NAIMA Makes Official Debut, Unveils Plans for Nepal Mobility Expo 2025
The Nepal Automobiles Importers and Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) has been formally introduced to the public, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of Nepal's automotive industry the formal announcement was made on Wednesday, April 17, during a dedicated program held in Kathmandu. This newly established body aims to unite leading automotive importers and manufacturers across the country, providing a strong platform to represent the interests of the sector at both national and international levels.
Ritu Singh Vaidya, Managing Director of United Traders Syndicate, the authorized distributor of Toyota vehicles in Nepal and a key part of the Vaidya Group. Her appointment as the Chairperson of NAIMA signals a progressive shift in leadership, as she brings decades of experience in the auto sector and is a respected figure in the Nepali business community. Under her leadership, NAIMA is expected to play a vital role in shaping policy, promoting innovation, and enhancing cooperation within the automotive ecosystem.
The association’s executive committee consists of several other prominent industry figures, each representing a major brand or company that has contributed significantly to Nepal’s automotive development. These members include Suhrid Raj Ghimire, Shekhar Golchha, Saurabh Jyoti, Cabinet Shrestha, Hemant Golchha, Sandeep Kumar Sharda, Nirakar Shrestha, Yamuna Shrestha, Nikunj Agrawal, and Udayan Kabra. Together, they bring a wealth of experience across various sectors—from two-wheelers to commercial vehicles and electric mobility—ensuring the association benefits from a broad and diverse perspective.
Notably, many of these individuals are associated with some of the most well-established brands in Nepal. For instance, Shekhar Golchha, chairman of Golchha Group, oversees the local assembly and distribution of motorcycles from brands such as Bajaj, KTM, and Triumph. Saurabh Jyoti, another veteran in the sector, is chairman of Syakar Trading, the authorized distributor of Honda cars and motorcycles in Nepal. Yamuna Shrestha represents BYD, a leading global electric vehicle manufacturer, while Hemant Golchha is associated with Citroën, Peugeot, and Leapmotor through Shangrila Motors.
Cabinet Shrestha’s company Agni Incorporated represents Mahindra vehicles, while Suhrid Raj Ghimire’s Continental Trading handles Kia and Isuzu. Nikunj Agrawal of Paramount Motors is involved in distributing MG, Wuling, and Mazda, and Udayan Kabra from the Kabra Group is engaged with BharatBenz commercial vehicles. The inclusion of such a wide array of brands underscores NAIMA’s commitment to representing the full spectrum of the automotive industry in Nepal—from traditional combustion-engine vehicles to new energy mobility solutions.
Alongside the official unveiling of the association, NAIMA announced the organization of the Nepal Mobility Expo 2025, scheduled to be held from August 6 to 10, 2025 at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu. This landmark event is expected to be Nepal’s largest automotive and mobility-focused exhibition, showcasing the latest developments in vehicles, technology, sustainability, and infrastructure.
The expo aims to bring together domestic and international brands, policy makers, auto enthusiasts, and potential investors under one roof. It will serve as a strategic platform to promote electric vehicles, explore future mobility trends, and create dialogue on the advancement of transportation in Nepal. NAIMA has already opened stall bookings for the event, signaling strong preparations and anticipated wide participation.
The formation of NAIMA and the announcement of the Nepal Mobility Expo represent a major push toward the professionalization and modernization of Nepal’s automobile industry. With a dedicated platform to advocate for the sector’s needs and promote innovation, NAIMA is set to play a critical role in driving the growth and transformation of mobility in the country. As Nepal moves toward a future increasingly focused on sustainability and electric transportation, the association’s leadership and initiatives are expected to provide strategic guidance and collaborative momentum across the industry.
