Thailand 2003-2005: Isuzu D-Max takes the lead, Toyota hits record shares in all-time high market

More than 150.000 Isuzu D-Max were sold in Thailand in 2005, a record.

Half a decade after the financial crisis that annihilated the market, Thai new vehicle sales finally return to pre-crisis levels with 2003 volumes up 28.9% to 518.440, only the third half-million+ annual result in Thai history after 1995 and 1996. Both Toyota (+45.2%) and Isuzu (+41%) clearly beat the market to add up to a gargantuan 61.1% vs. 54.8% last year. Honda (+27.3%) almost matches the market but Nissan (-1.8%) and Mitsubishi (-0.04%) struggle. Chevrolet (+40.8%) shines once again and steps up to #9. After a rare interruption in 2002 by the Toyota Hilux due to its hero pickup’s name change, Isuzu reclaims the lead of the models ranking with the new D-Max (+133.2%) soaring to over 116.000 units, a new all-time volume record in Thailand, smashing the previous high of 100.500 by the Isuzu Faster in 1996. The Toyota Hilux (+39.9%) also improves its share and we witness the landing of the Toyota Vios, up 19 spots on 2002 to land on the podium for its first full year of sales, instantly becoming the #1 car in the country above the Honda City (+57.7%) with which it competes. The Nissan Big M, Mitsubishi L200 and Ford Ranger all fit within the Top 9.

In 2004, the market leaps up 17.4% for a 5th consecutive double-digit gain, eclipsing the 600.000 annual unit-milestone for the first time in history at 608.726. Toyota (+23.9%) outpaces the market to improve two points of market share to 38.4%, its highest since BSCB started following Thailand annually in 1990. Isuzu (+13%) for its part drops one point to 23.7%. Below, Honda (+8.6%), Nissan (+4.9%), Mitsubishi (+10.1%) and Ford (-1.2%) all drop significant share while Chevrolet (+220.4%) continues to impress, up two spots to #7. Model-wise, the Isuzu D-Max (+13%) holds onto the top spot but the Toyota Hilux (+26.5%) is catching up, now less than 10.000 sales below vs. 20.000 in 2003. The Toyota Vios (+7.5%) confirms it is the new favourite car but already drops share to 8%, distancing the new Honda Jazz landing at #5 for its first full year of sales and the Toyota Corolla (+6.4%). The new Toyota Wish breaks into the Top 10.

The Toyota Fortuner lands directly at #4 in 2005.

In 2005, new vehicle sales enjoy a 6th consecutive double-digit gain (+12.7%) and 2nd straight all-time volume record (686.242). Toyota (+18.8%) breaks its share record and tilts above the symbolic 40% mark for the first time at 40.5%, with Isuzu (+18.4%) far below but improving also at 24.9%. Honda (-22%) on the other hand is hit hard, while Mitsubishi (+28.2%) overtakes Nissan (-11.1%) for 4th place and Chevrolet (+95.7%) bypasses Ford to #1 non-Asian brand at #6. In the models ranking, the Isuzu D-Max (+18%) manages to keep the Toyota Hilux (+19.1%) at bay for less than 10.000 sales, securing Isuzu’s 12th win in the past 15 years. The Toyota Vios (-3.3%) remains in third place while the Toyota Fortuner, an SUV based on the Hilux, lands directly at #4 with 4.8% share. The Chevrolet Colorado (+132.8%) shoots up to #6, and with the Nissan Big M, Mitsubishi L200 and Ford Ranger makes it 6 pickups in the Top 10.

Previous post: Thailand 2002: Toyota Hilux #1 thanks to Isuzu model transition, 5 pickups in Top 5

Full Year 2003, 2004 and 2005 Top 30 All-brands and Top 155 All-models vs. Full previous year figures below.