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Published on January 11, 2008

The GTR is being sold for Bt9.9 million in Thailand. Other grey-market importers are eager to bring in the model, due to customer demand.

"Our customers have requested the GTR be brought in as early as possible," said Eton Import managing director Peerasut Tantiyankul. "We have the GTR on display so that people can come and see the car and fully appreciate its beauty. Already, four orders have been placed, and we expect about 20 this year."

Although Eton Import focuses mainly on family cars like the Toyota Alphard and Toyota Estima, this time it has taken a strong initiative in bringing in the GTR. Peerasut said the move was due to customer demand and that it was important to adapt to the customers' needs.

"The family image we have came because of the kind of products we were selling, which consisted mainly of SUV's and MPV's. But we've sold sports cars in the past and will do so in the future if required," Peerasut said.

The company will launch the new Toyota Alphard this year.

Last year, Eton sold a total of 578 vehicles, up 3.77 per cent from 557 in 2006. Although the Thai economy was slow last year, grey-market importers benefited from the strong baht, which made it cheaper to import vehicles. As a result, more marketing campaigns were launched at customers. Eton expects 5-per-cent growth this year.

The company is also considering opening a showroom in Thon Buri. Although this had been planned for last year, it was postponed, due to the unstable economic situation.

Peerasut said the economy would likely improve this year once the new government was installed.

As such, Eton is planning more shows in department stores this year. Peerasut said to improve sales, the company needed to meet customers directly.

Vijo Varghese

 The Nation