Thailand’s auto production in February 2021 stood at 155,200 units, up by 3.05pc from February 2020 and by 4.78pc as compared to the prior month (Jan 2021), according to data released by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
Production of passenger cars in February fell by 0.31pc to 58,714 units from the same month in the previous year, while trucks and heavy vehicl output stood at 96,486 units, up by 5.23pc as compared to the year before.
Motorcycle output
In February 2021, Thailand produced 218,530 units of motorcycles, recording an increase of 1.30pc as compared to the same month in the prior year. Of which, 168,127 units were of finished motorcycles or completely built units (CBU), registering a growth of 4.01pc from the year before. Around 50,403 units of completely knocked down (CKD) units of motorcycle parts were produced in February, recording a decline of 6.81pc as compared to Feb 2020.
Sales
Thailand’s auto sales in February 2021 stood at 58,960 units, down by 10.9pc from the same month in the preceding year but up by 6.80pc as compared to January 2021.
The federation said that the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has spread to many provinces in Thailand, causing death and high numbers of COVID-19 cases. Therefore, people are wary of spending more. Financial institutions have also become more stringent in lending. All this has lead to the decline in auto sales from January.
Exports
Thailand’s finished car exports or CBU exports in February fell by 16.52pc to 79,470 units and down by 7.20pc as compared to the previous month.
Car exports to Australia and New Zealand, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa fell in February, however, grew in the Asian market and North, Central, and South Americas.
In February 2021, Thailand’s motorcycle exports (including CBU + CKD) stood at 88,027 units, sown by 1.84pc as compared to the year before.
The FTI said that the motor show being held in Thailand from March 24 to April 4, 2021, is expected to stimulate more car sales.