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Event details
| Dates | October 2 to 4 and 7 to 11 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Panama Convention Center, Amador, Panama City |
| Organiser | Panama Automobile Distributors Association (ADAP) |
| Brands | 39, with more than 150 models and 15,400 m² of exhibition space |
| Hours | Wednesday to Friday, 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Saturdays, 12:00 noon to 9:00 p.m.; Sundays, 12:00 to 7:00 p.m. (day-by-day hours) |
| Tickets | 6 dollars adults and 3 retirees and children; online through Panatickets (one ticket per day) and at the box office |
| Getting there | Via the Amador Causeway; convention centre car parks and ride-hailing apps |
Dates confirmed by ADAP. Hours from Panatickets, the official ticket office, consulted on 4 October 2026; the organisers may adjust them, so it is worth confirming on the day.
Panama Motor Show opening hours, day by day
| Day | Date | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | 2 October | 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. |
| Saturday | 3 October | 12:00 noon to 9:00 p.m. |
| Sunday | 4 October | 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m. |
| Monday and Tuesday | 5 and 6 October | Closed |
| Wednesday to Friday | 7, 8 and 9 October | 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. |
| Saturday | 10 October | 12:00 noon to 9:00 p.m. |
| Sunday | 11 October | 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m. |
Full guide with ticket prices, directions and tips: Panama Motor Show 2026: hours, tickets and how to get there.
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.
Services at the venue
According to La Prensa, the fair offers on-site financing, test drives, Sertracen for driving licence renewals, the presence of the Panama and San Miguelito municipalities and family entertainment.
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 4 and 7 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?
39 new car brands and more than 150 models across 15,400 m² of exhibition space, according to La Prensa on opening day.
What are the Panama Motor Show opening hours?
Wednesday to Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Saturdays from 12:00 noon to 9:00 p.m.; Sundays from 12:00 to 7:00 p.m. The show is closed on Monday 5 and Tuesday 6 October, according to Panatickets.
How much is admission?
6 dollars for adults and 3 dollars for retirees and children. Tickets are sold online through Panatickets, one ticket per day, or at the venue box office.
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
- Panama Motor Show 2026: hours, tickets and how to get there
- JETOUR at the Panama Motor Show 2026: G700, T1 and T2 hybrid
- Plug-in hybrids and EVs at the Panama Motor Show 2026
- Is it worth buying a car at the Panama Motor Show 2026?
- 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
- Panama Motor Show reopens on Wednesday 7 October: hours and what to see in its second week
Sources
- La Prensa, Panama Motor Show 2026 opens with 39 brands and 15,400 m² of exhibition space (3 October 2026).
- Panatickets, official ticket office: dates and hours by day.
- MundialCars, Panama Motor Show: dates, brands and what to expect (ADAP data).
- Panama Convention Center, event page.
- Octanos Media, ADAP initial projection of close to 70,000 units in 2026.
- TVN, updated ADAP projection: close to 65,000 units (1 October 2026).
- Infobae, Chinese brands’ share (ADAP data).
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