Thailand to host first major auto trade fair

"We are bringing Automechanika to Thailand at a crucial time for the auto industry in Southeast Asia," said Katy Lam, director of trade fairs for show organiser Messe Frankfurt in Hong Kong. "The phenomenal growth looks set to continue, and the opportunities for auto-industry manufacturers are huge. She added: "We hope that Automechanika Thailand will bring the industry together in a way never seen before in this region." The Thai government is taking aggressive steps to turn Thailand into the 'Detroit of Asia' — a centre of auto manufacturing and production. It is offering tax incentives to car manufacturers, increasing investment in building new roads and investing in state-of-theart auto-manufacturing technology. The latest goal is to double current vehicle production levels to 1.8 million units per year by 2010. Ford, General Motors, DaimlerChrysler, Toyota and Nissan all have auto assembly plants in Thailand and a number of other major auto manufacturers use Thailand as their Asian regional base. "Bringing a leading brand-name show such as Automechanika to Thailand will raise the profile of the Thai automotive industry domestically and internationally," said Nikom Lertmalligaporn of Bangkok-based IPEX (International Promotion & Exhibition Company), co-organisers of the show. "It will offer exhibitors the chance to showcase their products and services to a professional and diverse visitor base." Lam said: "The Thai trade-fair market is still relatively young and has great potential for future development. "Automechanika is Messe Frankfurt's first step into Thailand and one we will definitely follow with further fairs for different industries in the future."