What’s new at the 32nd Bangkok Motor Show

Concept cars that demonstrate a carmaker’s interest in environmental concerns and underscore the need for change are big at the 32nd Bangkok International Motor Show this year at Muang Thong Thani. Examples of this include Toyota’s electric powered FT-EV II and Chevrolet’s prototype Colorado Show Truck and Mitsubishi’s Global Small Concept. Toyota FT-EV II compact environmentally friendly emission free vehicle demonstrates to consumers what cars in a future electric-powered vehicle world will look like. The car uses a joystick controller for acceleration, braking and steering. There are no accelerator or brake pedals. The car has a range of 90 kilometers and can reach top speeds of 100kph. Other cars of note include the Mitsubishi Global Small, part of the Thai government’s eco-car project; the Suzuki’s Swift Range Extender, a five-seater hybrid powered concept; the Proton Lekir from Malaysian automaker Proton which is based on the Lotus Europa with a 1.6 liter turbocharged gas engine; the Lotus Evora Enduro GT which can be bought by individuals but can be altered for racing; and the previously mentioned Colorado Show Truck from Chevrolet which comes with a fuel efficient 2.8 liter turbo diesel engine. (March 29, 2011)