcasing products; they were genuinely engaging visitors with spot-on demos and enthusiastic Q&A sessions.
The expo layout was thoughtfully designed, providing visitors ample space to roam and explore without feeling cramped. Ventilation, often a challenge at large indoor events, was surprisingly well-managed. That said, Bhrikutimandap, Nepal’s only large-scale event venue, still posed challenges with heat and humidity during peak hours—something beyond the organizers’ immediate control.
Alongside the vibrant vehicle displays, a parallel learning session was held throughout the expo days at the Mahendra Police Club, engaging industry stakeholders on various key topics.
The location’s accessibility was another plus. Four-wheeler parking at Mahendra Police Club worked reasonably well during off-peak hours, and the organizers made evident efforts to keep the visitor experience smooth despite spatial limitations.
Although NAIMA partnered with Pathao, the popular ride-sharing app, offering discounts to the venue, many visitors still preferred to come using their own vehicles.
Cleanliness was another strong point throughout the event. There were no unsightly piles of brochures or press materials scattered around, reflecting well on both the organizers and participating companies’ efforts to maintain an orderly environment.
Many companies also distributed free bottled water to visitors, which was a thoughtful and welcome gesture. Still, the event could benefit from a simple complimentary bottle of water handed out at the entrance to enhance visitor experience and brand visibility.
The Not-So-Good: Space Crunch, Parking Woes, and Branding Inconsistency
Not everything was perfect. While visitors enjoyed the open walkways, many exhibitors felt their stalls were cramped. Some companies filled their spaces with every available model, leaving little room for meaningful interaction or relaxed browsing. At busy times, the atmosphere could feel claustrophobic.
Parking presented mixed challenges. The Mahendra Police Club parking area quickly filled up during peak hours, forcing many drivers into frustrating loops searching for a spot. For two-wheelers, the rain on two days turned the back parking lot into a muddy, difficult-to-navigate mess—an issue that calls for better weatherproofing solutions in the future.
On the first media day, the organizers faced challenges in managing product reveals. Some companies unveiled their products ahead of their designated times, causing confusion among the press and disrupting the planned flow of announcements.
Food stalls were another sore point: overpriced with limited variety. The absence of free drinking water distribution beyond individual company efforts was particularly noticeable.
Branding consistency also left something to be desired. Despite the official name being NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2025, the event was often referred to as “NAIMA Auto Show” or “NAIMA Auto Expo” by company reps and in press materials. For an event establishing its identity, such inconsistency can dilute its branding efforts.
The Odd: A Festive Closing That Could Be More Aligned
The closing ceremony featured a lively “band baja” style procession with pom-poms and an orchestra parading through the venue. While the organizers clearly aimed to inject a fun and celebratory vibe, the informal, college-fest feel contrasted with the professional atmosphere of a major automotive expo watched by regional and international audiences. For future editions, a more polished and refined closing could better reflect the event’s growing stature and prestige.
Final Thoughts: A Strong Foundation with Room to Grow
All things considered, the NAIMA Nepal Mobility Expo 2025 was a commendable debut. It was well-organized, well-attended, and largely well-received. Of course, there are areas to improve to elevate the overall experience, but pulling off an event of this scale for the first time is no small feat. The organizers deserve credit for delivering an extravagant show that has left most of us eagerly anticipating next year’s edition.
