Vehicle sale to hit 1.3mn in 2013

 

“The market’s slowdown commenced in May, and has carried out probably throughout the rest of this year. It reflects that car market is returning to its normalcy after last year’s phenomenal soar. Thus the 2013 domestic automotive market is projected at 1.3 million units or around 9.5 per cent decrease compared to the previous year," Kyoichi Tanada, president of TMT, said at the press conference on Wednesday.

In the first half, 740,795 units were sold, representing a 22.1 per cent increase from the same period last year.

"Total domestic car sales for the first half in 2013 has set a new first half highest record in Thailand automotive industry with a total of 740,795 units or 22.1 per cent: commercial vehicle increased by 11.4 per cent and passenger car increased by 36.7 per cent," he said.

The increase of domestic sales during January to April was stimulated by a pile of back order from government's first car rebate program, also combined with fierce sales promotion among automakers.

Toyota’s first half sales decline was by 1.6 per cent at 237,318 units, with 5.8 per cent decreased in passenger cars segment at 99,337 units and the increase by 1.6 per cent in commercial vehicles at 137,981. By which the 1-ton pickup that was included in commercial vehicle segment was also increased by 2.2 per cent at 128,185 units.

According to Tanada, in August Toyota will start exporting the new Vios to new markets outside Asean. 

" This will make new Vios be the first passenger car for exports to other global destinations outside Asean. Then, let experience together the introduction of Toyota Eco Car."