The floodlights burned bright, reflecting on the metal skins of more than a hundred cars on display, as the Bangkok International Motor Show opened its doors on 24 March 2005.  The Bangkok Show, now on its 26th year, retains its reputation as one of the biggest in Southeast Asia.  Enormous exhibition halls and dazzling introductions by the car companies greeted the press and the visiting public.

Despite the stated theme of the “Power of Nature,” luxury cars took center stage at the show.  Mercedes-Benz erected a two-story display area complete with a lounge on the upper floor; the elegant audio equipment was provided by Bang& Olufsen.  The latest iteration of the clever A-Class hatchback was launched at the show.  “We take pride in the A-Class breaking the conventional barriers of what a Mercedes-Benz can be,” said Mr. Roelof Lamberts, General Manager, Marketing, DaimlerChrysler Thailand.  The A combines the roominess and safety of a midsize sedan with the fuel economy and diminutive footprint of a subcompact car.  Also on hand were the CLS four-door coupe and the ultra-luxury Maybach 62, with a 550-hp/900 Nm V12 engine, and an interior akin to that of a business jet.

BMW showcased the 5th generation of the 3 Series, marking the 30th anniversary of the benchmark sports sedan.  The new 3 is bigger and more powerful than its predecessor, with a choice of engines ranging from a 150-hp 2.0 inline 4, a 163-bhp 2.0 turbodiesel to a 258-hp 3.0 inline-6.  Variable-ratio active steering is available on the 6-cylinder cars, while all models are equipped with run-flat tires that eliminate the need for a spare.  The face-lifted 7 Series, sporting more-conventional and less eye-catching front and rear ends, was also on hand.  Sister brand Mini displayed an orange convertible, and a bright red coupe was mounted on an overhead platform for dramatic effect. 

Audi launched the new A6 3.0 Quattro, with the new corporate grille reminiscent of those on the company’s pre-war racecars.  Volvo had a bi-fuel V70 among its lineup of sharp sedans and the XC90 SUV.  Just beside them, Jaguar featured the new aluminum chassis XJ sedan.  Beneath the draped Land Rover ladies was the new Discovery SUV, while the sleek new Lexus GS300 sedan was alluringly mounted on a turntable.

Mainstream buyers also had much to celebrate on the show floor.  Ford paraded its attractive new Focus sedan and hatchback, as well as a wild WRC version with a skyscraper rear spoiler.  Beside our Philippine-made Lynx sedans was the stunning new Mustang GT, all muscle and mean angles clothed in black paintwork.  Honda displayed Jenson Button’s weekend cruiser, the BAR-Honda F1 racecar.  The new Stream mini-MPV and the beady-eyed Odyssey drew the biggest crowds among the lineup of road cars. 

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