Thailand January 2018: ZS propels MG up to #8 in market up 16.2%

The MG ZS enables the Chinese brand to break its ranking and share records this month.

* See the Top 30 All-brands and Top 70 models by clicking on the title *

The Thai new light vehicle market starts 2018 all guns blazing, up 16.2% year-on-year in January to 66.545 registrations. Toyota remains master in command but trails the market with a 13% gain leading to a lower 25.7% share. #2 Isuzu actually loses ground at -7% to 18.4%, a share identical to its FY17 level. Honda matches the market growth at +16% to remain a solid third at 13.7% share, followed by Mitsubishi (+22%), Ford (+43%), Nissan (+36%) and Mazda (+38%) all beating the market. But the hero of the month is Chinese brand MG, now a local producer in Thailand, more than doubling its sales at +103% to hit 2.2% share at #8, both new share and ranking records. Subaru (+207%), Kia (+176%), Mercedes (+40%), Hyundai (+32%), Volkswagen (+32%) and Suzuki (+31%) also make themselves noticed.

The Isuzu D-Max starts 2018 40% ahead of the Toyota Hilux. 

Over in the models ranking, the Isuzu D-Max builds on its first annual win in 12 years in 2017, outselling the Toyota Hilux by 40% at 15.5% share (-8%) vs. 11.1% (+7%), its largest margin since last September. The Ford Ranger surges 43% to 5.9% in third place while the Mitsubishi Triton soars 34% to 4.6%, making the Top Four 100% pickups. The Mazda2 (+31%) is the best-selling passenger car in Thailand for January, distancing the Honda City (+17%) and Toyota Yaris (-1%) while the Toyota Yaris Ativ maintains itself inside the Top 10 at #9, by far the most popular recent launch (<12 months). Notice also the Honda CR-V up 347%, the Mazda CX-5 up 181%, Mitsubishi Attrage up 50%, Honda Jazz up 46% and the Toyota Corolla up 36%. The MG ZS gains three spots on December to #26.

Previous post: Thailand Full Year 2017: Isuzu D-Max snaps crown off Toyota Hilux for the first time in 12 years

One year ago: Thailand January 2017: Isuzu D-Max reclaims king of the Thai jungle title

Full January 2018 Top 30 All-brands and Top 70 models below.