Thailand's overall auto sales expected to reach 850,000 units in 2017

BANGKOK, November 30 (TNA) - Thailand's total auto sale in 2017 is likely to reach 850,000 units, as targeted by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). Chalatchai Papatpong, Vice Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Thailand International Motor Expo 2017, made the assessment on November 29, one day before the 12-day 34th International Motor Expo was opened at the IMPACT Trade and Exhibition Center, Challenger Hall 1-3, in Muang Thong Thani on the outskirts of Bangkok. Chalatchai noted that accumulated auto sales on the domestic market during the first 11 months of this year stood at 750,000-770,000 units, saying he, thus, believed that the total sale of vehicles in Thailand should meet the FTI's target of at least 850,000 units this year, as more cars should be purchased at the ongoing 34th Thailand International Motor Expo, set during November 30-December 11. Chalatchai pointed out key factors that have boosted people's confidence in buying their new cars this year, including the recovering and more stable Thai economy, the government's investment in new infrastructure development projects and the growing domestic tourism. Chalatchai proposed, meanwhile, that the Thai government launch a long-term promotional plan on the domestic production of electric vehicles. According to FTI, Thailand's auto production should now total 1.95 million units in 2017, a 0.29 per cent increase from 2016, about 1.1 million units of which should be exported to overseas markets. (TNA)