Thailand February 2018: Isuzu D-Max leads, MG hits record share

The MG ZS becomes the first Chinese nameplate to break into the Thai Top 20.

* See the Top 25 All-brands and Top 70 models by clicking on the title *

The Thai new car market posts a 6th consecutive double-digit year-on-year gain in February at +10.3% to 75.466 registrations, lifting the year-to-date volume up 13% to 142.011 units after two months. Toyota struggles at -6% but remains by far the most popular carmaker in the country with 26.9% share. Isuzu advances slower than the market at +8% to 17.6% while Honda (-6%) completes an under-performing podium at 12.1% share. In contrast, the next 7 best-selling brands (the entire remainder of the Top 10) all beat the market, led by Chinese MG, now a local producer, up a fantastic 124% on March 2017 to hit an all-time record 2.5% share. It is however down one spot on its record #8 ranking of last month. Mazda (+65%), Ford (+38%) and Mitsubishi (+31%) post the next biggest gains while Suzuki (+26%), Nissan (+22%) and Chevrolet (+16%) are more discreet but still impressive. Further down, Subaru (+80%), Lexus (+30%) and Hyundai (+26%) shine.

Model-wise, the Isuzu D-Max confirms it is now the default choice of Thai car buyers, posting an 11th win in the past 12 months thanks to sales up 4% to 14.7% share vs. -11% and 12.7% for the Hilux. The Ford Ranger (+40%) and Mitsubishi Triton (+47%) once again post spectacular gains to make the Top Four 100% pickups. The Mazda2 surges 84% year-on-year to remain the best-selling passenger car in the country, distancing the Toyota Yaris (-0.4%) and Honda City (-22%). The Toyota Yaris Ativ is up one spot on January to #8 to remain the best-selling recent launch (<12 months). Justifying the brand’s record share, the MG ZS is up 9 ranks on last month to become the first ever Chinese nameplate to break into the Thai Top 20 at #17 (previous best was the MG3 at #22 in April 2017).

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

Previous year: Thailand Full Year 2017: Isuzu D-Max snaps crown off Toyota Hilux for 1st time in 12 years

Full March 2018 Top 25 All-brands and Top 70 models below.