Bangkok--28 Nov--Maxus Motor
Maxus Motor (Thailand) Co. Ltd., a division of the Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group, is highlighting three versions of the Maxus V80 large van at the 31st Thailand International Motor Expo at the Challenger Hall, Muanthong Thani from November 29 to December 4.
The V80 opens up a new segment in the Thai automobile market namely the GPV (Grand Passenger Van) segment, offering larger interior and higher safety levels. Target customers for the V80 are fleet customers as well as large families.
Taking center stage at the Maxus booth is the V80 ambulance concept that boasts similarly high standards as ambulance vehicles in Europe and the United States.
Mr. Abhichet Sitalakin, president of Maxus Motor (Thailand) Co. Ltd., said, “The Maxus V80 opens up a new GPV (Grand Passenger Van) segment in Thailand. Along with its larger size, it boasts outstanding multi-purpose capability, especially when customized for various uses. Examples include the hydraulic Superseat for the elderly fitted to the V80 Grand Euro or custom V80 Grand Tourer which is targeted at large organization customers.”
According to Abhichet, initial customers will be within the CP Group, before expanding to schools, tourism industry, government agencies, state enterprises, industrial estates, armed forces, etc.
“At the Motor Expo, we are displaying an ambulance concept that significantly raises the standards of ambulances in Thailand with its larger size, allowing medical personnel to carry out their duty more conveniently and effectively,” he said, adding that hospitals are an important customer group for Maxus.
The Maxus V80 carries European safety standards and come with 4-wheel ABS brakes with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and BA (Brake Assist), dual front SRS airbags, and all-round safety body structure.
Power comes from a 2.5-liter diesel engine with common-rail injection from Bosch, along with variable geometry turbocharger, capable of developing some 136 horsepower and 330Nm of torque.
At the Motor Expo 2014, Maxus is displaying three customized models as follows:
1. Maxus V80 Ambulance
This ambulance concept represents another important selling point for the Maxus V80 that differentiates itself from competitors in the Thai market. In overseas markets, the Maxus van is often customized for various uses such as ambulances, school buses, police vehicles and armored vehicles, etc. By displaying the V80 Ambulance Concept, Maxus is able to communicate to customers about the benefits derived from the larger size, as well as higher comfort and safety levels of the V80. These are qualities that customers in overseas markets consider when selecting a vehicle for customization purposes.
2. Maxus V80 Grand Euro
The Maxus V80 Grand Euro is an 11-seater VIP limousine that is fully furnished with high-quality materials such as genuine leather upholstery, electrically-adjustable second-row Ottoman seats (with legrest) and a fully-loaded entertainment system. The driver and passenger compartment is divided with an electric-powered glass partition that helps increase privacy. Automatic side steps are electrically-operated allowing for easy entry and exit, while the rearview camera offers easier parking maneuvers.
3. Maxus V80 Grand Tourer
The V80 is customized for a wider use while maintaining the high levels of comfort, thanks to its exceptionally spacious interior providing a 1.71-meter cabin height. Seats are upholstered with genuine leather and entertainment system includes a LCD screen with DVD player and USB input. Other standard features include rearview camera and automatic electric side steps. The last-row seats come with sliding mechanism allowing for plenty of luggage room, while maintaining high comfort for passengers. Occupants also get more legroom in every seat than other vans in the market due to the V80’s larger cabin.
“Displaying an ambulance at this event is a unique marketing offensive, and we concentrate on creating direct sales opportunities with target customer groups. For example when hospital customers see the real ambulance, it is easier to finalize the sale. Another important strategy for Maxus in penetrating the market is ‘Experimental Marketing’ that helps create close customer experience with the vehicle. We take the vehicles directly to the customers to use in daily life and we have received tremendous response,” Abhichet said.
“We are confident that the market offensive by Maxus, along with the strong foundation and potential of the Charoen Pokphand Group, and the excellent pre- and after-sales services provided by Maxus dealerships in Bangkok, its perimeters and upcountry in the 18 major provinces in Thailand, will help our brand respond effectively to customer wants and needs,” he added.