Bt350m for international auto salon

Organising committee chairman Wiluck Lohthong said the event is targeted to become a regional showcase of automotive aftermarket products. 

“Next year we are going all out with a budget of Bt350 million, and our strategy is to provide special packages for exhibitors to launch new products at the show,” he said. This includes discounts of up to Bt300,000 on exhibition space as well as 15-20 per cent discount for early confirmation. 

According to Wiluck, the amount of exhibitors is expected to increase by 10 per cent while overseas exhibitors will increase by 15-20 per cent. 

“Our aim is for Thailand to become the regional centre for automotive aftermarket and customisation products as well as for automotive exhibitions,” he said. 

Approximately 1 million people visited the 2nd BIAS staged earlier this year, which featured 2,000 vehicles and 300 booths. 

According to marketing research firm AC Nielsen, as much as 64 per cent visited the salon for the first time, reflecting a growing customer base, said organising committee vice chairman Kongkiat Vienravee. “As much as 89 per cent of visitors felt that products exhibited at the show were of higher quality than those available in the general market, and as much as 50 per cent of show goers felt the urge to purchase car customisation products,” he added.