The Bangkok International Motor Show is buzzing with innovation as Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers like BYD, XPeng, and Great Wall Motors showcase their latest models, challenging established global brands.
Last year, BYD led the EV sales in Thailand with 30,650 units sold, followed by Neta, a brand of Hozon Auto, with 12,777 sales. These figures place Tesla, British brand MG, and Great Wall Motors behind the Chinese newcomers, highlighting their rapid expansion in the Thai market.
\"It's very colorful now. Many brands come in. I think this is very good and it's looking very bright for the whole market of EV cars to be honest,\" said Pratarnwong Phornprapha, CEO of the Rever Group, BYD's distributor in Thailand. His optimism reflects the growing acceptance and enthusiasm for EVs in the region.
Emerging player XPeng, based in Guangzhou, is making a bold entrance into the competitive market. Paramee Thingcharoen, XPeng's Chief Marketing Officer, emphasized the company's focus on the premium segment with high-tech offerings. \"We target the premium segment, however, in the very high tech products that we have to offer. We're pretty confident that we have a wide space to enter the market with that positioning, and we're not quite worried about the competition,\" she stated.
At the show, XPeng unveiled the XPeng AeroHT Voyager X2, a flying concept car that represents the company's vision for future mobility. \"We believe the future mobility is not limited to only on wheels,\" Thingcharoen added. \"It can be a unicorn you can ride on in the future. It's unlimited.\" This innovative approach aims to redefine transportation and set XPeng apart in the crowded EV landscape.
As Chinese EV makers continue to expand their footprint globally, their presence in Thailand signifies a shift in the automotive industry, driven by technological advancements and a growing demand for sustainable mobility solutions.
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Chinese EV makers challenging market leaders at auto show in Bangkok
cgtn.com
