Thai car sales rise 11 consecutive months
The Nation: 14 Aug 2010
Car sales rise for 11 consecutive months
By The Nation
Automotive sales in July continued the growth momentum with the domestic sale of 65,672 units or a 52.2 per cent increase from the same period last year, according to data compiled by Toyota Motor Thailand.
This showed the 11 consecutive months of increase, in line with the economic recovery.
Passenger cars showed the impressive growth, with the sale of 28,780 units or an increase of 64.1 per cent, thanks to the rising popularity of small cars.
Commercial vehicle sale reached 36,892 units, up 44 per cent on year. In this category, the one-tonne pickup sale at 31,115 units showed an increase of 39.8 per cent.
In the first seven months, aggregate sales reached 422,364 units, up 53.8 per cent from the same period last year.
Toyota's executive Vudhigorn Suriyachantananont attributed the continued growth to the government's stimulus package, which boosted household income and consumer confidence. Meanwhile, inflation is at a relatively low level while new models are being introduced to the market.
He anticipated further growth in August, due to the launch of new passenger car and commercial vehicle models, auto companies' new marketing packages, and continued increase in agricultural and industrial income.
"This supported the industry's expectation that total sales this year would reach 750,000 units," he said, adding that the global economic growth should also increase exports particularly in the second half.