An international motor show that kicks off on Thursday features electric vehicles by some of the leading brands.

Chinese automakers are especially keen to sell more electric cars in Thailand, where Japanese companies have long had a dominant presence.

Many cars were shown to the media on Wednesday ahead of the show's opening day in a Bangkok suburb.

China's BYD is stepping up its presence, introducing six types, including EVs and plug-in hybrids. Another Chinese company, Great Wall Motor, revealed an EV coupe for the first time in Thailand.

EV sales in the country have taken off. About 7,000 were registered from January to October, more than four times the number in the same period last year.

The government has been encouraging EV production and sales with various incentives.

Japanese brands currently account for about 90 percent of new car sales in the country. Toyota Motor began selling electric SUVs in November.