Automobile

Automobile: Find the latest news on car, ev car, vehicle, and automobile manufacturers, as well as industry insights from behind the wheel, from The Nation.

Toyota surprises with sudden CEO change amid industry turmoil

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2026

Toyota changes CEO after 3 years, appoints Kenta Kon as new leader. Analysts surprised, with firm facing challenges from EV transition and US tariffs.

BYD sales slump 30% in January, extending slide to a fifth month

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 02, 2026

Despite becoming the world’s biggest EV seller, BYD is under growing pressure as sales and production in China keep shrinking, leaving overseas expansion as a key support for growth.

EV Crisis: Soaring Charging Costs Threaten to Erase Electric Advantage

January 30, 2026

Proposed electricity rate adjustments could see public EV charging costs soar to 11 Baht per unit, sparking fears of an industry-wide slowdown in Thailand

TAIA targets 1.5m vehicle output in 2026; exports seen flat at 950,000

January 28, 2026

The Thai Automotive Industry Association (TAIA) has set a 2026 production target of 1.5 million vehicles, slightly up from 2025, with exports expected to remain steady at 950,000 units.

Excise Department watches Neta after 24,000 EV compensation units remain; heavy penalties possible

January 26, 2026

Excise Department is monitoring Neta’s EV 3.0 obligations after it produced only 4,700 cars, leaving 24,000 still owed, risking heavy penalties

Chinese EV makers lift 2026 prices as EV3.5 cuts subsidies and hits imports with higher tax

January 13, 2026

Chinese automakers are raising EV prices for 2026 after EV3.0 ended and EV3.5 cut subsidies to 50,000 baht for locally built models, while imports lose support and face 10% excise.

2026 car market: world hits the brakes on EVs as hybrids rise

January 04, 2026

The global automotive industry is facing its biggest “policy shock” in a decade, as a compass that once pointed firmly towards electric vehicles (EVs) begins to swing back.

BYD’s 2025 global sales top 4.55 million as EV volumes surpass Tesla

January 03, 2026

BYD sold 4.55 million vehicles worldwide in 2025, up 7.1%, including 2.25 million EVs—more than Tesla’s 1.63 million deliveries.

China auto brands to top 2025 global sales, overtaking Japanese rivals

December 30, 2025

Nikkei Asia reports China is set to top global new-car sales in 2025, overtaking Japan, driven by EV growth, price wars and exports

China pilots L3 vehicles on roads

December 29, 2025

Testing Level 3 cars on public highways an important step to achieving wide-scale development, say industry analysts

Thai EV Production Skyrockets by 1,974% as Offset Deadlines Loom

December 22, 2025

Manufacturers ramp up local assembly to meet EV3.0 requirements, offsetting imports from previous years as total domestic sales climb by 5.28 per cent

DLT flags Takata airbag danger, urges immediate checks

December 21, 2025

Department of Land Transport (DLT) say over 500,000 vehicles may still be affected and are urging owners to check their recall status and book a free replacement as soon as possible.

Global EV Fleet to Hit 116 Million in 2026, Driven by China and Surge in Hybrid Adoption

December 12, 2025

Despite policy shifts and tariff barriers in the US, the number of electric vehicles on the road is forecast to jump 30%, with Plug-in Hybrids gaining crucial market share

Cabinet Approves EV Policy Shift to Halt Price Wars and Prevent Oversupply

December 09, 2025

Adjustments to EV3 and EV3.5 measures boost production flexibility, incentivise local battery component use, and reinforce Thailand’s global EV manufacturing ambitions

Toyota widens lead as Motor Expo 2025 hits halfway mark with 28,254 car booking

December 06, 2025

Motor Expo 2025 records 28,254 car bookings in its first week, with Toyota leading by a wide margin over BYD and Honda. EVs priced 400,000-700,000 baht dominate demand as brands rush to clear stocks ahead of EV policy deadlines.