Bangkok INternational Motor Show
Accessories add value to auto display Makers upbeat on Thai sales despite rising oil prices
Today marks the seventh
day of the 26th Bangkok International Motor Show at the Bangkok International
Trade and Exhibition Centre (Bitec) in Bang Na, and car enthusiasts are
still flocking to it in droves. Aside from the dream cars on show, a large
selection of accessories are on sale, and they alone are worth the Bt80
admission.
The accessory stands are
fewer than last year, but there is still something to see, with most of
the products from countries like Japan that have made a reputation as
a manufacturer.
Several Japanese accessory makers have booths at the event, hoping to cash in on the burgeoning car market, which is expected to continue its buoyancy despite a series of oil price increases.
One is Yokohama Rubber Co Ltd, a manufacturer of car tyres.
“The sharp growth in the Thai car market should benefit us greatly, as demand for tyres should rise in line with the growing number of cars sold,” said company representative Hiroshi Ishida.
He understands that oil prices are rising in Thailand but believes that will make only a slight dent in the car market.
“And the high quality of our products should easily make us famous among car users,” he noted.
The company recently set up a manufacturing plant at Map Ta Put Industrial Estate in Rayong, which will roll out its first set of tyres next month.
The plant will supply tyres only for large vehicles like commercial trucks, while tyres for passenger cars will continue to be imported directly from Japan.
“Despite some setbacks, the Thai auto market should continue growing, although not in leaps. This is reflected through the number of visitors showing up at this motor show,” he noted.
Aside from Yokohama Rubber, internationally acclaimed car-parts supplier A’Pexi, well known among racing enthusiasts worldwide, is attracting a lot of visitors. Even with uncertain economic conditions driven by higher world oil prices, it continues to be bullish on its business prospects in Thailand, as evidenced by the company flying in eight female Japanese presenters to attract an audience to its booth.
Notably, it is the only exhibitor
to resort to importing presenters. The others rely on local talent, who
are happy to flash their smiles for hefty salaries of between Bt2,000
and Bt5,000 a day.
