Motor expo goes green

The Bangkok International Motor Expo, which will open its doors to the public on November 29, has chosen to go the green way.

The slogan for the event this year is "Obligation of mankind to stop global warming".

The show, which is held at the end of every year, is mainly an opportunity for auto-makers to boost sales for the year with attractive campaigns and promotions.

"I want people in Thailand to be more aware of green issues and the environmental impact of automobiles. The unit CO2 g/km is unheard of in Thailand, although it is commonly used in the US, Europe and Japan. The government also needs to take the initiative to educate themselves on this topic," Kwanchai Paphatphong, chairman of IMC, the show's organiser, said yesterday.

Showcased will be over six concept cars with a greater focus on environmentally friendly prototypes.

Chevrolet will display the concept version of the Volt, the electric car that GM hopes to put on the road by 2010. Hyundai will have the i10 Super Blue CNG and Mitsubishi will parade the i-MIEV, a fully electric city car.

Suzuki also for the first time in Thailand will feature a concept car at its booth, the Kizashi 2.

Kwanchai chose to be conservative about the sales figure by saying that he only expected 15,000 orders.

This was the same estimate as last year, but actual sales surpassed the target to reach 17,000 units, he said, adding that he expects the forecast to be beaten again this year.

Cash flow of Bt15 billion was expected from sales of automobiles and Bt2 billion from auto parts and accessories.

"The Thai consumer is now moving more towards smaller engines and some will still choose diesel due to the added benefit of mileage. Many will be sceptical about CNG [compressed natural gas], mainly due to the increase in the price of the fuel. The Thai consumer will be more careful with his choice ," Kwanchai added.