2021 Bangkok Motor Show attracts over 1.3M visitors

Last year saw Thailand host the 41^st Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) amid the ongoing global pandemic. Against all odds, the annual motor show was able to attract more than 1 million visitors over two weeks, as well as over 18,300 vehicle bookings.

For this year, the 42^nd BIMS attracted more visitors, as well as more car reservations compared to last year. A total of 1.34 million attendees flocked to the annual event – up from 1.049 million which equates to an increase of 28.6%. Meanwhile, this year's car reservations totaled 27,868, a 51.5% increase over last year's 18,316 bookings.

Leading the car reservations was Toyota which numbered 4,406. Next was Mazda who was able to secure 3,454 bookings. Sitting at third was Honda who made 3,305 reservations.

The successful staging of the 2021 BIMS was attributed to the strict health and safety protocols imposed by Grand Prix International (GPI), the organizers of the motor show. All visitors were required to wear face masks at all times. In addition, guests are also required to clean their hands with sanitizer before getting into an exhibited vehicle. The width of the gangways between each booth and the main walkway was also widened to ensure physical distancing between showgoers.

For Jaturon Komolmis, Chief Operating Officer of GPI Public Company Limited, as well as vice president of the 42^nd BIMS, this year's Bangkok International Motor Show is proof that the annual event has gained the confidence of both automobile and motorcycle manufacturers. Combined with the sales and promos available throughout the two-week event, it has helped manufacturers boost their sales amid the pandemic.

“In terms of consumer behavior, this year has responded to the new models that were launched before the event and open reservations at the motor show for the first time. This can be seen in the atmosphere of intense negotiations like every year, especially on weekends where bookings are twice the number of weekdays,” added Komolmis.

With the 2021 BIMS attracting more visitors and reservations, it seems physical motor shows are still the preferred means of showing and displaying new and updated models to the public. Moreover, the special deals and promos available during the two-week show also helped the brands rake in sales despite the ongoing pandemic.

Will next year's Bangkok International Motor Show be able to attract more showgoers? Let us all hope that the pandemic situation will be better in 2022.