Event details
| Dates | October 2 to 11 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Panama Convention Center, Amador, Panama City |
| Organiser | Panama Automobile Distributors Association (ADAP) |
| Brands | More than 40 |
| Tickets | Online through Panatickets and at the box office |
| Getting there | Via the Amador Causeway; convention centre car parks and ride-hailing apps |
Dates confirmed by ADAP. Opening hours and ticket prices are set by the organiser; check the fair’s official channels before going.
Why this edition matters
- Record market. In August alone 4,871 new cars were sold and the sector estimates growth of close to 8% over 2025.
- A changing map. Chinese brands went from 24.5% to 29.9% of sales in a year. Geely is now the country’s fourth brand and JETOUR and Changan the fastest growing.
- Electrification. Plug-in hybrids, which charge at home and keep a petrol engine for trips to the interior, are the novelty most brands bring to the fair.
- Financing at the stand. Banks take part with pre-approvals at the fair itself, one reason October concentrates sales.
What to see
Hybrid off-roaders
The JETOUR G700, the plug-in hybrid off-roader that crossed the Yangtze River and climbed Volcán Barú at its Panama launch, is one of the announced highlights. Radar Panamá covered it in a separate article.
Seven-seat family SUVs
The fastest-growing segment among Panamanian families. Several brands present three-row versions; see Radar Panamá’s guide.
Pickups
The backbone of the country’s interior: 4,325 units in the first half, with Hilux, D-Max and L200 in front.
Electric and hybrid
Fully electric cars pay 0% import duty under Law 295 of 2022; plug-in hybrids do not, but gain ground because they do not depend on a charger.
How to make the most of the visit
- Bring a list of questions. Written warranty, nearest workshop, price of the first three services and parts availability.
- Compare the show offer with the list price. Discounts usually come with financing conditions; look at the total cost, not just the monthly payment.
- Try the back seat and the boot. In seven-seat SUVs, the third row varies a lot between models.
- Ask about resale. Check whether the warranty transfers to the next owner.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Panama Motor Show?
From October 2 to 11, at the Panama Convention Center in Amador, Panama City, according to ADAP.
Who organises the Panama Motor Show?
The Panama Automobile Distributors Association (ADAP), which groups the country’s new car distributors.
How many brands take part?
More than 40 new car brands, according to the organiser.
Can you buy a car at the fair?
Yes. Distributors sell with show offers and participating banks provide credit pre-approvals on site.
Related articles
- Best-selling car brands in Panama: the ADAP ranking
- Plug-in hybrids in Panama: what they are and who sells them
- Guide to buying a Chinese car in Panama
Sources
- MundialCars, Panama Motor Show: dates, brands and what to expect (ADAP data).
- Panama Convention Center, event page.
- Octanos Media, ADAP projects close to 70,000 units in 2026.
- Infobae, Chinese brands’ share (ADAP data).
Ask about this article
Type your question and we will show you the answer inside this article or in other Radar Panamá publications.
