Sales Drop Expected At December Motor Expo

[george]

Sales drop expected at motor expo

BANGKOK: -- The Thailand International Motor Expo next month is likely to see sales drop by 3,000 units, because of the economic situation and consumers’ changing preferences. The organisers nonetheless expect Bt18 billion worth of business transactions during the event. The 22nd Thailand International Motor Expo will run from December 2 to 12 at Muang Thong Thani’s Impact Exhibition Centre.

A total of 35 different car makes and models will be represented at this year’s event, with 15,000 units expected to be sold, say organisers Inter Media Consultants (IMC). Last year’s sales totalled 18,181 units.

“At the Expo, we expect sales to be 65 per cent passenger vehicles and 35 per cent pickups, and since the passenger-car segment has seen a 30-per-cent decline this year, we expect sales to drop,” said IMC chairman Kwanchai Paphatphong.

He added that the Thai market had seen a shift away from passenger cars to other kinds of vehicles, such as pickups, which have a similar interior quality.

The Bangkok show is considered the largest sales earner in terms of Asian expos. Leading motor shows around the world - such as in Frankfurt, Tokyo and Detroit - do not allow sales.

A total of 1.6 million visitors is expected, similar to last year’s figure.

This year’s theme is “Automobiles challenge the changing world”.

“Following their invention more than 100 years ago, cars have made a lot of progress, and we’re moving away now from fossil fuels to hydrogen fuel cells,” Kwanchai said.

Car buffs should enjoy the sports cars that will be on display, including the new Mazda MX5, Subaru R2, Volvo C70 and Range Rover Sport. Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini have chosen not to join the Motor Expo this year.

A few lucky visitors will drive away with a free car. A “Buy a Car, Win a Car” promotion will offer a chance for customers who buy a car to win a Subaru R2. The prize in the “Buy a Ticket, Win a Car” lucky draw will be a Honda City. And a Suzuki Sporty will be awarded to the winner of an SMS game.

“Our show supports every level of the automobile industry, from start to finish, everything from parts to the finished product to sales,” said Kwanchai.

Other activities include 4x4 training by the Spirit of 4x4 Driving School, a car-audio show, the 6th Thai Young Automotive Designer Award 2005, a children’s drawing contest, a classic-car exhibition, a Thai cultural show and the RAAT-Motor Expo.

There will also be a new section called Motor Sports, which will have on display modified cars and other motor-sports equipment. The display will be held for the first time this year and may be moved into the main hall if customer demand proves strong.

The After Market section, which formerly was situated outside, is scheduled to be moved into the main hall, as well.

Tickets will sell for Bt80, Bt20 more than last year. Already, 2.8 million tickets have been distributed by Pepsi, AIS, UBC and Major Cineplex. Ticket revenues from the first day - an expected Bt5 million - will be donated to charity.

In terms of transportation to the event, there will be shuttle buses ferrying attendees from Mor Chit Skytrain station. Parking has been expanded to 25,000 places, to prevent traffic jams around the area.

--The Nation 2005-11-18

[Tywais]

Since I have not yet decided on my new car I think I will go to the expo. Will they let you test drive any vehicles? Also for more information you can go here:

http://www.autoinfo.co.th/motorexpo/2005/p...light/index.htm

http://www.impact.co.th/direction.php

Any ideas how much a taxi from lower Suk area to the arena may cost?