This year's Bangkok International Motor Show will feature more Chinese companies than Japanese ones. The event could be the latest sign of a changing of the guard in a country where Japanese carmakers have long been the dominant force.



More than 50 brands will be presenting at Thailand's flagship auto show, which opens on Wednesday. Fifteen come from China, more than any other country.



Chery Automobile is taking part for the first time. It will be unveiling its new plug-in hybrid EV. The company plans to launch production in Thailand later this year.



EV giant BYD will be introducing its latest plug-in hybrid pickup truck.



Meanwhile, Japanese makers are focusing on hybrid models that don't need to be plugged in. This is because charging stations are still uncommon in Southeast Asia.



Mitsubishi Motors announced a new compact SUV designed for the region's rainy conditions. The company says the car will be able to run smoothly on muddy roads.



Japanese carmakers used to have a nearly 90-percent share of the Thai market. But the figure fell into the 70-percent range last year due to rising demand for Chinese EVs.