Bangkok International Auto Show 2008 expects huge crowd

Motorists will be packing the 29th Bangkok International Motor Show in search of the best deals for new cars and trucks.

The show, which starts today at Bitec and runs until April 6, will also provide a glimpse of the latest trends in the automotive industry.

According to organiser Dr Prachin Eamlumnow, as many as 15,000 vehicles are expected to be sold at the show this year. Sales should be worth about Bt22 billion.

"The show will give the automobile industry a strong boost," he said. "It is one of the country's main manufacturing sectors."

The show, which is one of the largest auto exhibition events in Asia, will this year promote the theme of "Environmental Auto Globalization".

The move reflects the automotive world's shift towards alternative energy and environmental concerns.

The show also welcomes Indian newcomer Tata, which has launched its pickup truck, the Xenon, in the local market.

The Xenon is assembled in Thailand and will be competing in the lucrative pickup market against powerful Japanese rivals.

Restored confidence after the election is expected to boost car sales this year. In the first two months, 94,657 units were sold, a 15.09-per-cent increase from the same period last year.

Throughout this year, vehicle sales are expected to reach 700,000 units, up 11 per cent from 631,251 last year.