Thailand’s domestic car sales in March rose 9.1% from the same period of last year to 87,245 units, boosted by improved economic activities after the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) on Monday.
The sales in March came as the Bangkok Motor Show held in late March to early April had higher-than-expected bookings.
Following a boom in the late first quarter, Thailand recorded 19.1% increase in car sales for the quarter this year when compared to last year as sales reached 231,189 units. FTI stated that car sales could reach 900,000 units this year, given the current momentum, which is higher than what FTI had forecast of 800,000-850,000 units.
However, despite rising domestic sales, exports of cars in March dropped by 10.2% from the same period of last year to 93,840 units, partly due to the prolonged microchip shortage for some car models.
Motor industry accounts for about 10% of Thailand’s gross domestic product and its manufacturing jobs.
