Industry hopes for shot in arm from motor shows
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The year-end auto-buying season is kicking off with two motor shows this week.
The first – the sixth “Bangkok Imported and Used Car Show” – started yesterday at the Government Complex on Chaeng Wattana Road and lasts until Sunday. More than 1,000 vehicles will be displayed and Bt200 million is expected to change hands during the event.
Jaturont Komolmis, the organiser, said yesterday that both the new- and used-car markets had been experiencing a sharp decline.
“Although both markets are sluggish because of economic and political factors, the overall condition of the automobile market may not be as worrying as many think.
“However, the used-car market in particular has been facing difficulties as new-car dealers have been dropping prices and the price gap between new and used cars has narrowed,” he said.
Aggressive promotional campaigns from new-car dealers have also stolen customers away from used-car dealers.
On Saturday, the “Thailand International Motor Expo” springs to life at Impact Muang Thong Thani and clips along until December 10. As many as 50,000 new-vehicle orders worth Bt54 billion are expected to be placed.
Auto sales have plunged by more than 30 per cent this year and car companies expect total sales to drop to slightly over 900,000 units this year.
