Bangkok Intnl Motor Show 2010 opens
The Nation: 26 Mar 2010
Success in the air ahead of Bangkok International Motor Show
By KINGSLEY WIJAYASINHA
THE NATION
Published on March 26, 2010 
With automobile sales rebounding significantly in recent months, automobile companies are hoping their participation at the annual Bangkok International Motor Show will turn out to be a great success.
This will be a totally different scenario from last year, when auto sales in the first two months plunged on the global recession and rumours of an auto excise-duty adjustment stalled consumers from making purchases. Nevertheless, last year's show was a lifesaver, helping the auto market recover, with 18,000 orders placed.
This year, apart from fresh new models like the Nissan March, the Ford Fiesta and the Mazda2, auto companies are also updating their current product line-up, in order to attract customers.
Toyota will launch the face lifted version of the Vios, while Mitsubishi will concentrate on its Lancer EX.
On the premium side, Mercedes-Benz will highlight the 570-hp SLS AMG Gullwing sports car, while BMW will launch the X1 compact recreational vehicle. Swedish auto-maker Volvo will introduce the facelifted version of the C30 hatchback.
Visitors will also get to check out three concept vehicles: the Toyota RiN, the Lexus LF-Ch and the Suzuki Kizashi Special Edition.
With auto sales shooting up more than 50 per cent in the first two months of this year, as many as 20,000 orders could be placed for new vehicles at the show, which officially starts today and runs until April 6.
"Most of the growth will come from Nissan's eco-car and other small and fuel-efficient models," organiser Prachin Eamlumnow said yesterday.
Mazda has already sold more than 5,000 Mazda2 subcompacts, while Nissan has more than 3,000 bookings for its March eco-car, which was launched earlier this month.
Although the Thai automobile market fell more than 10 per cent last year, with combined sales of 548,871 units, most of the damage took place in the 1-tonne pickup segment, which fell 17.5 per cent. The passenger-car market, on the other hand, enjoyed 1.4- per cent growth, thanks to the increased popularity of small and fuel-efficient cars.
Auto sales are expected to grow despite the ongoing political turmoil, thanks to the government's stimulus programmes and favourable crop prices.
"This growth has been present since the fourth quarter and reflects the improving economy and increased exports, along with the government's stimulus program, which has produced positive results," said Toyota Motor Thailand senior vice president Vudhigorn Suriyachantananont.
"Although the political rallies may affect consumer confidence and are a factor that puts pressure on the auto market, the introduction of new models along with the special promotions and offers at the show will help boost growth in the auto sector."
Prachin expects 1.8 million visitors generating Bt50 billion at this year's event.
Virtually each auto company participating in the show will offer special sales promotions.
Toyota, the Kingdom's largest auto company, will not have a completely new product this year but is still expected to be the biggest seller at the show, thanks to attractive promotions.
Corolla Altis buyers - except those buying the compressed-natural-gas model (CNG) - will receive free first-class insurance or a Bt14,000 gift voucher, while buyers of Vios, Yaris and Hilux Vigo pickups (except smart- and double-cab models) will receive free insurance or a Bt12,000 gift voucher.
German auto-maker BMW will offer trade-in value boosts ranging from Bt350,000 to Bt400,000 on various models, plus free iPod Nano or iPhone 3G devices.
Chevrolet will also offer a trade-in promotion, with a Bt30,000 increase on red-book prices when purchasing a Captiva sport-utility vehicle, plus insurance. Optra and Optra CNG buyers will receive Bt20,000 bonuses and Colorado-pickup buyers Bt15,000.
Meanwhile, Volvo will break away from the crowd with a four-day, three-night package tour at the Kirimaya Khao Yai Resort, or a one-year car-wash/polish package.
Mazda will offer a "Mazda Prime Time" promotion, designed to make it easier for customers to own a Mazda. Mazda2 sports sedan and Mazda2 hatchback buyers will receive free first-class insurance, while BT-50 buyers will receive special interest rates starting at 1.79 per cent, plus first-class insurance.
Buyers of the Mazda3, which is capable of running on E20 gasohol, will enjoy new reduced pricing of Bt755,000 and 2.19-per-cent interest. For the MX-5 roadster, customers will receive a five-year/140,000-kilometre warranty and three years'/100,000 kilometres' free maintenance, plus first-class insurance.
Ford's campaign offers 20 per cent down for the Focus E20 with 1.99-per-cent interest for 48 months plus insurance. The promotion for the Ranger pickup will be 25 per cent down, 1.99-per-cent interest for 48 months plus insurance, while for the Everest and Escape, interest will be 2.99 per cent.
Mitsubishi will offer 1.68-per-cent interest for the Lancer, Lancer EX, Pajero Sport and Space Wagon, along with free insurance. The interest will be lower, at 0.99 per cent, for the Triton pickup. This is the lowest rate that will be offered at the show this year. Triton buyers will also receive free insurance and 24-hour emergency service.
Nissan will also offer low interest of 1.99 per cent (20 per cent down) for 48 months, while Proton will offer the Savvy at zero interest for five years.
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