FAST Auto Show Thailand enters 9th year with army of new and used cars plus accessories
A
Large number of major automobile manufacturers and used car dealers are taking part in the FAST Auto Show Thailand 2020, signaling the recovery of the automobile market in Thailand.
With both brand-new as well as previously-owned automobiles being offered at the 5-day auto festival, banks and finance companies such as Krungsri Used Car are also present with attractive financing offers.
Mr. Pattanadesh Asasappakij, chairman of the FAST Auto Show Thailand 2020 organizing committee, said to stage this prestigious event for the ninth year is a highly challenging feat.
He said this year’s FAST Auto Show was originally set for July 1-5 at the BITEC (Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center), but due to the Covic-19 pandemic, it was rescheduled to October 28 to November 1.
“This crisis is the challenge that everyone must overcome – no matter whether it’s the show organizer or exhibitors that includes both new and used car retailers,” he said. “We are 100-per cent ready and every brand has confirmed their participation, with 16,000 square meters of space inside Halls 105-106, as well as in front of Hall 106.”
Mr. Pattanadesh added that amidst the crisis, there is still opportunity, as more consumers who are concerned of Covid-19 are considering using private transportation rather than public transportation. While used car sales have declined by 15 per cent, new car sales have plunged by 37 per cent during the first half of this year.
“During the first half of 2020, both new and used car markets declined due to Covid-19, but the situation is improving during second half of the year. This is due to various economic measures implemented by the Thai government, as well as easing the lockdown measures that has allowed auto companies to introduce new models. This has helped the automobile market to recover,” he said.
Mr. Pattanadesh added that apart from the large number of used cars being one of the Show’s main highlights, more hybrid and electric models will also be introduced to Thai customers. Last year MG launched the ZS EV, a 100-per cent Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) that received tremendous welcome from customers.
“In addition, Thai consumers are giving more importance to the environment and are always following up on the latest EV technologies, which is reflective in the continuously increasing sales in this segment,” he said. “And judging from research by various institutions, improved environment for EVs here in Thailand will help them become cheaper and allow them to win a bigger slice of the market from ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicles.”
Mr. Chalatchai Paphatphong, vice chairman of the organizing committee for new cars, said there are 11 leading automobile brands present this year – MG, Approved Certified Used Car by MG, Honda, Isuzu, Mazda, Thairung, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Suzuki, Subaru and Toyota.
“This year’s highlight is the launch of the MG HS PHEV (Plugin Electric Hybrid Vehicle) for the first time in Thailand, as well as the new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GT-Plus and new Isuzu X-Series 2020 with X-Stylish Packages available for the SPEED and Hi-LANDER sub models,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Asadavuth Asasappakij, vice chairman of the organizing committee for used cars, said there are 15 used car dealers present this year – Visarn Auto Car, DDS Car Center, Yo Rachada, 54 Niwat Car Center, THE ONE, CarDeeSureOK, J Motortrade, A.T. CARSALE, Amorn Warranty by Benz Amorn Rachada, Rot Sethi, Beat Service, Da Srinakarin, NBP CAR, Khun X House Cars by AUTO MASTER and UNIQUE AUTO.
“They have been participating for 8 years and have tons of motorshow experience,” he said. “This year the trend is with premium automobiles, mini MPVs, PPVs and 4x4 pickup trucks due to the high versatility. The average price is around Bt500,000 but at the Show we should see a higher average than the market price, and the premium segment will be popular.”
Mr. Asadavuth added that this year the Show continues to strengthen buyer confidence by offering a 100-per cent buy-back scheme if any of the 5 conditions are not met. They include no fire, no flood, no body alteration, no legal registration hassle and no heavy accidents. All used car buyers at the Show also get free B-QUIK gift vouchers.
Mr. Anothai Eamlumnow, representing Grand Prix International PCL (GPI) as the third vice chairman of the organizing committee, said this is the first time that GPI is taking part in the FAST Auto Show as the latest partner.
“Our strength will be with the accessories, car custom, motorsport and e-sport areas, which will definitely add more spice to this year’s Show,” he said.
“Another important tool that we want to implement at the FAST Auto Show Thailand 2020 is the valuable experience from the latest Bangkok International Motor Show that was staged under the ‘New Normal’ regulations,” he added. “For example there are screening areas before entering the show as well as alcohol gel stations located all around the venue. Each vehicle is thoroughly cleaned after being checked by customers, including test drive vehicles located outside too. The number of staff has been increased by 15 per cent for this purpose.”
Mrs. Kittiya Srisanit, Head of Krungsri Auto Group, Bank of Ayudhya PCL, said, “This is the fifth consecutive year that Krungsri Auto is taking part as main supporter of the FAST Auto Show Thailand. We stand beside our partners and customers with full suite of automotive financing solutions through ‘Responsible Lending’ practice. This year we are offering special promotions for ‘Krungsri Used Car’ customers such as 15-minute approval time, low down payment, up to 84-month instalment, as well as exclusive package of Krungsri Auto Extended Warranty for 2 years or 70,000kms, plus other gifts. We also offer ‘Krungsri Auto PromptStart’, which allows customers to check their credit appraisal through online platform for the purchase of used car within three minutes. This makes it very fast and convenient to buy a car at the Show and we do believe that the FAST Auto Show Thailand 2020 will play an important role in helping stimulate the automobile market during the second half of the year, in response to market recovery after Covid-19. The affordable prices of used cars are ideal for customers who want to purchase own vehicle for daily use in social distancing.”
Last but not least, Mr. Pattanadesh concluded that this year’s FAST Auto Show Thailand still promises an in-depth exhibition of new and used vehicles, plus the added strength of Grand Prix International as the latest partner.
“This will be a place for buyers and sellers of new and used cars, and most importantly customers will be showered with the best privileges and opportunities to win special prizes every day throughout the show, such as five daily fuel cards worth Bt1,000 each plus a Bt100,000 fuel card grand prize. And on the final day a Dyson V8 Slim Fluffy+ vacuum cleaner worth Bt14,900 will be up for grabs,” he said.
The leaflets of the Show is also worth Bt2,000 discount when presented at the Dyson booth at the FAST Auto Show Thailand 2020.
The FAST Auto Show Thailand 2020 will be held from October 28 to November 1 at Hall 105-106, BITEC Bangna. The event is open to the public, with no entry fee.
