With the formation of the Nepal Automobiles Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA), all eyes are now on its debut flagship event—the Nepal Mobility Expo 2025. The expo is already being hailed as the most anticipated automotive event of the year in Nepal.

Scheduled for August 6 to 10 at Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu, the five-day expo promises to be the largest mobility exhibition in the country’s automobile industry to date. More than just a product showcase, the event marks NAIMA’s public debut and serves as a bold declaration of its vision and ambition.

NAIMA Chairperson Ritu Singh Vaidya said the association is committed to delivering a world-class experience. “We are ensuring top-tier facilities and a seamless platform for participants, offering real value to exhibitors and a meaningful experience for industry stakeholders,” she said.

The expo is expected to bring together global automakers, local distributors, technology startups, policymakers and industry experts. The focus will be on innovation in vehicle design, sustainable transportation solutions and next-generation mobility platforms. Among the key highlights will be the launch of multiple electric vehicle (EV) models in the Nepali market.

SPG Automobiles, the authorized distributor of Omoda/Jaecoo in Nepal, is among the companies preparing for high-profile launches. According to Rupesh Shrestha, Senior Officer at SPG, the company will launch the Jaecoo J5 and Jaecoo V23 during the event. Additional models from Omoda could join the lineup depending on final stall allocations, he added.

The Jaecoo J5 EV is a fully electric SUV based on the internal combustion engine (ICE) version of the J5, which comes with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and is available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. The Jaecoo V23, on the other hand, is a rebadged version of the iCar V23 from Chery—the parent company of Omoda and Jaecoo. It is expected to draw attention with its bold design and impressive EV performance.

Another major participant, Shangrila Motors, will debut the Leapmotor B10 at the expo. Kiran Shrestha, Assistant General Manager at Shangrila Motors, confirmed the debut and added that various models from Citroën, Peugeot and Leapmotor will also be on display during the event.

The Leapmotor B10, which is built on the Leapmotor 3.5 platform, features 800V high-voltage architecture, cell-to-chassis (CTC) battery integration, an ultra-efficient 27-in-1 thermal management system and AI-enhanced intelligent driving capabilities. Positioned as a more affordable sibling to the premium C10, the B10 expands Leapmotor’s portfolio in Nepal which includes the compact T03 hatchback and the executive-class C10 SUV.

Pioneer Moto Corp, the authorized distributor of Zeekr in Nepal, will also make waves with the unveiling of its second premium electric SUV, the Zeekr 7X. Built on Geely’s Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA), the same 800V modular platform underpinning the Zeekr X, the 7X promises performance and flexibility, offering multiple drive layouts and motor configurations, according to the company.

The event will also mark the beginning of a busy automotive season in the country. Just a week after NAIMA’s debut event, the 17th edition of the NADA Auto Show will take place at the same venue from August 19 to 24, setting the stage for a dynamic month of industry engagement.

Formed earlier this year amid growing dissatisfaction over the perceived politicization of the existing trade body NADA, NAIMA was officially registered on February 25 and launched on April 16. It was formed by a group of automobile importers and manufacturers seeking a fresh, unified platform to advocate for the sector’s collective interests.

Led by Chairperson Vaidya, NAIMA’s board includes 11 influential industry figures such as Suhrid Ghimire from Continental Trading, Shekhar Golchha from Hansraj Hulaschand & Co, Cabinet Shrestha from Agni Inc, Saurabh Jyoti from Syakar Trading and Hemant Golchha from Shangrila Motors, among others.

Interestingly, some NAIMA board members still hold leadership roles within NADA, reflecting overlapping interests and the evolving dynamics between the two associations. Nirakar Shrestha of Laxmi Intercontinental and Yamuna Shrestha, who are in the NAIMA’s board, serve as Vice Chairperson and Executive Member of NADA, respectively.

During NAIMA’s launch, Vaidya described the new industry body as a “non-political, consensus-driven organization”, founded on voluntary leadership with no intention of holding internal elections. She outlined the association’s broader mission under the theme “Empowering Growth through Mobility,” structured around five key pillars: expanding mobility access, enhancing safety and infrastructure, engaging in policy and regulatory advocacy, promoting human capital and best practices, and empowering consumers through shared mobility.

(This news report was originally published in   June 2025 issue   of New Business Age Magazine.)