Auto sales rise by 14.3% in September

Bangkok — Total automobile sales in Thailand reached 88,706 vehicles in September, equivalent to a growth of 14.3 per cent compared to the corresponding month last year, according to figures supplied by Toyota Motor Thailand Co Ltd (TMT).
In September, passenger car sales reached 34,086 units, increasing by 15.6 per cent, while commercial vehicle sales grew by 13.5 per cent to 54,620 units. Sales of 1-ton pickup trucks, which makes up most of the commercial vehicle segment, were 43,205 units, rising by 13.8 per cent.
According to Suraphum Udomwong, vice president of TMT, the high popularity of new models among consumers as well as strong sales promotions from auto companies are the factors behind sales growth in September.
He said 746,584 automobiles were sold from January to September this year, posing a growth of 20.3 per cent compared to the same period last year.
“Passenger car sales grew by 19 per cent and commercial vehicles by 21.1 per cent,” he said. “This is due to the economic stimulus measures and investments that are positive for the country’s economy. There are also all sorts of special offers from automobile companies that help with customer decision-making. They all contribute to the market growth this year.”
Suraphum said the growing economy and introduction of new automobile models will help maintain market growth for the automobile sector.
“Although some consumers may be concerned about the global market situation, it has not affected the automobile market too much,” he said.
In September, Toyota was able to lead in all three markets – passenger car, commercial vehicle and total. It sold 9,709 passenger cars (up 20.8%) and 19,103 commercial vehicles (up 51.4 per cent) for a total of 28,812 vehicles (up 39.5 per cent).
Isuzu, meanwhile saw sales declining by over 22 per cent, selling just 13,030 commercial vehicles in September.