Car sales in Thailand at only 760,000 units only in 2015

BANGKOK, Dec 12 (TNA) -- Car sales in Thailand are projected at only 760,000 units in 2015, less than the target of 800,000 units projected earlier due to sluggish domestic economy, said Surapong Phaisitpattanapong, vice chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). Despite organising Motor Show and Motor Expo in the country earlier this year in which about 50,000 cars were sold, but sales still could not exceed the target, said Mr Surapong . Mr Surapong also spokesman of the FTI Auto Industry Club, said cars sold during the first 10 months this year were 621,000 units. On car exports by Thailand, he said approximately 1.2 million units are expected in 2015 out of 2 million units in production. Because of the decline in car production, Thailand is pushed to the 12th from the 9th ranking in the world due to improving car production in Europe. As the new, higher excise tax for brand new cars will be enforced by the Thai government from next January 1, Mr Surapong said he projected that car sales would be slow during the first quarter of 2016 but would pick up from the second quarter onwards. Domestic sales are set between 750,000 – 780,000 units in 2016 and small eco-cars which emit carbon dioxide less than 100 grammes/kilometre are expected to become popular among drivers as they pay only 14 out of 17 per cent in excise tax next year, said Mr Surapong. Car exports in 2016 are projected at between 1.22-1.25 million units, an increase of 3 per cent from this year, he added. (TNA)