BIMS 2026 sees a historic 133,000 pre-orders, signaling a massive surge in Thailand’s auto market and EV adoption. Read the full analysis!
The 47th Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) 2026 has concluded with explosive results, marking a historic milestone for the Thai automotive industry. The event witnessed an unprecedented surge in consumer demand, signaling a robust recovery and a fundamental shift in the region’s car-buying preferences.
A Record-Breaking Performance
Held from March 23 to April 5, 2026, the 14-day event recorded a staggering 132,951 pre-orders. This represents an increase of 55,572 units—a massive 71.8% jump compared to the 77,379 orders seen at the 2025 exhibition.
Beyond sales, the show’s popularity was evident in its footfall. A record 1,798,312 visitors attended the event, averaging approximately 128,450 people per day, a 12.3% increase over the previous year. This growth confirms that BIMS continues to be the premier automotive attraction in Southeast Asia.
The Battle for Dominance: Chinese EVs vs. Japanese Giants
The 2026 results highlight a fierce competition between emerging Chinese brands and established Japanese manufacturers. While the numbers are impressive across the board, there is a notable difference in reporting: BYD reported nationwide figures, whereas Toyota focused specifically on orders generated during the event.
Top Performing Brands
- BYD: Led the pack with 17,354 units.
- Toyota: Followed closely with 15,750 units.
- Omoda & Jaecoo: Secured a strong third place with 15,088 units.
- MG: Recorded 10,537 units.
- Changan (including Deepal and Nevo): Achieved 8,573 units.
Other brands including Geely, Chery, GWM, and GAC (Aion, Hyptec) all surpassed the 6,000-unit mark, while Honda recorded 5,907 orders.
The Rising Tide of Chinese Automotive Groups
When grouped by parent companies, the dominance of Chinese manufacturers becomes even more apparent. These groups are leveraging aggressive pricing and advanced EV technology to capture the Thai market:
- Chery, Omoda, and Jaecoo: A combined total of 22,597 units.
- BYD and Denza: A combined total of 18,057 units.
- Geely, Zeekr, and Riddara: 12,719 units.
- MG, IM, and Maxus: 10,831 units.
- Changan, Deepal, Avatr, and Nevo: 10,008 units.
Luxury Segment: Exclusivity Over Volume
As expected, the luxury segment saw more modest numbers, focusing on exclusivity rather than mass-market volume. Mercedes-Benz led the premium category with 2,111 units, followed by BMW with 1,001 units. Other luxury marques included MINI (422), Volvo (306), Lexus (141), Porsche (112), and Audi (76). Ultra-luxury brands like Maserati (12), Aston Martin (2), and Rolls-Royce (2) maintained their niche presence, while Tesla opted not to disclose its figures.
A Long-Term Trend of Recovery and Growth
The trajectory of BIMS over the last decade tells a story of resilience. After a peak of 31,031 units in 2017, the market plummeted to 18,381 in 2020 due to the global impact of COVID-19. However, the recovery has been exponential:
- 2023: 42,885 units
- 2024: 53,438 units
- 2025: 77,379 units
- 2026: 132,951 units
Interestingly, BIMS 2026 significantly outperformed the Motor Expo 2025, which recorded 82,250 units. This suggests that the early-year exhibition has become the primary catalyst for automotive sales in Thailand.
Conclusion: The Future is Electric
The results of the Bangkok International Motor Show 2026 are a clear indicator of the industry’s direction. The overwhelming success of Chinese brands and the surge in pre-orders reflect a decisive shift toward electric vehicles (EVs). As Thailand continues to position itself as an EV hub in Southeast Asia, 2026 is shaping up to be a transformative year for the region’s automotive landscape.