ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
Automobiles

EV makers offer deep discounts as Thai auto market weakens

Oversupply and feeble demand hint at a coming price war

Car sales in Thailand fell by 26.15% in the first two months of 2024 as 18,000 fewer units were sold than in the year-earlier period. (Photo by Hiroki Endo)

BANGKOK -- Signs of economic weakness in Thailand hang over Bangkok's biannual motor show as it opened on Wednesday. Automakers and dealers fear a triple blow to demand from high consumer debt, tighter financing conditions and supply flooding into Southeast Asia's second largest car market.

Car sales in Thailand fell by 26.15% in January and February as 18,000 fewer units were sold compared to the same period in 2023. Although sales of hybrid and fully electric cars increased, the uptick did not make up for the drop in sales of internal combustion vehicles, according to data released on Tuesday by the Federation of Thai Industries.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more