Auto firms are hoping the annual Bangkok International Motor Show will help boost business back to normal after sales in the first two months of this year plunged more than 20 per cent, due to intense competition among them last December.

The show runs from today to April 8 at the Bangkok Inter-national Trade and Exhibition Centre.

Last year, the second-largest auto exhibition in the region after the Tokyo Motor Show welcomed 1.5 million visitors, and this year it is expected to draw more than 300 companies with 27 carmakers showcasing their latest products and technologies.

Audi, BMW, Bentley, Chevrolet, Citroen, Ford, Honda, Isuzu, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Mini, Peugeot, Skoda, Ssangyong, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, Thairung, Volkswagen, Volvo and Wuling will be there, along with four Japanese motorcycle marques - Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki - although without sales activities.

Organiser Prachin Eamlumnow yesterday said Bt400 million was going into holding this year's edition, while spending by exhibitors was expected to exceed Bt4 billion,

and sales campaigns could see

more than Bt40 billion changing hands.

Buyers flock to the show each year to compare models, prices and promotions.

"By visiting just one show, you can compare almost every make in the market as well as the promotions offered by auto companies," Prachin said.

Virtually every carmaker present at the show is offering special promotions, including low down payments and interest rates, along with give-aways.

"Auto sales during the motor-show period will surely be higher than the first two months, but it will also depend on the economy, the political situation, fuel prices and the situation in the South," he said.

Among the highlights will be the new Toyota Vios, which is expected to dominate the subcompact-car market, the Nissan Navara, the most powerful pickup in the market, and the Chevrolet Captiva SUV, which will compete head-on against the Honda CR-V.

From the luxury side are the Mercedes-Benz CL500, with the world premier for the right-hand-drive version, and the BMW X5 and 3-Series convertible. Sweden is unveiling the Volvo C30, which could enjoy local production next year, while the new Mini will be displayed along with the Lexus RX400h, the world's first luxury hybrid vehicle.

Three concept vehicles will be attract attention: the Toyota Hybrid X; Mitsubishi D5, a 7-seater concept; and the award-winning Mitsubishi i.

This year's theme is "Drive thru the Nature", which is reflective of His Majesty the King's efforts to encourage the use of alternative fuels.

"We want to support HM the King's idea of the sufficiency economy as well as alternative energy," Prachin said.

The show, approved by the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles, is supported by the Industry Ministry, the Thai Automobile Industry Association, the Thai Auto Parts Makers Association, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Tourism and Sports Ministry, the Royal Automobile Association of Thailand and the Thailand Society of Automotive Engineers.

Kingsley Wijayasinha

The Nation