Motor Traders are hoping that the 33rd Thailand Motor Expo which starts at Muang Thong Thani on December 1 will kick-start sales in what is normally a busy time of year.
During the first 10 months of this year, auto sales fell by 0.7 per cent to 617,159 cars from the corresponding period last year. October sales plummeted by over 10 per cent to 60,634 units, according to figures from Toyota Motor Thailand Co.
Auto companies are anxiously waiting to see how the national mourning for His Majesty King Bhumibhol Adulyadej will affect consumers’ willingness to spend money.
Organiser Kwanchai Paphatphong expects 50,000 orders to be placed for automobiles and big bikes.
This year’s Motor Expo – which is one of the two major auto shows each year in Bangkok along with the Bangkok Motor Show in April – is expected to help raise as much as Bt50 billion from auto as well as accessory sales.
The First Car Buyer programme has reached its fifth year which means that the owners of those vehicles can replace them.
Around 1.5 million people are expected to attend the expo this year.
The First Car Buyer scheme was launched by the government to save auto companies after they suffered huge losses from the floods in 2011.
It offered eligible buyers excise tax refund of up to Bt100,000 per vehicle.
However, one of the conditions was that the vehicles could not be sold before the fifth year, to prevent profiteering.
Altogether 37 auto and 21 motorcycle brands are taking part in the event, which ends on December 12.
As ever with auto shows in Thailand, there are special offers from auto companies aimed at boosting sales before the year ends.
Low or interest-free offers along with cashbacks and gifts from the exhibitors are on offer.
Honda, which doesn’t even have a new model or concept car on display at its booth, is offering zero interest for the City and CRV models while buyers of other models also enjoy low interest of below 2 per cent.
They are also offering cashback for various models, starting at Bt12,000 for the City.
Along with a low interest rate and free insurance, Mazda is giving away watches worth Bt5,000 with every purchase.
Luxury brands are also trying to attract customers with special deals. BMW is extending its free after-sales service and warranty to six years/120,000 kilometres while Mini buyers get a free iPhone 7.
Independent importers like BRG Group, which is introducing the all-new Volkswagen Beetle, is also vying to attract customers.
Teaming up with Krungsri, Central and Kasikorn credit cards, the company’s nine-point promotion includes interest-free down payment, Bt9,999 cashback, Bt9,999 fuel coupon and more.
(Source: The Nation, Thailand)