BARVIDA car expo begins at ICCB

A wide range of popular Japanese reconditioned cars is on display at the BARVIDA Car Expo 2026, which began at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in the capital on Thursday, bringing leading importers and prospective buyers under one roof.

Organised by the Bangladesh Reconditioned Vehicles Importers and Dealers Association (BARVIDA), the three-day expo will continue until tomorrow at the ICCB Expo Village.

The exhibition features popular models, including the Toyota Prius, Corolla Cross, Harrier, Noah, Voxy and luxury Alphard, giving visitors an opportunity to compare models, features, technology and prices before making purchasing decisions.

The expo also celebrates the five-decade presence of Japanese reconditioned vehicles in Bangladesh, reflecting how the country’s automotive market has evolved with changing consumer preferences and technological advances.

Former BARVIDA president Habib Ullah Dawn said investment in the country’s reconditioned vehicle and automotive sector had reached around Tk20,000 crore, while the government earned Tk5,000 crore to Tk6,000 crore in annual revenue from the sector.

Speakers at the inaugural ceremony called for a supportive policy framework, including the removal of discriminatory measures affecting imports of Japanese reconditioned vehicles.

They also stressed the need to facilitate imports of small 660cc Japanese cars, commonly known as Kei cars, as an affordable alternative to battery-run three-wheelers that could also contribute to better urban traffic management.

BARVIDA President Abdul Haque expressed optimism about the prospects of reconditioned electric vehicles (EVs), emphasising the need for appropriate quality standards and clear policy guidelines to ensure their safe and sustainable expansion.

NRB Bank and Pubali Bank are offering financing facilities at the expo to help prospective buyers access vehicle loans and make purchases more conveniently.

The exhibition aims to bring buyers and sellers together while giving consumers a chance to explore available models, compare options and make informed choices.