23rd August 2025, Kathmandu
While the NADA Auto Show 2025 is drawing massive crowds with its showcase of new cars and electric vehicles (EVs), the two-wheeler segment has been a major point of disappointment for many visitors.
NADA Auto Show two-wheelers
Unlike previous editions that bustled with a diverse range of motorcycles and scooters, this year’s event has seen a conspicuously minimal participation from bike brands, leaving enthusiasts and prospective buyers with limited options.
The show, which began last Tuesday at Bhrikutimandap, is a prime platform for the automotive industry to connect with the public. However, the two-wheeler section featured only four brands: Hero, Yamaha, Royal Enfield, and Jonsson.
This stark reduction in the number of participants compared to previous years has been the subject of much discussion among attendees. The absence of other major players in the Nepali market, from premium brands to popular commuter choices, was keenly felt.
For many, the biggest letdown was the lack of exciting new models. Young consumers, in particular, who visit the show to get a glimpse of the latest trends and technologies in the bike world, were left unimpressed. As Saphal Paudel, a young bike enthusiast, lamented, “Earlier NADA Auto Shows used to have lots of new models and many brands.
This time, there are hardly any bikes. The ones on display are old models, and even the new ones are just showcased, not launched for sale.” This sentiment was widely shared, highlighting a disconnect between the industry’s offerings and consumer expectations.
Despite the limited participation, some brands did manage to attract a crowd. The Hero Xpulse 210 was a major draw, with its striking design and off-road capabilities capturing the attention of visitors.
However, the excitement was tempered by the fact that the bike was on display only and not available for immediate sale, a decision that left many potential buyers frustrated. The showcase of new models without a clear launch date for sales felt like a missed opportunity to capitalize on the high footfall of the event.
Similarly, Yamaha’s stall saw good visitor traffic, fueled by the display of a newly revealed bike in three color variants. While this offered a sense of novelty, it wasn’t enough to compensate for the overall lack of variety.
Royal Enfield, a brand with a loyal following, also saw a consistent crowd, but without a new model launch, the excitement level remained subdued. The Chinese brand Jonsson had the least number of visitors, struggling to compete with the brand recognition of its counterparts.
Perhaps the most notable absence was that of electric two-wheeler brands. The global automotive industry is seeing a massive shift towards electric mobility, with electric bikes and scooters becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable and cost-effective mode of transport.
However, this trend was not reflected at NADA Auto Show 2025, with no EV two-wheeler brands participating. This stands in stark contrast to the four-wheeler segment, which featured a strong presence of electric vehicles. This oversight highlights a significant gap in the exhibition and a failure to cater to the growing demand for electric bikes in Nepal.
The minimal presence of two-wheeler brands at this year’s show suggests a potential shift in marketing strategy within the industry or perhaps a broader economic challenge. While the reasons for the low participation are not explicitly clear, the impact on consumer experience is undeniable.
For two-wheeler aficionados who had been eagerly anticipating new launches and a wide selection of models, the NADA Auto Show 2025 has been a considerable disappointment, proving that a major auto show needs a strong two-wheeler segment to truly satisfy all visitors.
For more: NADA Auto Show two-wheelers