MORE THAN CARS AND GIRLS

4x4magazine | 29/03/2012 | 0 Comments

The 33^rd edition of the Bangkok International Motor Show – the biggest auto show event in the ASEAN region – was held for the second consecutive year at Challenger Hall, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani. This year’s event’s concept is „Technology Difference” as the show offers multiple selections of innovations from leading automotive brands.

Last year’s event was an overwhelming success in the history of the Show. It’s all about figures and the motor show organizers hoped to equal or surpass the 1.9 million-visitor count and 45,000 new car bookings recorded last year. 2012 is set to be a great year for the automotive industry in Thailand, which is trying to recover its footing having been badly effected by the tsunami in Japan and the floods in Thailand. Today, when the normal production resumes, the market looks as bright as it could be. Notably, before the supply-chain disruptions, car companies amassed orders for nearly 100,000 pickups. More orders were expected at the motor show, as pickups – evidently with the ability to withstand floods – are expected to further enjoy high demand and remain Thailand’s product champion.
As the only international motor show held annually that is inscribed with OICA every alternate year, the BIMS is known as one of the most representative of the industry in the region.The top manufacturers always unveil major innovations at the Show. The Show provided a great-value, day-out for all the family, also. Apart from checking out the latest production models and sales promotions, visitors to the Bangkok International Motor Show got a glimpse of the future of automobiles through the large number of concept vehicles being displayed.
Another special feature for visitors was the testing drive station, probably the biggest in the world with 33,000 square-meters. More than 1000 test drives were taken during the event by enthusiastic show visitors.
In total, there were 178 exhibitors at the event, and the stunning figures of 1.9 million attendants, which puts Bangkok firmly in the big league, with Geneva targeting around 700,000, Detroit claiming 770,000 for its show in January. At the end there was a record 57,058 booking sales! Most orders, as usually, were placed for Toyota models, 12,694 pieces, Honda is the second with 7,559 units, the fictitious third place went to Mitsubishi with 6,406 bookings. On the highest end, Mercedes sold 1,271 cars, plus 52 units modified by Carlsson. 12 Jaguars, 10 Porsches, 4 Lamborghinis and one Bentley were sold, also.
The only world premiere – held at a special event ahead of the 33^rdBIMS – was the debut of the All-New Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV, first previewed in concept form at last year’s Dubai International Motor Show. The new Chevrolet SUV will be built at GM Thailand’s manufacturing facility in Rayong and will go on sale around the world, beginning with Thailand in June.
Ford uses the Bangkok Motor Show for the ASEAN preview of the Australian-built Ford Territory premium SUV to gauge customer interest and the feasibility of a local market introduction. The new Ford Territory is a seven-seat crossover, equipped with a 2.7L TDCi V6 turbo-diesel engine with six-speed automatic transmission.
The most spectacular 4×4 vehicle of this year’s Bangkok International Motor show was displayed at Isuzu booth. As it is accustomed, the Isuzu stand was the most spectacular and it focused on the new D-Max pickup. Even the base model showed an extraordinary sight with blue-black matte finish, and was fitted with Falken P305 45 R22 tires. The top off-road model was carefully lifted to fit under the 37-inch Maxxiss Trepador tires mounted on 16-inch wheels.
Toyota this year celebrates 50 years of its presence in Thailand, and on this occasion offered a special edition of each models.
Mazda launched the PRO edition of its all-new BT-50 pickup with the most powerful engine in the market. The most complete and integrated pickup truck of the present day is available in two body styles and engine variants – Freestyle cab and Double Cab, 200hp/470Nm 3.2-litre Di-THUNDER PRO and 150hp/375Nm 2.2-litre Di-THUNDER PRO engines.
At the accessories area thousands of products were on offer from over 300 leading manufactures and retailers. With over 650 new models on display, it was the best place to compare and buy all you need for your driving and adventures ahead.
Organizers are always looking to reinstate the sort of activities that give the event such a „festival” atmosphere. During the exhibition visitors were pampered by a variety of other exciting events such as music corner, automotive auction, photo competition, a variety of automotive-themed talk shows, and it was certainly worthwhile to follow the selection of Miss Motor Show. There were also some stunning 4×4 activities that showcased the 4×4 Show’s diverse terrain, and provided a great challenge for competitors.