Thailand August 2016: Market shifts to positive year-to-date (+0.2%)

The Toyota Hilux is #1 in Thailand for the 4th straight month, but still #2 YTD. 

* See the Top 30 All-brands and Top 65 models by clicking on the title *

Encouraging result in August for new car sales in Thailand: up for the 6th time in the past 10 months at +2.6% to 63.619 registrations, which brings the year-to-date tally into positive territory for the first time in 2016 at 492.884 units, up 0.2% on the same period in 2015. Market leader Toyota drops 2% but at 33.3% share – exactly 1 in every 3 vehicles sold in the country this month – it does way better than its year-to-date level (30.4%). Reversely, Isuzu (-1%) drops to 17.2% share vs. 19.1% YTD. Honda shoots up 19% to 9.625 units and 15.1%, distancing Mitsubishi (6.5%), Ford up 11% (5.8%) and Mazda up 14% (5.6%). Nissan tumbles down 44% to 8th place and Chevrolet drops 12% to step out of the Top 10 at #11 but Hino (+36%) and Mercedes (+15%) post solid gains among the 10 best-selling brands. Below, MG (+156%), Subaru (+155%), Dongfeng (+44%), Scania (+105%) and Jaguar (+100%) are the most impressive.

The Honda Civic is up 316% thanks to the new model. 

The Toyota Hilux confirms it is back at the reins of the Thai market with a 4th consecutive pole position at 9.840 sales, but the staggering performance of the Isuzu D-Max earlier in the year still puts it comfortably ahead year-to-date at 79.653 (+6%) vs. 74.160 (-9%) for the Hilux. The Toyota Yaris gains 21% to consolidate its third position with 3.513 sales and 5.5% share, with the Ford Ranger even more dynamic at #4 and +32%. The Toyota Vios (+7%) and Honda City (+5%) follow, ahead pf the Honda Civic still enjoying the benefits of the new generation at +316% to 2.353 deliveries. Below, the Honda Jazz (+16%), Mitsubishi Attrage (+44%) and Mazda BT-50 (+37%) shine. Among recent launches, the Honda BR-V is down one spot on July to #19 and the Mazda CX-3 remains at #31. Surprising declines include the Honda HR-V (-42%) and Nissan Navara (-66%).

Previous month: Thailand July 2016: Chinese MG knocks at Top 10’s door

One year ago: Thailand August 2015: Toyota Fortuner on podium, Ford Everest in Top 20

Full August 2016 Top 30 All-brands and Top 65 models below.