Automakers bank on motor show to kick-start sales

Organisers see orders matching last year, as many companies are launching exciting models to help whet demand.
Mercedes-Benz introduced its new E-class saloon, which comes with a long list of intelligent features like parking pilot, which allows the driver to stay outside of the car and park it in tight spaces by using a smartphone app.
The E-class also steers out of trouble automatically and comes to a complete stop if there is adequate braking distance.
Driver-assistance systems are becoming increasing popular among premium brands.
Volvo’s star at the show is the award-winning XC90 that comes with a hybrid powertrain and full safety packaging.
Japanese carmaker Mazda is embarking on the same path. Its minor-change CX-5 now comes with many warning and assistance systems similar to those in the E-class and XC90.
Prachin Eamlumnow, the organiser of the show, said yesterday that more than 30 car and 10 motorcycle companies, as well as 175 accessory retailers, are taking part in the event, which serves as an opener to the auto-buying season in Thailand.
Up to Bt40 billion is expected to be spent at the show for new cars and motorcycles, as well as accessories, he said. According to organisers, the Bangkok Motor Show, which starts tomorrow and goes until April 3 at Impact Muang Thong Thani, is the largest of its kind in Asia with total show area of 140,000 square metres.
The theme of this year’s show is “No Boundaries Mobility”.
“This symbolises the reflection of the international automotive industry, which has been developed with cutting-edge innovation and technology to overcome and go beyond several limitations.
“The automotive industry thus represents the technological advancement of humanity, which has been improved and developed over time.
“And this also implies the readiness to enter the Asean community,” he said.
Visitors will have the opportunity to witness more advanced innovations such as plugin hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles
“These are innovations in alternative energy and they result in greatly improved fuel consumption and environmental friendliness,” he said.
Jaturont Komolmis, vice chairman of the organising committee, said Thailand’s auto industry is now approaching a significant boundary line.
The economic decline from 2015 has resulted in auto sales slumping almost 10 per cent, and the trend has continued over into 2016.
“Together with the implementation of the new CO2-based excise tax that took effect at the beginning of 2016, a significant impact has taken place, leading to higher car prices.
“This situation occurred amid the sluggish world economic condition, thus causing Thailand’s automotive industry to decline,” he said.
The Bangkok Motor Show serves as a stage for launching new models and stimulating demand, he said.
Buyers can enjoy attractive sales promotions even for newly-launched models, as auto companies put in their best efforts to win customers through low down payments, low interest and special gifts.