NADA Auto Show 2019 off to a grand start

KATHMANDU: Organised by NADA Automobiles Association of Nepal and managed by Global Exposition & Management Services, the 14th edition of NADA Auto Show, the biggest automobile show of the country, kicked off at Bhrikuti Mandap on August 27. The event was inaugurated by Finance Minister Yubaraj Khatiwada.

After the inauguration, he said, “As the nation’s economy continues to grow, people’s paying capacity is also increasing which leads to increase in demand of automobiles. The government is liable to develop road infrastructure and safety, but until and unless the Melamchi Water Supply Project is completed, we won’t be able to construct black-topped roads.” He added, “Instead of depending on sales of imported vehicles, the government encourages automobile entrepreneurs to build assembly plants in the country itself and is always open to discuss this topic.”

Khatiwada shared that the government, in order to promote hybrid vehicles, had given tax incentives for the import of hybrid vehicles but automobile dealers in turn imported battery-operated vehicles which run on diesel or petrol.

He expressed, “The government wants to be honest with automobile dealers,

so the entrepreneurs should also be sincere with us. The incentives given to electric vehicles are not valid for vehicles which run on 90 per cent fuel and 10 per cent electricity.”

At the same event, Shambhu Prasad Dahal, President at NADA complained, “Nepal’s automobile industry has been contributing a lot of revenue to the nation’s economy and it’s now time for the government to encourage automobile industrialisation in the country. The government should focus on country’s industrialisation and road infrastructure development while striving to attract foreign investments from its neighbours.”

While urging the government to build a new international standard exhibition hall, Dahal pointed out that the exhibition hall at Bhrikuti Mandap and its premises are too small for large-scale events like NADA Auto Show. He expressed, “Because of lack of space, this year NADA Auto Show could not accommodate commercial and heavy equipment segment.”

Addressing the agenda related to the demand of a new exhibition hall, Khatiwada said, “We want the private sector to work in coordination with the government in this matter. I feel private sector will be able to do the job faster than the government and we will help you in every way possible.”

Attracting visitors from all walks of life, the most anticipated automobile extravaganza of Nepal is seeing participation from 23 four-wheelers, 19 two-wheelers, 12 lubricant, nine tyre, five battery, 14 garage equipment and auto components brands and 13 financial institutions.

Drawing visitors with thumping music, decorated stalls, games and attractive models, automobile stalls at this year’s NADA Auto Show have left no stones unturned when it comes to showcasing the automobile industry of Nepal under one roof.

Like every year, some brands are also showcasing some automobile showpieces. Datsun’s stall is currently showcasing the classic car Datsun 240 Z on a revolving podium, which is one of the main attractions of the four-wheeler segment. In the two-wheeler segment, Velocity, a first time participant at NADA and authorised distributors of MV Agusta in Nepal, is launching Brutale 800 RR LH44, designed by the Formula 1 winner Lewis Hamilton himself. Karan Moktan, Marketing Manager at Velocity, informed, “There are only 144 pieces of these motorbikes, also known as Ferrari on two wheels, being released in the world and we are bringing one at the NADA Auto Show 2019 which also happens to be the only piece in South Asia.”

The venue also has a Traffic Information Desk set up by the Metropolitan Traffic Police Division where visitors can learn about road rules and safety. Traffic Policeman Yagya Khadka shared, “We are showcasing equipment used by traffic policemen for road safety such as breath analyser, radar gun, GoPro camera and so on.”

Honda’s stall is decorated a bit differently from the other stalls as their stall revolves around traffic signal motifs such as zebra crossings and traffic lights. “We want to relay messages on road safety too,” informed Prabin Poudel, Area Representative at Syakar Trading. The NADA Auto Show 2019 will be held till September 1 from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.