Sales in August rise 20.3 per cent
Thailand's vehicle sales reached 79,043 units in August, up 20.3 per cent on year, thanks mainly to Japanese auto companies' attempts to clear huge bookings.
According to data compiled by Toyota Motor Thailand, accumulated automotive sale in the first eight months of this year increased 19.6 per cent on year to 583,958 units.
"The monthly sale figure rose as Japanese automakers, which control 85 per cent market shares, sped up production and delivery. Bookings for new and popular models are huge, waiting to be cleared," said Vudhigorn Suriyachantananont. Title: Senior Vice President at Toyota Motor Thailand.
In August, passenger car sale rose 26.4 per cent to 35,545 units, while commercial vehicle sale rose 15.7 per cent to 43,498 units. Being in the commercial segment, one-tonne pickups witnessed a 14.8 per cent increase in sale to 37,309 units.
For the 8-month period, boosted by higher agricultural product prices, low unemployment and continued loan growth, passenger car sale increased 24.3 per cent while pickups rose 16.1 per cent.
"Sale in September remains robust, due to higher production and popularity of new models. The government's first-car scheme should boost the demand, but risk factors lie in the floods which hit many provinces," said Vudhigorn.
