Mazda posts 13 per cent jump in first-half sales

Chanchai Trakarnudomsuk, president of Mazda Sales (Thailand) Co, told a press conference that auto sales have been rebounding since the start of the year thanks to the introduction of many models from various makers as well as attractive promotions.
“It is easier to own a vehicle thanks to low down payment and interest rates, as well as free insurance and maintenance. Customers have more choices, and the competition in the market is extreme. 
“The market has been highly active since the end of last year to the second quarter of 2017, and we can see the trend of gradual growth,” he said. The overall new car market would reach 820,000 units this year, of which 51,000 would be Mazdas.
That was up from Mazda’s original annual sales target of 50,000, with growth increasing from 18 per cent to 20 per cent from 42,537 units last year.
Market share is now expected to edge up to 6 per cent from 5.5 per cent last year. 
Mazda enjoyed increased popularity after launching four models. 
The Mazda2 was the bestseller with 14,284 units, followed by the BT-50 PRO pickup with 3,099 units, Mazda3 with 2,677 units, Mazda CX-3 with 2,219 units, Mazda CX-5 with 1,604 units and the MX-5 roadster with 10 units. 
“Mazda has firmly secured the No 3 position in the passenger car market, and we believe that the Thai economy has passed its most difficult point. All engines are running now and we are moving ahead,” he said.
The economic recovery stems from several factors, including growth in rice exports and other agricultural products. The tourism and services sector is also recovering. 
“And while agricultural products are fetching higher prices, other contributing factors include government economic stimulus measures for those with low income, such as promoting innovative processing to increase product value, support for SMEs, government investment in mega infrastructure projects, increased foreign investment and domestic demand for consumer products. 
“Automobiles have become a necessity and during the first six months of this year, total auto sales grew as expected, with 410,000 units posing an 11-per-cent increase,” he said.
Mazda is confident in the economy, which has a better trend and direction than last year. 
“We hope that the automobile market will perform better than last year, and this year we will see total sales of more than 820,000 units, equal to growth of 7-10 per cent,” he said. 
Mazda has raised year-end sales targets for both the total market and itself.