The Dhaka Motor Show 2026 saw a noticeable absence of traditional combustion engines, replaced by a more subdued buzz powered by batteries, software, and ambition. The event, held at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) from April 23 to 25, featured over 70 companies from more than 10 countries occupying nearly 200 booths. Electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid platforms, charging solutions, and ‘smart mobility’ technologies took center stage across the exhibition halls, overshadowing internal combustion engines.
Unlike previous editions that struggled to strike a balance between spectacle and substance, this year’s show embraced the shift towards electric mobility. The exhibition floor showcased a wide range of vehicles including passenger cars, motorcycles, trucks, auto parts, lubricants, and battery-powered three-wheelers. Electric mobility emerged as a key theme as brands positioned themselves in Bangladesh’s evolving EV market.
The lineup at the show reflected a market in transition, featuring electric motorcycles, compact city EVs, and innovative mobility solutions. The co-hosting of the Electric Vehicle Expo alongside the Motor Show further emphasized that electrification is now mainstream rather than niche. Manufacturers showcased not only vehicles but also highlighted ecosystems like battery technologies, charging infrastructure, and digital interfaces, replacing traditional automotive metrics with new criteria like range, charging time, and connectivity.
Global and regional brands such as MG, Wuling, Deepal, and GAC showcased EV models tailored to urban needs with a focus on compact designs. Electric two-wheelers from CFMoto and VMoto, as well as light commercial EVs, were prominently featured. Despite the EV focus, traditional automakers like Toyota, Mitsubishi Motors, and Mercedes-Benz Bangladesh drew significant visitor attention with their hybrid and conventional vehicle lineups, showcasing models like the RAV4, Mitsubishi Xpander, and Mercedes G580.
The Dhaka Motor Show serves as a barometer of the country’s automotive sector, signaling Bangladesh’s alignment with global mobility trends despite ongoing infrastructure challenges. While obstacles like high upfront costs, limited charging networks, and policy gaps persist, the direction towards electric mobility is unmistakable. The event hinted at a shift from the era of the gearhead to the era of the early adopter, reflecting the evolving landscape of the automotive industry.
