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.

Motor Show 2026 bookings hit 12,408 in four days as Toyota leads and Chinese EV brands crowd the top 10

SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2026

The 47th Bangkok International Motor Show 2026 recorded 12,408 vehicle bookings in its first four days (March 23-26, 2026). Toyota topped the table, while Chinese brands—particularly EV makers—dominated the top ranks.

Thai auto industry sees uneven recovery in 2026

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2026

Thailand’s automotive sector is showing early gains in production and exports, but weak domestic demand, slowing EV sales and Middle East risks are clouding the outlook.

Oil surge lifts EV demand as Chinese brands flood Motor Show 2026 with new EVs

March 20, 2026

Chinese carmakers are stepping up their EV offensive at Motor Show 2026 as surging oil prices encourage buyers to consider alternatives to petrol cars.

Thai Automotive Market Surges 53% as EV Deliveries Hit Top Gear

February 24, 2026

Passenger car and SUV sales skyrocket on the back of government EV subsidies, while the struggling pickup sector awaits a stimulus from the new government

Automotive Sector Warned of ‘Readiness Gap’ as AI and Geopolitics Redraw Industry Map

February 18, 2026

KPMG report reveals 86% of car executives are investing in AI, but only 20% are prepared for the transition, as firms pivot to ‘friendshoring’ strategies

Toyota surprises with sudden CEO change amid industry turmoil

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

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

Suzuki to exit Thai manufacturing as Ford acquires Rayong plant

January 24, 2026

The deal marks a significant shift in the ASEAN automotive hub as Japanese carmakers lose ground to rapidly expanding Chinese electric vehicle brands

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