The 11th Nada Auto Show concluded on Sunday on a high note, with bookings exceeding Rs3.5 billion.

Nepal Automobiles Dealers Association (Nada), the organiser of the event, had targeted business of Rs2 billion. Last year, the event had recorded Rs1.5 billion in bookings.

The six-day event saw bookings of around 1,000 four-wheelers and 1,500 two-wheelers. Around 60,000 individuals visited the expo, exceeding the target of 50,000 footfalls. “A large number of potential buyers from across the country visited the expo,” said Nada General Secretary Krishna Prasad Dulal.

Exhibitors expressed happiness over the success of the event. Sijan Neupane, marketing manager at Agni Incorporated, dealer of Mahindra vehicles, said they received more than 50 bookings, with the Mahindra KUV 100, a compact SUV, topping the sales. He said the TUV 300 and XUV 500 also witnessed good business. Agni had offered up to Rs175,000 discount during the fair.

Besides established names, new entrants in the Nepali auto market were also able to garnet a significant interest among the visitors. New brands like Ssangyong, Renault and MG had displayed their products for the first time in the show.

Aayush Shrestha, marketing head of IMS Group, authorised distributor of Ssangyong, said they received more than 300 enquiries. “Based on the enquiries, we expect good sales this festive season,” said Shrestha, adding they are offering discounts up to Rs700,000, besides a number of promotional scheme targeting the festive season. IMS had introduced the Korean brand three months ago.

A total of 16 brands of four-wheelers, 15 brands of two-wheelers and five heavy equipment brands took part at the event. These included Datsun, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mahindra, MG, Nissan, Renault, Skoda, Suzuki, TATA, Toyota, Volkswagen and Ssangyong in the four-wheeler segment.

Likewise, Bajaj, Bela, Benelli, Hero, Honda, KTM, Mahindra, Royal Enfield, Runner, Scomadi, Suzuki, TVS, UM, Vespa and Yamaha were two-wheeler brands displaying their products. Heavy vehicle brands included Ashok Leyland, Eicher, Escorts, Mahindra and TATA.

Narayani Auto Business, a dealer of Maruti Suzuki, said the expo helped them boost their business. Hari Khadka, sales officer of the company, said they received more than 600 bookings alone for the newly-launched Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza.

Pooja International, authorised distributor of Volkswagen, reported 30 bookings, with the Polo Ameo remaining the best seller.