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Published on December 3, 2007

Three concept cars are on display and SEC has ensured the grandeur of the show with the Bugatti Veyron super-car.

Malaysian auto-maker Proton and the Korean maker Hyundai joined the show this year to display more than eight new models. The Japanese exotic carmaker Mitsuoka is also on display with two models.

This is also the first time that so many auto companies are officially representing their second-hand car division. Of the companies participating in the used-car part of the show floor are Toyota Sure, BMW Premium Selection, Mercedes Benz iD1, Mini Next and Chevrolet OK. Although new-car sales have seen a drop of more than 5 per cent, used cars and grey-market importers have seen sales rise by over 10 per cent.

"Currently the concept of buying a used car is not very attractive to many people," said Krisda Utamote, general manager of sales at BMW Premium Selection. "But we want people to know that now the premium used car means that cars are in good condition and come with warranty and roadside assistance. We check over 72 points in each vehicle to ensure that the vehicle is in excellent condition before it is sold to our customers."

BMW is officially present at the show only with its used-car division.

Other makes also added that it was an opportunity to boost the after-sales value of their vehicles. "We see that it is, in a way, a method of brand-building," said Stephen Carlisle, president of Chevrolet Sales Thailand. "There are about 10 Chevy OK dealers in Bangkok and the demand for these vehicles is high. As a result our dealers hunt out vehicles from auctions and cause the used-car price to go up. It is also an opportunity for those who cannot afford a new vehicle. Chevy OK gives them the assurance that the vehicle is in good condition and their experience with the brand is a good one, which may lead them to buying a Chevrolet in the future."

Another important focus at the show is the display of E20-capable vehicles. Last week the government stated that it would decrease the excise duty of vehicles that can use 20-per-cent ethanol and the rest petrol from 30 to 25 per cent. Since then many auto companies have stated that their vehicles will be available with E20 technology since January 1, the day on which the excise rate is to be cut.

Ford, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Honda and Mazda have launched E20-capable vehicles in their product line-up. The first company to have an E20 vehicle in Thailand was Ford with the Focus, which has been selling since 2005.

"It is good to see that the government is finally carrying out the plan as it is something that needs initiative," said Tom Brewer, vice president for marketing and sales of Ford Asia-Pacific and South Africa. "Now that the government has stated this change, more and more companies are launching products. Soon, oil companies will also start selling the

fuel and it will become a common alternative fuel in Thailand."

The decrease in excise means that the prices of all E20 vehicles have decreased accordingly. The price of the Ford Focus has dropped by Bt50,000. Nissan has cut prices for the Tiida and Teana by between Bt40,000 and Bt85,000. Honda has lowered prices for the City, Civic, C-RV and Accord by between Bt30,000 and Bt110,000.

Other mass-market auto companies that have not yet announced decreases in prices and E20 capability are Toyota and Chevrolet, although both companies are likely to launch models by the beginning of next year. Premium carmaker Volvo has stated that the company is considering E20 engines.

Surprisingly though, there are a whole lot of exotic sports cars at the show as well. The most expensive car at the show is the Bugatti Veyron, costing Bt165 million. Other super-cars include the Lamborghini Superlegerra, the Lotus Exige S, the Mitsuoka Orichi and the Audi R8. Although most

of the focus is on mass-market vehicles, there are enough performance cars at the show to get your adrenaline running.

Vijo Varghese

The Nation