FTI projects domestic auto sales to reach 900,000 units this year

BANGKOK, April 25 (TNA) – Thai auto industry in March grew in all sectors with the highest production in 56 months, said the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) as it projects the total car production will hit the target at two million units at the end of this year. Surapong Paisitpattanapong, spokesman of the auto sector division of the FTI said Thailand’s auto production in March reached 195,257 units, the record high since 2013, up 9.21 per cent year-on-year. In the first quarter of this year, the total auto production was at 539,690 units, an increase of 11.15 per cent year-on-year. Domestic sales in March were 95,082 units, raising the total domestic sales in the first quarter of this year to 237,093units. He said the outlook for domestic market is positive, driven by the government’s investment in basic infrastructure, private investment and lucrative tourism market. It is likely to hit the target at 900,000 units at the end of this year. Auto exports in March were recorded at 110,946 units, up 4.7 per cent year-on-year. It is the fifth consecutive month of growth in all markets, particularly in the Middle East. The whole year’s export is projected at 1.1 million units. (TNA)