For the first time in Nepal’s auto expo history, visitors at the 17th edition of the NADA Auto Show 2025 will witness the country’s debut showcase of a flying car and humanoid robots, marking a new chapter in futuristic mobility and intelligent technology in South Asia.

Organized by the NADA Automobiles Association of Nepal, the event will be held at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, starting August 19, 2025 (Bhadra 3, 2082 BS).

This year’s event is particularly significant as it brings the global innovation of electric flying vehicles and robotic technology to the Nepali market for the first time - positioning Nepal in line with a growing number of countries embracing next-generation transportation solutions.

Nepal’s First-Ever Flying Car Showcase

MAW Vriddhi Auto Corp Pvt. Ltd., the official distributor of the Deepal EV brand, will be showcasing Nepal’s first flying car, named Deepal eVTOL UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle). The vehicle is fully electric and is capable of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) - a transformative innovation expected to revolutionize urban mobility in the coming decades.

Flying cars, once considered science fiction, are rapidly becoming a reality, with several countries now offering airworthiness certifications and test flight permissions. Nepal becomes the first country in South Asia to publicly showcase a civilian eVTOL vehicle at a national auto exhibition, even if only for display purposes.

Robots Join the Show: China’s Unitree Robot Makes Appearance

Adding to the technological marvels of this year’s event, Hangzhou Yushu Technology Co. Ltd. - a Chinese robotics firm - will exhibit its advanced Unitree Robots, including both the Robot Man (a humanoid model) and Robot Dog, as part of their technological demonstration.

Unitree is also the title sponsor of this year’s NADA Auto Show 2025. The robotics company is known globally for producing dynamic, agile robotic systems that can mimic human and animal movement for real-world applications in security, logistics, and personal assistance.

World Practices: Who’s Leading the Flying Car Revolution?

Globally, the flying car industry - particularly eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) vehicles - is gaining significant regulatory support and investment. Here’s a look at the international landscape:

United States: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted certification to multiple flying car companies, including Joby Aviation and Alef Aeronautics, for test flights. Alef’s Model A received FAA Special Airworthiness Certificate in 2023.

China: China has rapidly emerged as a global leader in eVTOL technology. Companies like XPeng AeroHT, EHang, and AutoFlight have not only built flying cars but also received test flight approvals from China’s Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC).

United Arab Emirates: Dubai has led the Middle East’s push into aerial mobility. EHang and Volocopter have already conducted test flights in Dubai skies with government support, aiming to make flying taxis a commercial reality by 2030.

South Korea: The Korean government has supported the K-UAM (Korean Urban Air Mobility) roadmap, targeting commercial flying taxi operations by 2025.

France, Germany, UK: Major EU nations have already launched pilot projects and invested in air-mobility infrastructure to integrate flying vehicles into city airspace.

Where Does South Asia Stand?

While Nepal is taking its first step through demonstration, most South Asian countries, including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, have not yet established formal frameworks or policies for flying car regulation. However:

India has seen some private players - such as Vinata Aeromobility - working on prototype flying cars, showcased in international exhibitions like GITEX Dubai. But no test flight permissions have been granted yet.

Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka have no public records or government announcements regarding eVTOL policy or industry investments.

Thus, Nepal’s step to display a fully developed flying car - albeit non-operational - puts it ahead of its South Asian peers in terms of public exposure to this emerging sector.

Deepal eVTOL UAV

Although Deepal is widely known for its electric cars (like the S07 ICA), the eVTOL UAV model is their first foray into aerial mobility. Developed in China, this flying car is:

- Fully electric

- Capable of vertical take-off and landing

- Designed for short-range urban commutes

- Built for single or dual passenger capacity

While the model showcased in Nepal is not flight-certified by Nepali authorities, the very presence of such an aircraft in Kathmandu indicates a growing interest in aerial urban mobility among Nepali automakers and entrepreneurs.

A Showcase, Not Yet a Reality

While it is too early for flying cars to start operating in Nepal, experts say the country must begin preparing a national aviation roadmap for eVTOL integration. This includes:

- Updating civil aviation laws

- Developing vertiport infrastructure

- Training regulatory and technical personnel

- Partnering with global air mobility leaders

Speaking at the press conference, President of the Nepal Automobile Dealers Association, “This year’s NADA is not just about cars showcase - it’s about the future. We are proud to introduce Nepal to cutting-edge global mobility technologies.”

Chaudhary believes that the inclusion of such future-facing products in Nepal’s biggest auto show will accelerate policy discussions, youth interest, and possibly foreign investment in the field of advanced mobility and urban aviation.

“Nepal may still be years away from flying car operations, but NADA Auto Show 2025 has made one thing clear: the global future of mobility is airborne, intelligent, and electric - and Nepal is ready to be a part of the journey.”