Auto Makers Told Thailand Auto Show Could Be Bonanza

Auto makers exhibiting at the Thailand International Motor Expo are told they could see sales jump 66% thanks to the government’s first-time buyer incentive program.

Organizer Kwanchai Paphatphong estimates 50,000 vehicles will be sold during the 12-day event Nov 29.-Dec. 10, up from 30,000 in 2011 as the forecast number of visitors rises to 1.6 million from 1.3 million at last year’s flood-affected event.

Kwanchai tells the Bangkok Post it will be the last chance for first-time car buyers to shop for new vehicles from different auto makers under one roof.

There are tax rebates of up to 100,000 baht ($3,170) on purchases of selected new vehicles under the government's first-time car-buyer plan and although the program expires at the end of the year, deliveries can be taken in 2013.

Vehicles eligible for tax rebates include passenger cars with engine sizes smaller than 1.5L and pickup trucks priced up to TB1 million ($31,700).

Kwanchai says 645,835 sq.-ft. (60,000 sq.-m) of display space has been booked by 38 car brands and eight motorcycle brands, either built locally or imported.

The show’s theme is “Meet Tomorrow's Cars Today.”