Motor show organisers unfazed by increase in online sales

[webfact]

Motor show organisers unfazed by increase in online sales

By KINGSLEY WIJAYASINHA 
THE NATION

 

Toyota is showing its new Supra sports car at this year’s Bangkok Motor Show.

 

MORE THAN 1.6 million visitors are expected at this year’s Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS), which kicks off today at IMPACT Muangthong Thani.

 

The 12-day event marks the start of this year’s auto-buying season – last year more than 36,000 orders were placed for new vehicles at the show.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of BIMS, which first held at Lumpini Park in 1979.

 

“The Bangkok International Motor Show is internationally recognised as the greatest motor show in the Asean region, judging by the large number of global brands participating every year,” organiser Prachin Eamlumnow said at the show’s opening ceremony at the Challenger Hall. 

 

As many as 33 automobile brands and 14 motorcycle brands are showcasing their products this year. 

 

“This reflects the importance of BIMS as an event that helps strengthen the image as well as growth of Thailand’s automobile industry at an international level,” Prachin added.

 

The theme this year is “Enjoyment of Automobiles”, according to Jaturont Komolmis, vice chairman of the organising committee.

 

“BIMS is believed to be the only auto expo in Thailand that has been able to maintain its leadership in the events scene for 40 years,” he said. “It is also a significant index that helps reflect the active sale of automobiles in the first quarter of every year.” 

 

Despite the increase in sales online, including new automobiles, Jaturont said he was not worried that fewer people will show up at the event to purchase vehicles. 

 

“Even though customer behaviour has dramatically shifted from offline to online, our studies show that Thai customers still want to see, touch, feel and test-drive vehicles before making a purchase. So we believe such trends will not affect the number of visitors to the show this year,” he said. 

 

However, he did admit that this year there are 40 per cent fewer exhibitors in the accessories hall, as most vendors appear to have adopted online sales platforms. 

 

More than 10 new models are being introduced this year, including Audi’s e-tron electric SUV as well as plug-in hybrids from BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo.

 

Honda is also showing off its new Accord (now available as hybrid version), Lexus is highlighting its UX 250h hybrid SUV, while Nissan is banking on its LEAF EV to draw in new customers.

 

Toyota’s focus, meanwhile, is on its Supra sports car, which has been co-developed with the BMW Z4. The small-car expert is also expanding its product portfolio in Thailand with the introduction of its imported Jimny jeep-style SUV.

 

The event runs until April 7.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/Auto_ADO/30366602

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2019-03-27

 

[taichiplanet]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Toyota’s focus, meanwhile, is on its Supra sports car, which has been co-developed with the BMW Z4. The small-car expert is also expanding its product portfolio in Thailand with the introduction of its imported Jimny jeep-style SUV.

The Jimny is Suzuki not Toyota; suspect some editing went wrong with the The Nation article. At THB 1.6 Mil it is on par with the Camry price though!

Edited March 26, 2019 by taichiplanet

[Ulic]

Why would they be concerned? The cars are promoted at the show, people pontificate on their decisions, and then pull the purchase trigger buying online. Some people like to buy at/during the show, some like time to reflect before their purchase. Either way, they are making a purchase.  

[transam]

11 hours ago, taichiplanet said:

The Jimny is Suzuki not Toyota; suspect some editing went wrong with the The Nation article. At THB 1.6 Mil it is on par with the Camry price though!

I understand that there is now collusion between Toyota and Suzuki...