Electric vehicles take center stage at the 45th Bangkok International Motor Show

Electric vehicles, particularly those from leading Chinese brands, are sparking interest among car enthusiasts and very much stealing the spotlight at the 45th Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS).

This year’s event marks a significant return of the exhibition to pre-pandemic levels.

The lively BIMS is bringing together 49 brands from major global automakers across Europe, the United States, Japan, Korea, India, China and Vietnam. Notably, Vietnam’s VinFast is showcasing its electric cars, the VF7 SUV and

the concept pickup truck VF wild, but won’t be conducting sales activities at the show. Visitors can expect at least 20 exciting new model launches throughout the event.

Beyond EVs, the show features showstopping ‘Hyper Concept’ cars like the Mercedes-Benz Vision One-Eleven and the Nissan Hyper Tourer Concept, which combines the essence of Japanese hospitality (omotnashi) with advanced technologies and pushes the boundaries of design and innovation.

Held for 12 days from March 27th to April 7th, 2024, at the Challenger Hall, Muang Thong Thani, BIMS has expanded its exhibition space to encompass the IMPACT Forum Hall-4.

This year boasts a significant increase in indoor exhibition space, reaching 76,000 square meters compared to the previous 60,000.

The theme, “The Mobility of Joyful Experiences,” reflects the focus on creativity and innovation that enhance the enjoyment of every journey.

Prachin Eamlumnow, CEO of Grand Prix International Plc, the show’s organizer, emphasized this commitment to sustainability and economic growth at the opening event: “The 45th motor show is also ready to support eco-friendly technology and create business opportunities for the nation,” he noted.

Despite industry challenges earlier this year, the BIMS organizer is confident that the event’s return to a pre-COVID scale will stimulate Thailand’s automotive industry.

Jaturont Komolmis, vice chairman of the 45th BIMS, is aiming for a 15-20% increase in both visitor numbers and bookings compared to the previous year.

This optimism stems from positive factors, including the participation of new car manufacturers.

Last year, the 12-day event drew 1.62 million visitors, with motorcycle bookings also experiencing a significant 56.7% year-on-year increase to 3,098 units.

A Greener Showcase

The 45th BIMS showcases a variety of electric car highlights, including the Lotus Eletre Blends Electric Hyper SUV, Lotus Emira in both I4 and V6 Supercharged variants, the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve 4xe (Plug-in Hybrid), the new Jeep Wrangler 2024, Kia EV5, and the new Volvo EX30 – the much-anticipated EV vehicle from the European car-makers.

But perhaps it is the most luxurious motor of all that will have serious car fans salivating.

Rolls-Royce will be using the show to launch its first all-electric odyssey – the super smooth Spectre.

On a more affordable scale, Chinese brand Changan is launching its Lumin Mini EV for the first time at the show, with Zeekr and Xpeng also making their debuts. Honri, meanwhile, showcases the Boma, a 4-seater EV.

The Vietnamese newcomer, VinFast, launches the VF7 (SUV EV) and the concept pickup truck EV, VF wild.

Honda Motorcycle is unveiling the new electric scooter MotoCompacto, featuring a unique luggage-sized design.

They will also showcase the Uni-One, an electric hands-free wheelchair for personal mobility.

Adding a touch of whimsy, XPeng displays a unicorn-themed robotic toy designed as a playmate or travel companion, which will attract significant attention from visitors.

“We believe that the coming of electric car manufacturers from China and Vietnam will add more diversity to the car market in Thailand,” organizers say.

“This has given a great opportunity for consumers to choose vehicles based on their preferences at appropriate prices.”

As always, the motor show provides an effective platform for future car owners to shop around and explore brands, models, and promotional campaigns that suit them all under one roof.

The 45th BIMS offers a diverse selection of electric vehicles, innovative concepts, and exciting new models, making it a must-attend event for car enthusiasts and potential buyers.