Thailand auto sales firmly in fast lane

[Admin]

I think we see significant increase in passenger car sales because the roads everywhere in Thailand are getting better so people are able/choose to buy a passenger car other than a pickup.
Much more comfortable and easy to drive.

Thailand auto sales firmly in fast lane 
Bangkok Post: 18 Feb 2011

Sales, output firmly in fast lane in January

The local automotive industry got off to a good start this year with domestic sales, exports and production in January growing across the board.

Domestic vehicle sales last month rose for the 17th consecutive month by 38% year-on-year to 68,398 units, said Vudhigorn Suriayachantananont, senior vice-president of Toyota Motor Thailand, the local industry's data compiler.

Sales of passenger cars increased significantly by 49.6% to 31,008 units while those of commercial vehicles climbed 29.7% to 37,390 units, including 28.4% growth to 31,638 units of pickup trucks.

"The increased sales reflect the continued growth of the automotive market thanks to the healthier economic environment, higher crop prices, especially those of natural rubber, foreign capital inflows and new vehicle model introductions," he said.

However, central bank interest rate increases to curb inflation may have an effect on the automotive market if borrowing costs increase. So far, major hire-purchase lenders have kept their rate increases very modest.

Mr Vudhigorn said the automobile market was expected to continue expanding in February due to the continued demand for the new models launched from late last year to early this year and the back orders to be delivered this month.

Surapong Phaisitpattanapong, a spokesman for the Federation of Thai Industries' automobile industry club, said exports of Thai-built automobiles also climbed 16.27% year-on-year to 68,046 units worth 29.19 billion baht in January due to rising overseas orders from every market.

Motorcycle exports jumped 67.45% to 83,832 units worth 2.66 billion baht.

Automobile production in January rose 40.8% to 146,234 units, of which 56,665 units were passenger cars and the remainder commercial vehicles.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/economics/222224/sales-output-firmly-in-fast-lane-in-january

[nico]

I dont know about new car prices in Thailand but used ones are quite expensive compering to europe prices. 

[garytaffy]

Yes i agree with that. I'm toying with the idea of maybe shipping over something, though i dont know about the import tax implications.

[Dave the Dude]

Yes i agree with that. I'm toying with the idea of maybe shipping over something, though i dont know about the import tax implications.

That is the exact reason why we all don't do it. Without trying to sound negative, I suggest you look into importing a vehicle very thoroughly as although I have not tried it, I Have only heard horror stories about the subject.

Good Luck

Dave

[garytaffy]

Yes, I guessed that  was the case.....cheers DTD

[Admin]

Unless its a unique car, financially in 99% of the cases it won't make any sense to import a vehicle to Thailand.