I was going to start off this report of the Bangkok International Motorshow (BIMS) by saying that it will someday be the premiere motorshow in this region, when I unexpectedly had an epiphany of sorts. Having just walked through the entire hall area for possibly the fifth time – I need new shoes – I fervently believe that ‘someday’ no longer applies. This is the best motorshow in the region.
It’s not just in terms of the sheer scale of this show, or the fact that ALL the exhibitors are housed under one ginormous pillar-less hall (I still have NO idea how the roof stays on with nothing holding it up) called the IMPACT, or the fact that 28 carmakers, 9 motorcycle manufacturers and 7 audio makers chose to participate, but also 80 car and bike accessory companies are also taking part in BIMS 2014.
As cliché as it sounds, BIMS really does have something for everyone. As impressive as the IMPACT hall was last year, it’s even more so this year. An additional 4,000sq.m of floorspace was added to the existing Challenger Halls 1, 2 and 3, by moving the accessories section of the show to an area adjacent to the main hall. However, unlike a ‘motorshow’ that shall remain nameless, we do not have to cross a bridge over a river to get to that annex block, it was built as an add-on building for this show, and looks like part of the main hall.
This had to be done because the response for BIMS from both the local and foreign auto industry and its related industries has been overwhelming. Now in its 35th edition, AF is proud to bring you the best of the show. Do check out the gallery below for more than 100 additional shots.
And stay tuned for more from BIMS 2014!
Mercedes-Benz
It’s the Asean premiere for the new Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (above) and the new C-Class (below) at BIMS 2014, the German automaker has easily one of the biggest and classiest stands at the show.
Another notable display was the A45 AMG, fully decked out in racing livery:
Part of the Merc stand also housed official merchandise:
BMW & Mini
While the Mini stand was all about fun and pizzazz, the BMW stand was all about style a sophistication. Mini housed the regular models that are currently available as well as Mini ‘lifestyle’ merchandise.
The star of the BMW stand was of course the incredible new i8 which seemed to radiate its own light:
Rolls-Royce
RR displayed the most expensive car at BIMS as well as a limited-edition ‘Ghost majestic Horse’ model, of which only 35 will ever be made, and only one making its way to the Thai market.
Mazda
Quite possibly the car of the show, no really, you’d not believe how hard it was to get a clear shot of this Mazda3 sport hatch! It was a vary popular model at BIMS, maybe because it looks a bit like the A45 AMG above but at a fraction of the price:
MG
Yes, that’s right, MG! It’s great to see the old Brit still going strong and looking new and sportier than ever thanks to SAIC Motor-CP. The new MG6 used BIMS as its launch platform for the Thai market. It is produced and assembled in Rayong.
Aston Martin
Perhaps following too closely to a Hollywood movie isn’t the wisest thing, as Aston debuted the “Q” version at BIMS, and while there may be no connection to the 007 franchise, it’s quite obvious people will associate Q as the gadget guy who supplies 007 with all his ‘toys’:
Nissan
Getting the lion’s share of the eyeball action at the Nissan booth was the new Pulsar Turbo! Nice to see the name is till alive a well, at least in Thailand. Hey ETCM, how about this for M’sia as well?
PHOTO GALLERY
