Thailand★ Motor Expo

The 30th Thailand International Motor Expo 2013, held in Bangkok from November 29 to December 10, featured 38 automotive brands from Japan, Europe, the US, and other regions. Among Japanese manufacturers, Suzuki unveiled its concept model "A:Wind," slated for release as its second eco-car, making its world debut. Chinese automakers, preparing for full-scale production in Thailand, also announced new models. Despite the event opening amid sluggish new car demand and spreading political instability, each company launched its final offensive of the year. NNA, which disseminates economic information on Asia, reports.

World premiere of the concept model "A:Wind" Suzuki Vice President Suzuki (Photo by NNA) Suzuki Vice President Suzuki (Photo by NNA)

Off to a strong start (Photo by NNA) (Photo by NNA)

Suzuki's "A:Wind" (1000cc displacement), named as a vehicle bringing fresh air to the A-segment, is the country's government-certified small low-emission eco-car following the "Swift." Production and sales in Thailand will begin in 2014. While other Japanese manufacturers with eco-car certification offer sedan types, Suzuki will consecutively introduce hatchback types.
The factory producing the A:Wind in the Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate in Rayong Province is Suzuki's first four-wheel vehicle production base in Thailand. It currently has an annual production capacity of 50,000 units.
Suzuki Vice President Toshihiro Suzuki stated, "We were the last among Japanese brands to enter Thailand, so we will now focus on how to grow sales and increase the factory's utilization rate."

Isuzu, Mazda, Nissan, and others are exhibiting new sport utility vehicle (SUV) models to stimulate demand. Isuzu Sales (Thailand) Co., Ltd. introduced the global model "MU-X," announced at the end of October. This is a new strategic vehicle following the current mainstay, the 1-ton pickup truck "D-MAX." President Hiroshi Nakagawa announced, "Orders exceeded 5,000 units within 10 days of launch." The annual sales target is 20,000 units.

 

 

North Star Motors the pickup truck "Grand Tiger" (Photo by NNA)

 

SAIC Motor CP has launched unveiled four models including (Photo by NNA)

China's Brilliance Auto and SAIC Motor are preparing for full-scale production in Thailand, aiming to develop it as an export hub for right-hand drive countries in the future.

Brilliance Auto will produce and sell Jinbei brand commercial vehicles in Thailand. North Star Motors unveiled the Jinbei brand 1000cc medium-duty truck "M1," the 1500cc five-seater compact SUV "S30," and the ITI brand 2200cc pickup truck "Grand Tiger" for the first time in Thailand.
SAIC Motor CP (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation-Charoen Pokphand Group), a joint venture between China's largest automaker SAIC Motor and Thailand's major conglomerate Charoen Pokphand Group, aimed to cultivate the British brand image by showcasing classic cars and other models, rather than the MG6 sedan from the UK's MG brand, which is scheduled to go on sale in the latter half of 2014. The models displayed included MG's classic cars, the MGA and MGB, the concept SUV ICON, and the E50 electric vehicle developed by SAIC.
Chery Automobile's Thai subsidiary, Kelly Automobile (Thailand), also made its debut at the expo, unveiling five models including medium-sized trucks (1100-1200cc) and commercial wagons. The company currently sells imported vehicles from China.

Regarding future new car sales trends and domestic political turmoil, Kwanchai, President of Inter Media Consultants, the expo organizer, stated: "New car sales should recover next year. Thailand has faced difficult times before, such as the Bangkok airport shutdown by anti-government protesters and the 2011 floods, yet we held the expo through those periods. Thais believe happiness comes after hardship."