September 17, 2008
Bangkok - Domestic auto sales decreased 13% in August compared to same period last year because delayed economy made buyers spend less.
Thailand’s auto sales dropped to 47,130 vehicles according to Toyota Motors Thailand. Sales would possibly become worse if diesel oil price kept going up.
"Sales fell 13 percent because commercial car buying dropped by 25.7 percent, due to the slowdown of overall economic growth," the company said in a statement.
One-ton pickup truck sales also declined 28.6% in August.
However, auto sales increased 3.9% to 413,377 units in the first eight months of this year. Sales of fuel-efficient cars also rose 20.3%, supported by the government’s measures to reduce the gas-fuelled vehicles on roads.
It was expected the fuel-efficient vehicles would catch on in September.
Concerns over political turmoil were also expressed. The auto industry was afraid that the political situation could affect Thailand’s economy and auto market.
The People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) has staged its rally since May 25, calling Samak government to resign.
So far, Samak has already stepped down, but the People Power Party (PPP) nominated Somchai Wongswasdi as the new prime minister. Coalition parties gave their support to Somchai in the vote.
