Chase is on
While Bangkok’s congested streets are best navigated by Skytrain rather than car, the Thai capital plays a pivotal role in Southeast Asia’s automotive industry. Thailand is the largest vehicle manufacturer in the region and many of the machines on show at the Bangkok International Motor Show this week will be gracing production floors of the major brands based here. Yet the nation’s aim to build three million cars a year by 2017 has been marred by political unrest and economic instability; nearby Indonesia is now revving up to overtake Thailand. Meanwhile in Australia, the success of General Motors’ design studio in Melbourne has softened the impact of upcoming production facility closures. GM’s work on toughening up the grilles of the boisterous Chevrolet Colorado Xtreme and Chevrolet Trailblazer Premier will take centre stage at the Motor Show this year. The Motor Show is on until 3 April.