Car Reservations Surge by 29% at 46th Bangkok International Motor Show

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of MGR Online
 

The 46th Bangkok International Motor Show has shifted into high gear, captivating car aficionados and revving up a considerable 29% surge in vehicle reservations.

 

With electric vehicles (EVs) stealing the spotlight, the show is on a roll at Impact Challenger Hall, running until April 6th. Enthusiasts and eco-friendly consumers alike are flocking to see groundbreaking electric models debut in Thailand.

 

Jaturon Komolmit, a key figure from Grand Prix International, has reported an impressive 24,744 vehicle reservations just halfway through the event.

 

This spicy figure is sure to grow, as some brands are yet to tally up final day's reservations. The show's electric edge is attracting eager buyers, with numerous xEV dealers showcasing the future of sustainable driving.

 

 

 

While the latest EV models draw in eco-conscious consumers, the show guarantees entertainment beyond car displays.

 

Visitors are diving into thrilling prize draws, enhancing the allure of the event. It's not just about the stunning cars on offer; it's a full-throttle experience celebrating automotive innovation, and a tantalising peek into the road ahead.

 

Set in the bustling halls of Muang Thong Thani, the motor show is fast becoming a must-visit affair for those eager to see the latest in automotive advancement.

 

With several brands to explore, attendees are seizing the chance to book the car of their dreams. As the countdown continues, final reservation figures are poised to reflect a sharp consumer pivot towards electric vehicles in the Land of Smiles.

 

Based on a story by The Thaiger

 

-- 2025-04-03

 

 

[JoePai]

555 Who writes this ‘publicity’ nonsense !

[mfd101]

We plan to visit there next year to compare HEV SUVs (preferably non-plugin) - Toyota & Mazda particularly, and the Chinese competition (mostly BYD, I suspect).

 

Problem with the Chinese models will be absence of servicing availability here in sth Surin ...

[FlorC]

In 6 months you can buy those second hand.

[Travel Dude]

5 hours ago, JoePai said:

555 Who writes this ‘publicity’ nonsense !

AI. It's such poor writing. Enhancing, Tantalising peek into the road ahead... 

Almost all articles from the Tiger and Asean now are written in such a horrible style

[dick turpin]

Thought the economy was supposedly in the doldrums.

[Purdey]

I was wondering what percent of sales was for U.S. brands. If the demand for EVs went up, were they mostly Asian brands?

[bkk_mike]

7 minutes ago, mfd101 said:

We plan to visit there next year to compare HEV SUVs (preferably non-plugin) - Toyota & Mazda particularly, and the Chinese competition (mostly BYD, I suspect).

 

Problem with the Chinese models will be absence of servicing availability here in sth Surin ...

Chinese hybrids will be restricted to the companies that have factories in Thailand (GWM's Haval, BYD, Geely, etc.)

This is because only full EVs avoid the import duty if built in China.

 

Personally, I think hybrids are a stopgap if you drive a lot in cities, but drive long range often enough in a country with a bad charging network, that you can't go fully electric. Because you get increased complexity and higher servicing costs than regular diesel, but only better mileage in stop-start driving in cities.

 

If you drive in the city all the time, and can charge at home, fully electric is a no-brainer. If you never drive in cities you might as well just get a regular diesel.

 

[bkk_mike]

29 minutes ago, Purdey said:

I was wondering what percent of sales was for U.S. brands. If the demand for EVs went up, were they mostly Asian brands?

GM pulled out of Thailand a few years ago. They sold their factory to GWM (Great Wall Motors). They pulled out of all right-hand drive markets globally.

I think the only US brands for sale are Tesla and Ford. People do like the look of the Ford pickups... Unsure about Jeep. Not seen someone I know driving one in Thailand in years.

Tesla were doing OK. But I don't know if they're going to get the same anti-Musk backlash that they're getting in Europe and Canada.

[mfd101]

3 minutes ago, bkk_mike said:

Chinese hybrids will be restricted to the companies that have factories in Thailand (GWM's Haval, BYD, Geely, etc.)

This is because only full EVs avoid the import duty if built in China.

 

Personally, I think hybrids are a stopgap if you drive a lot in cities, but drive long range often enough in a country with a bad charging network, that you can't go fully electric. Because you get increased complexity and higher servicing costs than regular diesel, but only better mileage in stop-start driving in cities.

 

If you drive in the city all the time, and can charge at home, fully electric is a no-brainer. If you never drive in cities you might as well just get a regular diesel.

 

We never drive in the cities. Just country driving here in Surin & Buriram. I still like the idea of an HEV. Conceptual transition in my old age.

[johng]

47 minutes ago, Travel Dude said:

Almost all articles from the Tiger and Asean now are written in such a horrible style

 

It is AI  (Artificial Intelligence) writing and re-writing these articles  they often go off into flowery prose  and almost always call the sitting president of the US  the former president...in a recent thread on the rules of the road in Thailand the AI  got it completely backwards answering like Thailand drives on the right hand side of the road instead of the left..in short take them with a big barrel of salt.

[johng]

4 minutes ago, bkk_mike said:

Tesla were doing OK. But I don't know if they're going to get the same anti-Musk backlash that they're getting in Europe and Canada.

 

I doubt it.

[khunPer]

Not good... Actually, extremely bad – "Car Reservations Surge by 29%" – I just bought a new car, and I really looked forward to drive around for a month or so with temporary red number plates, and make a huge lot of face, by showing everybody that I can afford to drive a brand new car... But, they are selling too many new cars and ran out of red plates... So, I have to wait for my white number-plates and not making face at all...

[ujayujay]

And how many vehicle sales of the 29% will ultimately be finalized? wishful thinking 55555

[ujayujay]

53 minutes ago, khunPer said:

Not good... Actually, extremely bad – "Car Reservations Surge by 29%" – I just bought a new car, and I really looked forward to drive around for a month or so with temporary red number plates, and make a huge lot of face, by showing everybody that I can afford to drive a brand new car... But, they are selling too many new cars and ran out of red plates... So, I have to wait for my white number-plates and not making face at all...

This is really a huge problem

9 Years ago I was waiting 8 Months for the white Plates ....who cares?!

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, dick turpin said:

Thought the economy was supposedly in the doldrums.

Not for the elites....

[Gweiloman]

18 hours ago, mfd101 said:

We plan to visit there next year to compare HEV SUVs (preferably non-plugin) - Toyota & Mazda particularly, and the Chinese competition (mostly BYD, I suspect).

 

Problem with the Chinese models will be absence of servicing availability here in sth Surin ...

Servicing? What servicing? Once a year, pop in for an inspection, 2-3 hours and you’re on your way again.

[KhunLA]

5 minutes ago, Gweiloman said:

Servicing? What servicing? Once a year, pop in for an inspection, 2-3 hours and you’re on your way again.

You must live in a busy metro.   Last time in for a peek, (MG ZS BEV), they were done before I finished my snack & coffee.  40k kms check coming next week or so, if we do a long local explore, and I don't think I've ever been at the dealer more than 30 minutes.

 

Advantage of living in smalls-ville, and only being 3 kms from the MG dealer.   If it wasn't required for the warranty, doubt if I would even bother.

[Gweiloman]

23 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

You must live in a busy metro.   Last time in for a peek, (MG ZS BEV), they were done before I finished my snack & coffee.  40k kms check coming next week or so, if we do a long local explore, and I don't think I've ever been at the dealer more than 30 minutes.

 

Advantage of living in smalls-ville, and only being 3 kms from the MG dealer.   If it wasn't required for the warranty, doubt if I would even bother.

Actually you could be right. The last time I took my car in for servicing, it was my PHEV, not my EV. Reason it took so long could be because they had to “service” the ICE parts, you know, changing engine oil and all… 555.

[Gweiloman]

25 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

You must live in a busy metro.   Last time in for a peek, (MG ZS BEV), they were done before I finished my snack & coffee.  40k kms check coming next week or so, if we do a long local explore, and I don't think I've ever been at the dealer more than 30 minutes.

 

Advantage of living in smalls-ville, and only being 3 kms from the MG dealer.   If it wasn't required for the warranty, doubt if I would even bother.

Actually you could be right. The last time I took my car in for servicing, it was my PHEV, not my EV. Reason it took so long could be because they had to “service” the ICE parts, you know, changing engine oil and all… 555.

[KhunLA]

4 minutes ago, Gweiloman said:

Actually you could be right. The last time I took my car in for servicing, it was my PHEV, not my EV. Reason it took so long could be because they had to “service” the ICE parts, you know, changing engine oil and all… 555.

I remember those days, of owning Toyota & Mazda ICEV at Udon Thani ... and I'd follow the wife to the dealer on the MB, just drop off, and pick up later at the end of the day.  When moved to PKK, had to take the Mazda to Hua Hin since no local dealer.

 

The MG ZS ICE, was also a trip 100 kms away, to HH, and spent the wait time at Bluport mall, and walking distance from dealer at Hua Hin.   Thankfully the built a dealer close to the house just before buying the BEV version.

[mfd101]

2 hours ago, Gweiloman said:

Servicing? What servicing? Once a year, pop in for an inspection, 2-3 hours and you’re on your way again.

I did say HEV not BEV, and for country driving in & around Surin.

[Gweiloman]

On 4/4/2025 at 11:21 AM, mfd101 said:

I did say HEV not BEV, and for country driving in & around Surin.

HEV’s are so… yesterday’s technology. A minuscule 1-2 kWh battery that does practically nothing. If you’re going to buy a HEV, might as well stick with Japanese legacy auto makers, although at the rate their service centres, at least here in CM, are closing and being replaced by Chinese automakers, they might be getting more scarce in and around Surin too.

[DavisH]

On 4/5/2025 at 10:06 PM, Gweiloman said:

HEV’s are so… yesterday’s technology. A minuscule 1-2 kWh battery that does practically nothing. If you’re going to buy a HEV, might as well stick with Japanese legacy auto makers, although at the rate their service centres, at least here in CM, are closing and being replaced by Chinese automakers, they might be getting more scarce in and around Surin too.

How many Toyota and Honda dealerships have shut and been taken over by Chinse dealerships?

[Gweiloman]

11 hours ago, DavisH said:

How many Toyota and Honda dealerships have shut and been taken over by Chinse dealerships?

Don’t know the exact figures. You would have to do some research if you want to know. What I know is that my Mazda dealership is now a Deepal dealership and half of the big Mitsubishi dealership down the road from me is now another Chinese EV dealership.

 

To my eyes, the writings on the wall.