“The situation of the auto market is expected to improve this year and we are expecting buyers from the eastern Bangkok-Samut Prakan area to come. This is a good opportunity for those who want to purchase a new or previously owned vehicle,” Pattanadesh Asasappakij, organising chairman, said yesterday at the opening of the show.

The event rolls on until Sunday at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Bitec).

Pattanadesh said 3,000 bookings were expected for 2,000 new cars and 1,000 used vehicles.

The 13 auto companies joining the show are Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Mazda, MG, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Suzuki, Toyota, Porsche, Thai Rung, MG Used Cars and Subaru.

Chalatchai Paphatphong, vice chairman for new cars, said there were loads of sales promotions.

“Not only can visitors enter the show free of charge, those who book or buy a car at the show will receive a chance to win a Suzuki Celerio worth Bt366,000.

“There are also other lucky draws for visitors with gold necklaces and other prizes,” he said.

A total of 16 used-car dealers are participating, and all used cars are inspected by Pattanadesh prior to going on sale to ensure high quality.

“A money-back guarantee is offered if it can be proved that the used car that is purchased has gone through a heavy accident,” said Asadavut Asasappakij, vice chairman for used cars.

“The used-car dealers are also competing against one another in offering special promotions, which include low down payments, long-term instalment plans with low interest rates, and other special offers,” he said.