Chanin Khaochan, head of integrated development for the BoI, said the trade fair, to be held for the first time in Bangkok from May 10-13, will showcase auto parts, equipment and car-industry services.

Around 200 companies from 18 countries are expected at the trade show at Muang Thong Thani's Impact Exhibition Centre.

Carmakers BMW and DaimlerChrysler and auto-parts giant Arvin Meritor are expected to meet with 60 local auto-parts makers.

He said business matchmaking at the expo would help boost the country's auto-parts exports, the value of which is currently Bt13 billion a year.

He added that orders from the three big players at the fair would not exceed Bt1 billion, because any products they order would have to pass stringent inspection procedures. If the products they find aren't up to snuff, they might order them from their existing suppliers.

Automechanika Thailand is an international automotive trade fair that focuses on design, maintenance and recycling. It is considered the region's leading forum for the automotive original-equipment and after-market sector. It will showcase a full range of auto parts and components, accessories, tuning products and repair and maintenance equipment.