Kathmandu, September 16

Mobility matters and owning a vehicle now has become kind of a necessity to boost one’s performance and productivity. This could be one of the main reasons behind the huge number of visitors making a beeline to the ongoing NADA Auto Show, the annual event of automobile products in Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu.

The event is attracting general visitors, fresh potential buyers to those who already have vehicles and wish to exchange. What makes the annual auto show attractive is that customers wishing to buy two- or four-wheelers check out the options among various brands and models and book one — all under one roof. There is also a presence of financial institutions providing auto loan facilities.

Various brands have launched discount and festive offers to attract buyers.Shambhu Dahal, coordinator of the Nepal Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Auto Show, said that the footfall of visitors in the show was huge on the first day as the entry was free. “Even though Teej is being observed today (the second day of the mega event), the number of visitors is encouraging,” he added.

Despite the negative impact of the April and May earthquakes in the economy, the response from the visitors has been very positive, according to the exhibitors.

One of the visitors to the show today was Hare Ram Baral, president of Tourist Guide Association of

Nepal. “I had bought a car about three years ago. But as it is too small to comfortably accommodate my entire family, I am looking for an option to exchange it,” he said.

The six-day event has 120 stalls representing 65 exhibitors of auto dealers, banks and financial institutions, spare parts, heavy equipment and lubricants, among others. Over a dozen brands of two- and four-wheelers each have put on display their products in the show. Visitors to the show opined that the participating exhibitors should also focus on exchange offers apart from only launching new models.

“We have launched three new models targeting this show and have also introduced an exchange scheme,” said Anish Shakya, dealer sales executive of CG MotoCorp, the authorised distributor

of Suzuki in Nepal.

Other brands of two- and four-wheelers have also introduced their new models at the annual show, which is considered one of the best platforms for promotion.

For example, Prime Business has launched Hero Electric, electric scooters. Exhibitors said that some of the dealers were unable to bring some products and put it on display due to the ongoing strikes and bandhs in the Tarai.

Bank and financial Institutions taking part in the event said that the number of people approaching to seek facility of vehicle loan had exceeded their expectations.

“Since the sale of four-wheelers is in an upward trend, we have launched a special scheme of loan facility at 9.49 per cent interest rate for this auto show,” said Mahesh Budhathoki, relationship officer of Yeti Development Bank.