BANGKOK: The Bangkok International Motor Show 2022 (BIMS 2022) will see more battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids vehicles (PHEVs) on display, from automakers such as BMW, Great Wall Motor, MG, MINI, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan, Porsche and Volvo.
Public days for the 43rd edition of the 12-day motor show, themed "Keep Moving Forward Together", will be from March 23 to April 3, 2022 and it will be held at Challenger Hall 1-3, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani.
Opening hours are noon to 10pm (weekdays), and 11am to 10pm (weekends).
In a statement, the show's organiser Grand Prix International Public Co Ltd said more than 37 leading car and motorcycle brands will be participating in the exhibition area of 170,960 sq meters.
Strict health and hygiene safety standards according to government regulations, will be implemented.
“As for the public health measures, BIMS 2022 has obtained the Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) certification, which is a project in cooperation between the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Ministry of Public Health. Moreover, we are working hand in hand with Nonthaburi Provincial Public Health Officein setting up screening points for all attendees. Everyone must present proof of at least two doses of any Covid-19 vaccine recognized by the Ministry of Public Health. This year, we have upgraded the Covid-19 safety measures for the safety of all,” said Grand Prix International chief operating officer of sales and marketing Jaturont Komolmis, who is also the vice chairman of the motor show.
Green vehicles at the show will include the Audi e-tron, Audi e-tronSportback, Audi e-tron GT, BMW iX, BMW iX3, BMW i4, Lexus UX 300e, Mercedes-Benz EQS, MG EP Plus, MINI Cooper SE, Nissan Leaf, ORA Good Cat, Porsche Taycan, Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo, Volvo XC40 Pure Electric, and Volvo C40 Pure Electric.
“BIMS 2022 is the year of electric vehicles," said Jaturont.
The motor show will also have an EV Smart City zone to showcase the innovation of electric vehicles and electronic equipment.
In addition, Arun Plus Co Ltd, an affiliate firm of PTT (Thai state-owned oil and energy company), will be joining the motor show for the first time and is taking up 1,085 sq meters to introduce its latest-generation EV platform, EV related products, and future businesses relating to electric vehicles.
The annual motor show has important economic multiplier effects, and this year, Grand Prix International expects it to have a economic spillover of 30 billion baht.
Participating brands and companies will include Ford, BMW, MINI, Mercedes-Benz, Great Wall Motors, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, Maserati, Peugeot, Jeep, Toyota, Lexus, MG, Mazda, Suzuki, Isuzu, Hyundai, Audi, Honda, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan, Volvo, Porsche , Bentley, Kia, Subaru, Takano, Thai Honda Manufacturing, Suzuki Motosales, Yamaha, BMW Motorrad, Harley-Davidson, Ducati, Bajaj, KTM, and Husqvarna.
Dr Prachin Eamlumnow, CEO of Grand Prix International and chairman of Bangkok International Motor Show
Dr Prachin Eamlumnow, CEO of Grand Prix International and chairman of the motor show, said, “In 2022, the automotive industry of Thailand is now starting to recover after two years of the pandemic.
This year, the government sector has forecast that the production of cars and motorcycles in Thailand will increase, as international borders re-open and movement restrictions are eased."
He also pointed out that the automotive industry of Thailand is preparing for a major technological transformation from the internal combustion engine to the electric drive technology.
News reports in February 2022 had said the Thai government will be rolling out incentives including tax cuts and subsidies to promote EVs.
Meanwhile, at the motor show, motorsports fans should check out the Honda City Hatchback; the racing car from the racing event dubbed Honda City Hatchback One Make Race.
Digital motorsports activities can be enjoyed in the GP eRacing booth, and the Grand Prix Motor Park booth and a ROD souvenir zone will offer original and limited products for sale.
Grand Prix International chief operating officer of business development Anothai Eamlumnow said, "Racing events have always been a part of Grand Prix International PCL. In the previous event, we organised the Honda City Hatchback One Make Race for the first time. Moreover, we have expanded our business to digital motorsports by forming GP eRacing in 2019. We also have Grand Prix Motor Park, a landmark for outdoor activities in Kanchanaburi province, and we will introduce souvenirs under the brand ROD for the first time at BIMS 2022."
