Thanks to a large number of promotions offered by automobile companies to boost second-quarter sales, more than Bt10 billion is believed to have changed hands during the 10-day auto extravaganza - the largest automotive exhibition event in the region.

Prachin Eamlumnow, chairman of the organising committee, said auto sales had shown positive trends despite the slow economy and the gloomy political atmosphere.

"Sales averaged 800-900 units a day, but on holidays the number rose to 1,500-2,000. With a total of more than 13,000 orders, we know Thai consumers still have spending power, but previously they were hesitant, due to the political situation," he said.

Jaturont Komolmis, vice chairman of the organising committee, said visitors to this year's show were up from last year, as were the orders.

"Despite the [economic] situation we're in, 1.5 million people came to the show this year, according to figures from research companies present," he said. "Despite low confidence in the political situation, there were aggressive campaigns that were able to draw crowds to the show. Consumers are already aware of high fuel prices, so there's not much concern about that issue."

Toyota was the best-selling brand at this year's show with 3,877 orders, thanks to the introduction of the new Vios subcompact. Isuzu, despite no new products, managed to receive 1,862 orders, because of the high popularity of its D-Max pickup.

Chevrolet proved a force to be reckoned with, receiving 1,306 orders for its new Captiva sport-utility vehicle (SUV), as well as models like the Optra sedan that are compatible with compressed natural gas (CNG).

Honda, banking on its CR-V SUV and a 48-month low-interest campaign, received 1,323 orders during the show. Mitsubishi, with no new models, and Nissan, with its new Navara pickup, sold 1,119 and 912 vehicles, respectively.

Mercedes-Benz was the most popular luxury brand this year, with 530 orders. One of the most popular models at the Mercedes-Benz booth was the Bt3.7-million E200 NGT, which is a bi-fuel vehicle capable of running on both petrol and CNG.

BMW received 290 orders - but including the Mini, a total of 301 - followed by Volvo, celebrating its 80th anniversary, with 78 units; Lexus, 48; and Land Rover, 23.

Although China's Wuling received no orders, fellow Chinese company Dongfeng received 30 for its tractors.