Honda witnesses strong flood recovery
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Honda Automobile (Thailand) has sold 103,709 vehicles during April-September, exceeding the target set after its Ayutthaya manufacturing plant was reopened on March 31.
The figure represents an increase of 140 per cent compared to the same period last year, for which accumulated turnover was 43,237 units. For the period of April-September 2012, Honda achieved 15 per cnet market share, making the company the second-biggest player in the Thailand’s overall car market for the first time, the company said in a statement.
Honda's manufacturing plant was submerged for months, following last year's flood.
“Since Honda resumed our manufacturing operation in April, we have launched new models on an accelerated schedule to meet customer needs and maintain their confidence in Honda. The models we launched have all been successful and received very positive customer response. The new Honda Civic, which officially launched in May 2012, reached reservations for 25,000 units within five months. A total of 18,000 units of the Honda City CNG have been ordered since its launch in August this year. The new CR-V that launched in mid-September had total reservations of 8,000 units within one month. Looking at the overall picture until the end of the year, Honda is confident that our turnover will continue to grow steadily, especially for the models that qualify for the first-car tax rebate programme that ends on 31 December 2012," said Pitak Pruittisarikorn, Executive Vice President, Honda Automobile (Thailand).
Over the past six months, Honda has seen the results of its strong marketing push, launching nine new models to meet the demands of all customer lifestyles. They include three models imported from Japan, which are STEP WGN Spada, Odyssey, and CR-Z, followed by the launch of the all-new Civic, Jazz Hybrid, City CNG, Freed, Brio (S AT) and all-new CR-V. There are three alternative fuel types; E85, Hybrid and CNG, in four of the nine models. The launch of nine models over six months sets a record for the most models introduced by an automobile manufacturer in Thailand this year.
Honda is preparing to launch another new 1.2-litre sedan model, its 10th this year, which will be the sixth Honda model that qualifies for the first-car tax rebate.
