The positive sign of the Thai economy has been reflected in several key figures, including vehicle sales in 1H/2018 at a total of 489,118 vehicles, increased by 19.3% from the same period last year. The top 5 new vehicle sales were accounting for 74% of total sales, composed of 1. Toyota  2. Isuzu  3. Honda  4. Mitsubishi  5. Mazda   

However, the first three outstanding performance in term of sales and marketing those who can take the market share increased is Toyota, Mazda, and MG. Explore the driving force to occupy more market share and sales projection.

Toyota revises the sales target to 31.2% increase

Toyota’s domestic sales from January to June, it was 141,989 units, a 26.2% jump over the previous year. Sales growth has been contributed by new products; Yaris ATIV and Hatchback, and Hilux Revo Rocco along with C-HR introduced in March this year.

For 2018 automotive industry outlook, Toyota projected on Thai domestic vehicle sales may reach 980,000 units, increased by 12% from last year, despite the original forecast of 900,000 units.

In addition, the sales target of Toyota for the entire year is revised in response to the market growth from 300,000 up to 315,000 units, a 31.2% rise from last year.

Mazda's excellent half-year growth of 41%

Mazda has accumulated sales of 33,593 units in the first half of 2018, increased by 41% with a market share of 6.9%, which is a great half-year of Mazda ever. The sales are divided into the following models.

• Mazda 2 is still the most popular car with sales of 21,741 units, increased by 52%
• Mazda CX-5 sales of 4,399 units, increased by 179%
• Mazda BT-50 PRO sales of 3,254 units, increased by 5%
• Mazda 3 sales of 2,621 units, decreased slightly by 2%
• Mazda CX-3 sales of 1,562 units, decreased by 30%
• Mazda MX-5 sales of 16 units, increased by 60%

For the second half of the year, Mazda is fully committed to the market and announced Policy for Sustainable Success with projection to achieve a 27% increase of sales target for 2018. Expected sales of Mazda vehicles will reach 65,000 units.

MG expects a new record of 150% growth

MG reported sales of 12,028 units in the first half of 2018, double growth from the same period last year as well as breaking the 2017 total sales record. The sales are divided into the following models.

• New MG ZS sales of 7,565 units
• MG GS sales of 1,297 units
• MG 5 sales of 544 units
• MG 6 sales of 207 units
• MG 3 sales of 2,415 units

For the second half of the year, MG has set a target of 30,000 units, which is expected to grow 150%.

More variety of car brands as seen on the road, especially in big cities such as Bangkok, creates opportunities for car makers to introduce new car model as well as more choices for car users. Meanwhile, automotive manufacturers in the entire supply chain would have more business.