March 14, 2008
BANGKOK - Thailand’s auto sales rose 13.0 percent in February from a year earlier, driven by a surge in passenger car sales, an industry group said Thursday.
Total sales reached 49,256 units last month, powered by a 45-percent rise in sales of passenger cars, according to Toyota Motor Thailand.
"Sales of passenger cars marked the highest in 50 months," Toyota said, adding fuel-efficient cars were in high demand amid soaring global oil prices.
Sales of commercial vehicles edged up 1.3 percent year-on-year in February while those of one-tonne pick-up trucks slipped 0.9 percent.
Toyota forecast strong auto sales in March as car makers hope a motor show in the month will spur demand, according to AFP.
But it also warned auto demand could slump due to high oil prices, which were near fresh record levels of around 110 dollars a barrel on Thursday.
