In 2017, Japanese race queen Miyu Kitabayashi travelled to Thailand to help promote the Advics racing team taking part in the Toyota Motorsport 2018 series as a team pretty, but this year, she returned with a new role – race driver.

Many racing fans would remember the sweet-faced Kitabayashi posing with Advics racers during the five events held last year around Thailand, but few would have imagined her coming back as a racing driver herself at this year’s event.

Advics is a Japanese brake system manufacturer that is active in Japanese motorsports and wants to expand its presence in Thailand, by taking part in the Toyota Motorsport series consisting of Altis, Vios and Revo races.

The 22-year-old is competing in the Vios Lady division along with teammate Ayumi Shijuzuka.

Before the Bangsaen race, Kitabayashi was in seventh place in the standings, finishing sixth in the opening race in Chiang Mai and eighth in the second leg at the Chang Circuit in Buriram.

“I finished in eighth place.  I think I had the speed in the  race, but I

wasn’t able to overtake the slower cars in front,” she said.

The Bangsaen street circuit is put together once a year and features a large number of exotic races, ranging from supercars to club races. The

3.7-km track is known for its treacherous corners and narrow downhill sections, and although overtaking is possible, it’s not easy, especially with similar-powered cars.

Apart from her office work and being a race queen, Kitabayashi has also raced in a ladies event before in Japan. So when she heard about the opening for a position in the team, she pounced on it.

“The company held an audition for lady drivers to participate in Toyota Motorsport 2018, so I took part and was selected,” she said.

However, Kitabayashi isn’t abandoning her previous job here, as a race pretty. While the male drivers in the team are racing, she switches into the race queen outfit and joins them during the pre-race photo shoot.

Other members of the team actually come from all fields of work, for example fellow Vios Lady driver Shijuzuka is a nurse, while Kentaro Tsuchitori, driving in the Altis One Make Race, owns a used car dealership.

It’s the second year racing in the series for Tsuchitori, who came because he thought “racing in Thailand would be fun”.

The  40-year-old has been racing in Toyota MR2 one-make events back home, and was asked whether he was interested in doing a five-leg stint in Thailand last year.

In the 2018 Altis standings, Tsuchitori was in fourth position prior to Bangsaen with 18 points from finishing fifth and fourth in Chiang Mai and Buriram, respectively.

A quick lap during qualifying helped Tsuchitori gained P2 at the starting line, but after the P1 driver, also from Advics, was relegated to last place on the grid due to a regulation infringement, Tsuchitori moved up to P1, started off well, and maintained his position throughout the race.

“I’m 40 years old already but I will try as much as I can to do well here,” Tsuchitori said after his victory.

Asked to compare racing in Thailand and Japan, his first reply was, “It’s hot here!”

“We don’t have street racing in Japan (only circuits), so racing in Thailand offers a different kind of excitement,” he said. “The racing itself is also much more aggressive here with lots of cars hitting each other during the race. We don’t have much of that back in Japan.”

The next Toyota Motorsport 2018 event will be held in Phuket in September, while the final round goes back to the Chang Circuit in October.

The top version from the CX-3 lineup gets a price reduction, while more features have been added, said Chanchai Trakarnudomsuk, president of Mazda Sales Thailand Co Ltd.

“We expect a rise in the popularity of the CX-3 compact crossover SUV, which has been positioned as an attractive choice sitting in between cars and larger SUVs.

“The CX-3 responds to a wide range of customer requirements. This is a vehicle that truly reflects the active and adventurous lifestyle of its owner. The CX-3 is a vehicle that has been designed according to Mazda customers’ viewpoints,” he said.

Chanchai added: ”This year the crossover SUV market is coming strong not far behind the SUV market as a large number of manufacturers have been aggressively launching new models into the market, and this has raised consumer awareness for this type of vehicle.

“And although this year all of Mazda’s new products are minor-change versions, the improvements cover the small car, mid-sized car and SUV segments. At the start of the year we launched the Mazda2 2018 Collection, Mazda3 2018 Collection and today we are launching the Mazda CX-3 2018 Collection.”

The new pricing are as follows:

2.0 E SKYACTIV-G 2.0L Bt879,000

2.0 C SKYACTIV-G 2.0L Bt955,000

2.0 S SKYACTIV-G 2.0L Bt1,029,000

2.0 SP SKYACTIV-G 2.0L Bt1,083,000

1.5 XDL SKYACTIV-D Clean Diesel 1.5L Bt1,189,000

When Toyota pulled the wraps off the Hilux Revo back in May 2015, Thailand’s No.1 automaker had very high hopes that the new truck would help it maintain leadership in the Thai 1-tonne pickup market.

But as we have seen things, didn’t turn out that way, and for the first time in many years, Toyota had been beaten by arch rival Isuzu, whom it had dethroned with the Hilux Vigo when it was first launched in the early 2004 under the IMV (Innovative International Multi-Purpose Vehicle) project that also included the highly popular Fortuner PPV (pickup passenger vehicle) and Innova van.

In addition, American automaker Ford had been highly successful with its Ranger pickup and Everest PPV, growing into a stronger threat to the mighty Toyota empire in this country.

The Revo came with larger dimensions than the Vigo and had a face that shared the same styling as the Corolla compact sedan – something that drew hot debate. Meanwhile, pricing of the Revo is also way up there in the premium pickup segment, ranging from Bt569,000 for the entry standard cab to Bt1.139 million for the double cab with automatic gearbox.

With Isuzu capitalising on the growing popularity of its economical 1.9-litre model and Ford with its high-performance Ranger, Toyota had to make sure the minor-change version due in late 2017 was more appealing to customers.

The Corolla face was quickly booted, and the facelifted Revo, officially launched at the Motor Expo in December 2017, gets a new front end that is based on the Tacoma, the larger Toyota pickup sold in the US market. Toyota also threw in added equipment to the whole line-up to increase its value for money. It’s like Toyota was saying “Sorry for the mistake, now we’ve corrected everything”.

And this actually got things going for Toyota, and helped by strong promotions, sales started to improve. Customers liked the new design, and many even said Toyota should have used it right at the start.

Pricing also ranged from Bt559,000 to Bt1.139 million for the minor-change line-up, but in between there are price changes (both ways) while some new models were added, such as the TRD Sportivo.

However, along with the minor-change Revo, Toyota also launched the Rocco lineup, which is the full-option version with additional add-ons. Pricing ranges from Bt899,000 to Bt1,189,500 for the double cab 2.8G 4×4 automatic that I drove last week.

Apart from the improvements in the minor change model, the Rocco also gets a macho-looking grey and black front grille and foglamp housing, front bumper and fender kit, 18-inch alloy wheels with 265/60 R18 Dunlop Grandtrek A/T (All-Terrain) with large white markings on the tyre walls, metallic black wideview mirror housing and door openers, sport bar, pickup bed liner, and metallic black rear bumper.

Inside, you also get metallic black trim on the console, and real leather on the steering wheel, door panels, gearshift knob, black roof lining and a smart key for the double cab model.

Climbing into the double cab 4×4 requires a small act of gymnastics, but the side steps do help make it easier than without. The cabin is well-furnished and looks pretty good, but the use of fake leather and stitching for the console and top part of the door panels leaves a bad impression and shouldn’t be repeated in future models.

The multi-function, four-spoke steering wheel has controls for the infotainment system, onboard computer while the cruise control stick is also attached to the steering wheel (not adjustable for reach). The multi-information display system between the speedo and tacho is similar to other Toyota models, and starts off with a graphic of the Revo itself.

The front seats are electrically powered and provide good support, while the rear passengers get good seating space.

While it is easier to use Google Maps than the navigation system provided, the audio section of the infotainment is super impressive, delivering a hi-fi soundstage to the cabin of the Rocco. Click the following link for the audio system review.

Almost everything available has been put inside such as automatic one-touch powered windows on all four doors, automatic climate control with rear air vents and automatic headlights. Only the automatic windshield wiper function is missing (and I don’t know why).

I’m generally not a fan of pickup trucks, but I’m starting to feel the need to have one after driving the Rocco. During the week that I had it, there was some heavy rain in Bangkok and I was faced with flood situations several times. But that wasn’t a problem with the Rocco and its 215mm ground clearance – which also proved very helpful when driving over roads with poor conditions filled with potholes.

When purchasing large items, like a sofa, I also need to use the store’s delivery service and wait many days because my compact sedan doesn’t have the space. But with the pickup, I could right away carry not only the couch but even larger stuff.

Meanwhile, the 2.8-litre direct-injection diesel turbo engine is also impressive in many ways. First, the engine tone and noise level is at a very livable level. It’s not noisy to the ears, and for a pickup truck, the volume is well-contained even under hard acceleration.

There are 177 horses under the hood along with 450Nm of torque, which is available right from 1,400rpm and makes driving the Rocco pretty effortless. Driving in normal mode and keeping the “ECO” light on most of the time, I turned up an average 10.4 km/litre, which tells that fuel economy isn’t a strong point here.

But what’s impressive is the performance you get. For a more sporty drive, press the “Power” button next to the gearshift lever and the Rocco turns into an angry beast. The throttle response becomes instant and intense. And the Rocco leaps forward with brute force when you sink the pedal with all the torque pushing the truck ahead.

The six-speed automatic gearbox is also a gem, providing good performance as well as smoothness. I love it when I lift off the throttle and it shifts down a gear automatically, convincing me to drive in automatic rather than using the manual mode. The steering provides a beefy feel, but I feel it is on the heavier side. The suspension, double wishbones up front and leaf springs behind, performs nicely at low speeds, offering good vibration absorption and firmness.

However, the Dunlop all-terrain tyres might not be the best choice if you’re not going off-roading or driving on dirt roads often. On the highway, the ride of the Rocco starts to feel choppy if you don’t get a perfectly smooth road, and the driver can easily start to get nervous (as I did).

I liked the pedal feel offered by the braking system, as well as the powerful stopping performance it offers. I never felt scared when stopping hard in the Rocco, thanks to the linearity and braking stability.

It’s obvious that the Revo line-up is now more attractive than it was three years ago, and it could help win back a good number of die-hard Toyota fans. But competition is this market is fierce, and with Ford coming up with its Ranger Raptor, others, including Toyota, needs to be well prepared.

The Rocco is the first answer from Toyota, but it could still have a difficult time battling against the highly rated “New Kid in Town” like the Raptor, which for a start is coming with a bi-turbo engine, 10-speed transmission and a beefed-up suspension.

Toyota Hilux Revo 4×4 2.8G AT Rocco specs

Engine: 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve with turbocharger and intercooler

Displacement: 2,755cc

Bore and stroke: 92.0×103.6mm

Compression ratio: 15.6:1

Max power: 177ps/3,400rpm

Max torque: 450Nm/1,400-2,800rpm

Transmission: 6-speed automatic

Ratios: 3.600/2.090/1.488/1.000/0.687/0.580

Final drive ratio: 3.909

Average fuel economy: 13.7 km/litre

City: 11.7 km/litre

Highway: 15.1 km/litre

Average CO2: 193 g/km

Driving system: Differential lock 4-wheel-drive

Suspension (f/r): double wishbone, stabiliser/leaf spring

Wheels: 18-in alloy

Tyres: 265/60 R18 all-terrain

Steering: powered rack-and-pinion

Turning circle: 12.8 metres

Brakes (f/r): vented disc/drum

Dimensions (mm)

Length: 5,345

Width: 1,855

Height: 1,815

Wheelbase: 3,085

Track (f/r): 1,535/1,550

Ground clearance: 215

Pickup bed dimensions: 1,555 x 1,540 x 480

Weight: n/a

Fuel tank capacity: 80 litres

Price: Bt1.189 million

Distributor: Toyota Motor Thailand Co Ltd

According to organiser TTF International Co Ltd, this year’s theme is “Mobility Solutions”. The event will cover 15,000sqm in hall 106.

“It is a commercial and specialised vehicle show for Asean, and this year we are featuring in a large number of new technologies and innovations for the transport business,” said deputy managing director Supaman Munka.

Also featured are equipment, auto parts and comprehensive solutions for the commercial vehicle industry, Supaman added.

In addition to major truck brands and automotive product manufacturers, this year there is also due to be Auto Services ‘18 with auto maintenance equipment and products, Material Handling ’18 with conveyors and storage, container and safety, and Traffic and Transport ’18 with road-building, bridge and tunnel construction, street light signals and speed radar equipment

Una Tan, director of Chevrolet sales director, said: “The ‘Chevrolet Happy Rainy Day 2018’ is launched to offer a special privilege to the customers who get their vehicles checked at Chevrolet dealership nationwide during the rainy season and spend more than Bt5,000 on parts, exclusive of labour fee, accessory packs and value-added tax.

“Customers will also get a limited edition reversed umbrella worth Bt690.”

The campaign starts on July 16 and ends on September 15.

“As for the ‘Friend Gets Friends’ campaign, by inviting your friends to purchase any model of Chevrolet and after their purchasing contract is signed, your friends and you will receive a complimentary tyre pressure pump kit worth Bt2,350,” she added.

The “Friend Gets Friends” campaign runs from June 15 to August 3.

Chevrolet customers can request up to five codes per person. Contact Chevrolet on 1734.

While 5.8 million vehicles produced by Toyota Motor Thailand Co Ltd, Thailand’s largest auto producer, were for the domestic market, as much as 4.2 million units were exported globally, generating as much as Bt2.58 billion for the country, executives said during a ceremony at the Samrong plant yesterday.

The Japanese auto maker started producing vehicles in Thailand back in 1962 at its Samrong plant, rolling out the Corolla, Corona, Hilux and Dyna during the first 10 years of operations.

With the Gateway plant helping to churn out passenger cars for the Thai market, Toyota production in Thailand reached the 1-million unit mark in 1996, before growing to 5 million units in 2010 after establishing the Ban Pho plant.

According to Toyota, the company has 172 first-tier suppliers, in addition to 155 dealerships around the country.

With 14,500 employees, Toyota Motor Thailand has a combined production capacity of 750,000 units per year.

Industry Minister Uttama Savanayana, who presided over the ceremony, said “Toyota’s great success was a result of its investments in various automotive projects supported by the policy of the Thai government including the one-tonne pick-up truck under the IMV project and eco-cars. It was also the first to invest in hybrid vehicle manufacturing and the first automaker investing in battery production worth almost Bt20 billion. This helped the transfer of knowledge and technology into the country. TMT president Michinobu Sugata said Toyota has complete confidence in Thailand and the the company’s future direction in the country.

“To accelerate Thailand’s competitiveness, Toyota-Daihatsu Engineering and Manufacturing has been working to boost the research and development capabilities of Thai engineers,” he said.

“It has more than 400 Thai engineers, who have succeeded in redesigning the exteriors of the new Yaris and Hilux, and also made a significant contribution to our 10-million-unit production.

“Together with Toyota-Daihatsu Engineering and Manufacturing, Toyota Motor Thailand will shift the gear towards creating ‘Ever-better’ mobility.

“ We will continue to invest in our facilities and our people to deliver products and services that offer happiness to our customers.”

Speaking at Mazda Sales (Thailand) Co Ltd’s half-year press conference, company president Chanchai Trakarnudomsuk said Thailand’s improving economy and expanding automobile market were among factors enabling Mazda Thailand to have delivered its best half-year performance ever.

Chanchai said last year Mazda sold a total of 51,355 vehicles in Thailand, an increase of 21 per cent while the company’s market share expanded to 5.9 per cent.

“It was higher than our expectations,” he said. “During the first six months of 2017, we sold 23,893 vehicles with a 5.8-per cent market share. But in the first six months of this year, we sold 33,593 units, an increase of 41 per cent from the same period last year and a market share of 6.9 per cent.”

The Mazda2 subcompact is the most popular model, with 21,741 units sold from January to June 2018, posting a growth of 52 per cent. The new CX-5 also did well, with sales of 3,254 units, growing by 179 per cent.

Other Mazda models include the Mazda3 (2,621 units), CX-3 (1,562 units) and MX-5 (16 units).

Chanchai said the new Mazda Corporate Identity (MCI) is currently being introduced at Mazda showrooms nationwide.

Half of Mazda’s 134 showrooms have undergone changes to a new concept, with the company setting a target of renovating 90 per cent of all the premises by year-end. The number of showrooms will also be raised to 140.

Vice president for marketing and government affairs Thee Permpongpanth said Mazda will concentrate on aggressive marketing in the second half , starting with the launch of the minor-change CX-3 later this month. He said Mazda will be involved with its own marketing strategy including sales promotion, roadshows and online marketing.

Mazda’s historic achievement is the result of an improving Thai economy and a domestic automobile market that is expected to exceed 1 million units this year.

The company has now raised its annual sales target by 27 per cent to 65,000 units, president Chanchai Trakarnudomsuk said at a press conference on Monday.

Ford’s year-to-date sales have increased 28 per cent to 32,677, helping drive its overall market share up 0.5 percentage point from the same period last year to 6.7 per cent, said Yukontorn Wisadkosin, president of Ford Asean.

Sales of the segment-defining Ranger jumped 36 per cent year on year during the April-June period to 13,256 vehicles. Year-to-date Ranger sales have also risen 36 per cent to 27,455 vehicles, he added.