Racy models at Thai auto show draw criticism from gov’t

Global Business

Fast cars and pretty girls have been the traditional, if somewhat clichéd, formula for selling cars. This auto show in Bangkok, however, may have gone just a little bit too far. 

Organizers of the Bangkok Motor Show have gotten into a bit of hot water with the government. That’s because the prime minister thinks the scantily clad models at the show are faster than the cars they are pushing. Auto shows have traditionally relied on pretty women and sports cars to grab the headlines, but Asia’s booming motor industry is moving in another direction, and some think it’s time for the auto industry to put some clothes on.

CCTV’s Tony Cheng reports.

The Bangkok Motor show is the biggest auto exhibition in South East Asia with just under two million visitors and all the latest models on display.

The Prime Minister himself has warned exotic performances were too racy and several performers were even fined for ‘lewd’ exhibitions.

But, how important is this sexy exhibitionism to the motor industry?

One of Thailand’s motor show organizers thinks the big motor companies will have to rework their sales strategies when it comes to Asia and consumers won’t be won by pretty faces. 

“Today the most popular car choice is an SUV, and the decisions are made by women, the head of the family,” Jaruey Kunmanee, CEO, Motoring Square group said.

But is that message getting through on the floor of the motor show?

For this year, the formula remains the same.