Highlights of Motor Expo 2015

BANGKOK: The 32nd Thailand International Motor Expo 2015 held from December 2-13 this year at the IMPACT Challenger, Muang Thong Thani on the outskirts of Bangkok, Thailand. It was exhibited over the area of 100,000 square meters-both inside and outside of the Convention Center, displaying 33 automotive brands including Ford, Chevrolet, Honda, Isuzu, Lamborghini, Lexus, Hyundai, BMW, Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, McLaren, MINI, Nissan, MG, Porche, Suzuki, Peugeot, Toyota, Volvo and Volkswagen.

It also showcased 15 bike brands such as BMW, Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki, Royal Enfield, Triumph, Yamaha, Vespa, Benelli, Ducati and Honda.

Based on the theme “New Standards... Thai Vehicles Care About the Earth”, Motor Expo 2015 was officiated by minister from the Prime Minister's Office M.L Panadda Diskul. This year's expo was expected to fetch the transactions of over 55 million baht from the sale of around 38,000 units of automobiles. The Expo was visited by 1.5 million visitors over the 12 days show and about 32,000 bookings of cars and 5,000 for bikes was made due to the impressive and attractive deals and promotions offered by all the brands. Anticipation of the price hikes in vehicles in 2016 due to new excise tax rates is also a major factor in such a huge figures of bookings. Other than the 33 brands from 11 countries, the 32nd Thailand International Motor Expo 2015 is itself an attraction with four concept cars and more than 10 new model launches.

Meanwhile, Tesla Autocar brand's contract to take participation in this year Expo has been terminated when Tesla Motors Asia informed organizers of the Motor Expo that the local agents or companies had not been appointed as the official distributor. And consequently Tesla could not participate and introduce its models in the Motor Show as it might violate the copyright laws. Kwanchai explained, ”We requested the proof of distributorship in September only but the request was not complied until the deadline, so in order to comply with the set protocols, the contract need to be terminated and give space to others.” The space booked for Tesla, was then used by the Ministry of industry.

The 32nd Thailand International Motor Expo 2015 was also stacked with exclusive Hybrid and Concept drives. Four concepts shown on the floor of the IMPACT, Challenger Convection Center, shows Thailand's appearance as a global automotive player. Despite being staged under the influence of political unrest, this years Motor Expo has liven up to the expectations of the global autocar gurus.

We have listed some prominent hybrid and concept cars which are considered as the main stars and highlights of the Motor Expo 2015:

Toyota FT-86:

This new concept of Toyota is a four-seater drive with modern technology and contemporary styling. It has become the style icon for other cars with its 2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to six-speed manual transmission. The base price for this car starts from approx THB 719,470.

Subaru VIZIV 2:

This new Japanese concept appeared to be a full-fledged car with all the advanced connectivity functions, chrome inserts and new LED technology which set a new standard for Subaru cars.

Hyundai Intrado (HED-9), MG CS, Nissan X-Trail, Honda CR-Z are among hybrids and concepts segment.

Highlight of the Motor Expo throughout was SUVs with the huge competition among the concerned segment brands. Among the players were Toyota, Isuzu, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda and BMW.

Toyota has taken a lead in terms of booking figures among all the global brands with a total booking of 4,798 and it was also honored with seven prestigious awards at the Motor Expo 2015. The Vice President, Mr. Emprasertsuk and Mr. Wuttikorn, the Senior Executive Vice President Of Toyota Motor Thailand Co. Ltd were honored with Top Automotive Business of the year 2015 and Thailand Automotive Quality Award 2015. It was also awarded with Top Business sales award for Toyota's Passenger cars and one-tonne commercial vehicles. Toyota also won the Top Business Quality Products award for its commercial vehicles comprising 2-door and 4-door pickups like Toyota Hilux REVO and Toyota Fortuner. It has also marked its name in the Top business after sales service award for its passenger and commercial vehicles.

Ford Thailand was also on the list to receive awards at the 32nd Thailand International Motor Expo 2015. It received two Thailand Automotive Quality Awards. It was entitled with Outstanding Satisfaction for a Compact SUV and Outstanding Brand Image for Good Handling. Survey of 5,930 autocar users across 77 provinces in Thailand was the sole base for these awards reflecting strong confidence in Ford. The award was recieved by Saruth Ingkavat, marketing director, Ford Thailand on behalf of Ford Thailand from Sontirat Sontijirawong, advisor, Minister of Industry.

The award ceremony took place on the grounds of the 32nd Thailand international Motor Expo 2015.

Next in the line is the Thailand local's favorite, Isuzu with 3,887 booking figures. Isuzu has attracted visitors with its special offers which offers Isuzu D-Max with the option of getting Gold worth 15,000 baht or insurance and financing. Low down payment of 29,100 baht or 4,990 baht per duration of simple interest was also seen at the Isuzu booth at the Motor Expo 2015.

A popular exhibit among other brands was the seven-seater Honda BR-V which will be available for sale in Thailand in early 2016 and made a grand premiere at GIIAS, Indonesia.

Honda, Mazda and Nissan were also not very far behind with 4,052, 3,552, 2,757 bookings respectively. All the brands also lured visitors by their innovative and beautiful booth at the Motor Expo 2015 which were designed very uniquely and they contributed majorly in the popularity of the brands.

  

One of the main draws of the Expo is also the hail of beautiful models among all the latest models. People generally visit motor expos to check out the new and latest models of cars and bikes or to check out special deals and offers but some also visit to ogle the “pretties” straddling the autocars.

Many outdoor activities were also seen at the Motor Expo 2015. This year Expo offered a wide range of activities for car enthusiasts to participate and enjoy more.

Also Read: 32nd Motor Expo 2015- Day 9 Car Bookings, 2239 Cars Booked