More Chinese than Japanese auto companies to feature in Bangkok int’l motor show

2025 Bangkok International Motor Show will feature more Chinese companies than Japanese ones. The event could be the latest sign of a changing of the guard in a country where Japanese carmakers have long been the dominant player.

More than 50 brands will be presenting at Thailand’s flagship auto show, which opens on Wednesday. Fifteen come from China, more than any other country.

Chery Automobile is taking part for the first time. It will be unveiling its new plug-in hybrid EV. The company plans to launch production in Thailand later this year.

Electric Vehicle (EV) giant BYD will be introducing its latest plug-in hybrid pickup truck.

Meanwhile, Japanese makers are focusing on hybrid models that don’t need plugging in. This is because charging stations are still uncommon in Southeast Asia.

Mitsubishi Motors announced a new compact SUV designed for the region’s rainy conditions. The company says the car will be able to run smoothly on muddy roads.

Japanese carmakers used to have a nearly 90-percent share of the Thai market. But the figure fell into the 70-percent range in 2024 due to rising demand for Chinese EVs.