The 32nd Thailand International Motor Expo 2015 has kicked off. The theme for this year is “New Standards…Thai Vehicles Care About The Earth”.
Thirty-three car brands and fifteen motorcycle brands are launching new models with enticing promotional offers to stimulate year-end market before tax change. Bookings are expected to reach 50,000 units for cars and 3,000 units for big bikes while the number of visitors will be 1.5 million. Sounds very optimistic due to the current economic climate, with a large number of house holds in big debts already.
Sadly, the introduction to the Thai market of the hyped premium electric vehicle Tesla was cancelled at a late stage.
Volvo used a typical Swedish Lucia singing choir in their introduction which was a nice contrast to the many car and motorcycle manufactures that used sex appeal and loud techno music to introduce their new models and offers.
The choir sang three songs before Managing Director Anette Andersson took the microphone and introduced their V40 T5 R-Limited to the Thai market. The V-40 T5 R- Limited comes with increased power, new interior and exterior accessories and of course state-of-the-art safety technology. This little power machine can be bought 0% interest during 60 months. Booked during the Motor Expo it will be fitted with Polestar Performance system, worth over 57,000 baht, making the horse power jump from 220 to 245.
Apart from the eye-catching car display, Volvo is also introducing Volvo Life Paint to the Asian market. Volvo Life Paint is a unique reflective spray that is invisible by daylight, but glows in direct glare of car headlights in the dark.
“We are all in the traffic together,” says Anette Andersson.
“This spray helps increase road safety for bikers and raise awareness on how important it is to be visible.”
At the show there are also concept/prototype cars on display from brands like; Hyundai, MG, Subaru and Toyota.
Several motorcycle brands introduce several new models in various price ranges. Honda shows their newest version of the long time favourite Africa Twin.
There are also a large number of accessories on display and for sale at the Motor Expo 2015, which is open to the public from December 2-10.
Text and photos by Dennis Thern
