Car manufacturers are pulling out all the stops to showcase their latest innovations at the Motor Show 2025 amid an economic downturn that has forced them to compete fiercely for sales. The event, held from March 26 to April 6, 2025, at Impact Challenger in Muang Thong Thani, is drawing a crowd of 54 participating companies eager to ignite sales ahead of the second quarter of the year.
Among the notable announcements was DEEPAL's unveiling of its S05 model, which features both Electric Vehicle (EV) and Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) versions. Priced between 799,000 and 999,000 baht, the DEEPAL S05 offers cutting-edge specifications that blend performance and style, with a maximum electric range of 470 km on its EV versions and an impressive 1,000 km for the REEV version.
The EV model is powered by a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor, producing 238 PS and 320 Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds. Additionally, the battery capacity of 56.1 kWh supports rapid charging technology, enabling drivers to recharge from 30% to 80% in roughly 15 minutes, while the Vehicle to Load (V2L) functionality allows up to 6 kW of power delivery.
On the other hand, the REEV variant combines a 1.5-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor, delivering 218 PS, boasting an electric-only range of 170 km. This hybrid synergy allows for a total driving distance exceeding 1,000 km when the fuel tank is full.
The design of the DEEPAL S05 integrates the Interstellar Wing Design, inspired by space vehicles, featuring a low drag coefficient of 0.25, LED lighting, and a panoramic glass roof. Its interior showcases a 15.4-inch touchscreen that operates on DEEPAL OS 3.0, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while also providing cutting-edge safety features, including Level 2 ADAS.
Diving deeper into the landscape of the automotive industry, the Motor Show 2025 is elucidating the pressing demand and opportunities for various manufacturers, especially as competition escalates in the EV segment. With companies like BYD slashing prices — the Dolphin model is now starting at a striking 499,000 baht — the competition for consumer attention is fierce.
Toyota and Isuzu are rallying behind the government’s initiative — known as “Krabee Mee Klang Kam” — to bolster sales by introducing more enticing offers to their customer base amid tightening credit from financial institutions. As of February, automotive production in Thailand had decreased by 13.62% compared to the previous year, with records for the declining sales of pickup trucks and EVs emerging as significant challenges.
Despite these economic headwinds, Toyota aims to maintain a solid market share of around 38.5% this year, targeting sales of 230,000 vehicles. With competitive financing offers on models such as the Camry and Yaris Cross, potential buyers can look forward to down payments as low as 1.59% and attractive terms rolling out during the Motor Show.
The NEW GWM TANK 300 DIESEL also made a splash at the event, officially announcing its pricing. With three variants available and a powerful 2.4T diesel engine, the vehicle retains high durability thanks to a generous warranty of 1 million kilometers. Prices range from 999,000 to 1,249,000 baht, all of which include a range of promotional services designed to draw in first-time customers, such as free first-year insurance and maintenance for up to 100,000 kilometers.
This model showcases high performance, with the engine outputting 184 horsepower and delivering a competitive fuel consumption rate. The design is both rugged and stylish, appealing to consumers seeking versatile vehicles.
What’s more, numerous manufacturers have stepped up their promotional game; hybrid models are being offered at enticing rates aimed at drawing customers from their competitors. Honda, Suzuki, and Mitsubishi have each rolled out substantial incentives, providing discounts and financial perks to restore consumer confidence in the automotive market.
As the labor and freight markets stabilize, car companies project sales figures could rebound. However, the performance signaling to this point indicates a cautious outlook, particularly with falling production rates and rising levels of consumer debt affecting buying power.
At the Motor Show 2025, both exhibitors and attendees can sense the palpable excitement and tension that comes with competitive marketing in a challenging economic environment. From innovative models like the DEEPAL S05 to promotional strategies aimed at luring shoppers back to dealerships, the industry remains vigilant as it navigates recovery in the coming months.
This annual event showcases the resilience of the automotive sector in Thailand, highlighting both the determination of businesses to succeed amid uncertainty and the lasting appeal of various vehicle categories to customers. Ultimately, as the automotive landscape evolves, innovation backed by consumer incentives may pave the way to a road of recovery.
