Bangladesh’s car culture has always thrived with a rebellious spirit: vibrant, diverse, and unwavering. In 2025, Generation on Wheels seized the spotlight without asking for permission. What unfolded was not just another auto industry event but a pivotal moment for local car enthusiasts, emphasizing the people and vehicles over scripted presentations and meticulously orchestrated launches.
Taking place at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre on the outskirts of Dhaka, the gathering embraced authenticity and rawness. It deviated from the traditional auto show format, resembling more of a national assembly of car enthusiasts who had finally been given free rein of the venue.
The heart of the event was a zone driven by enthusiasts, primarily organized by Thrusty Garage and Cars & Conversation. Rather than a curated exhibition, it felt like an oversized club meet breaking through conventional boundaries. Various groups like Japan Antique Automobiles Bangladesh, Bangladesh Vespa Community, Volkswagen Club Bangladesh, Roadmaster Club Bangladesh, Toyota Crown Club Bangladesh, Mercedes-Benz Club Bangladesh, MotorWerks BD, and others showcased over 100 vehicles, ranging from restored German sedans to customized Jaguars, classic Minis, Vespa scooters, rugged Land Cruisers, and vintage Jeeps. Notably, Jeep Bangladesh chose to exhibit only historical models, bypassing their latest offerings.
The event maintained an egalitarian atmosphere where new and old vehicles, daily drivers, classics, luxury cars, and personal projects mingled without segregation. A weathered Corolla could park beside a European classic without hierarchy or segregation, highlighting the inclusive nature of the event.
While Ranks Petroleum Ltd. – Shell and the wider Rancon Group provided corporate backing, they ensured that sponsorship did not dictate the event’s essence. Manufacturer displays were primarily located at the entrance, featuring brands like Chery, BYD, Kia, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Honda, MG, Proton, GAC, and Deepal. Some brands opted for a subtle presence, such as BMW showcasing a single car, while others emphasized heritage, with Mitsubishi and MG displaying older models from their archives, and Honda attracting attention with an EK9 Civic Type R prominently placed on a podium.
Although two-wheelers played a lesser role compared to cars, Suzuki exhibited its complete motorcycle lineup, including the latest adventure models, while Honda Motorcycle Bangladesh focused on classic bikes. The organizers added test tracks, DJs, and carnival rides, giving the event a festive ambiance akin to a motoring fair rather than a conventional trade show.
As night descended, the energy escalated on the top level of the multi-story parking lot, transforming into a vibrant enthusiast hub. Japanese performance cars like Toyota Celicas, MR2s, and Mark IIs shared space with European vehicles, including Brabus creations, multiple Porsches, and an array of BMW M series. A selection of supercars, including a Nissan GT-R, Honda NSX, and a McLaren Artura, further emphasized the spontaneous and lively nature of the gathering.
Although a live concert featuring Warfaze, Fuad & Friends, and Karnival was canceled due to security directives, the turnout remained robust, underscoring that the real stars of the show were the cars and the community, not the planned entertainment.
Ultimately, Generation on Wheels 2025 triumphed by embracing its rough edges and unscripted essence, mirroring the true essence of Bangladesh’s diverse car culture. Organizers have already announced a comeback next year, promising an even grander and more exuberant event.