The 40th Thailand International Motor Expo 2023 was held between November 30 and December 11, 2023. With a record number of automobiles sold during the event, the recently concluded show is undoubtedly one of the best-performing events in the Thai motor show’s history.
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A total of 53,248 vehicles were booked at the event, an increase of 45.17% from the 2022 Thai Motor Expo held last year. This indicates that the number of automobiles sold at the Thai exhibition in less than two weeks was equal to the number that PAMA member companies would sell in ten months (as per the current sales average).
According to the data, Toyota led the way with 7,245 units sold followed by Honda with 6,149 units. However newcomer BYD of China within just 2 years of its presence in the Thai market was able to grab the third place, right at the tail of Honda with 6,119 units. This is 125% more than the 3,405 units the Chinese EV giant sold in last year’s event. BYD sells 3 models in Thailand, with the newly launched Dolphin hatchback leading the way with 3,041 units followed by Atto 3 crossover with 1,788 units, and Seal sedan with 1,290 units.
The table also shows that there are 5 Chinese automakers among the top 10 bestselling car brands at the 2023 Thai Motor Expo and 6 of them are in the top 15. BYD is followed by GAC Aion at 4th place (4,568 units) and MG at 5th place (3,568 units). Changan and GWM are the other two Chinese automakers within the top 10, placed at 6th and 7th place with 3,549 and 3,524 units sold respectively.
Isuzu (2,460 units), Nissan (2,459 units), and Mazda (2,159 units) were the remaining Japanese automakers in the top 10 list placed at 8th, 9th, and 10th place respectively. China’s Neta was placed at 11th position with 1,766 units sold followed by Mitsubishi, Ford, Suzuki, and Mercedes. For those wondering about Hyundai and Kia of South Korea, they are placed at 17th and 20th place respectively as per the number of bookings made at the Thai Motor Expo.
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Chinese cars are increasingly becoming popular in Thailand and with heavy investment by Chinese companies in Thailand during recent years analysts believe the time is not far away when Japanese dominance, which is already challenged in the Thai market will ultimately come to an end.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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