The two-week Motor Expo differs from the Bangkok International Motor Show because it focuses on sales and promotions, whereas the latter is more about branding and image.

Thai journalist Samuel Lee says Motor Expo 2005 is more glamorous and upmarket. There are grander stands offering more premium models. In 2004, Lee wrote, there were 18,000 cars sold but for 2005, only 15,000 were expected, partly because of the shift in consumer preferences to more high-end, higher-value cars as opposed to 2004’s cheaper models.

At the 2005 Motor Expo, Chevrolet showcased some of the vehicles that have helped make GM the world’s number one car manufacturer. Aside from the Optra Wagon and sedan, Chevrolet also highlighted one of its flagship vehicles – the ‘06 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 – which is the fastest and most powerful production car GM has ever built. On special display was the retro-looking but powerful Chevrolet SSR roadster pickup truck.

At the Honda stand, the new Civic took centerstage while the Jazz and the CR-V were also prominently displayed. Introduced in Tokyo only last October, the eighth-generation Civic is manufactured at Thailand’s Ayutthaya plant.

Another relatively new model to appear on the Thai market is the second-generation Ford Focus 5-door Sport. Assembled in the Philippines, the Focus was unveiled complete with hyper and acrobatic special numbers.

Toyota, meanwhile, continued to up the ante for its IMV vehicles – the Innova, Hi-lux and the Fortuner and at the same time displayed the latest Vios and Hi-Ace and a crossover vehicle called Wish which we first saw in Tokyo.

New vehicles introduced included the Audi A4 saloon from Germany and car models from Korea’s Hyundai and Kia. Mazda also unveiled its 2006 Mazda MX-5 Roadster adding more excitement to its lineup that includes the Mazda 3, Mazda 6, RX-8 and the Tribute.

Isuzu made a mighty showing of its vehicle lineup with market leader D-Max occupying a good amount of floor space. But the new MU-7, or the Alterra as it is called here, was at the Isuzu stand’s center stage. A special roof-less Alterra was used complete with synchronized seat movement to show the versatility of the SUV’s seating arrangements.

At the Mitsubishi pavilion, rows of Triton variants were displayed along with the Pajero, the Grandis and the new 1.6 Lancer GLXi Limited Edition.

An equally stylish pick-up was the Chevrolet Colorado. It appeals mainly to the lifestyle end of the market. Its American looks and rugged style certainly help push it to the upmarket territory.

Nissan’s head turner was the new Murano SUV, a luxurious medium SUV that may also make its Philippine appearance soon. Dressed up X-Trail and the Frontier pick-up, the Cefiros and Sentras, completed the Nissan display.

The Impact Exhibition Center is more than twice the size of our own World Trade Center where two international motorshows were held last year.

The vehicles mentioned above were those we found only in the first half. A quick tour at the adjoining second hall also revealed a huge display of Subaru and Suzuki models as well as various after-market products and second-hand cars.