Bangkok, March 23 – Strong EV sales in February 2023 set a record of 5,402 registered cars and as the chip shortage problem is resolved, car exports in February grew by 11.42%. FTI expects this year. Export sales of 1,050,000 units, similar to before the outbreak of COVID-19
Mr. Surapong Paisitpatanapong Vice President and Spokesperson of the Automotive Industry Club The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) revealed that in February 2023, passenger electric vehicles (BEV) had registered numbers up to 5,402 units, the highest number since electric vehicle registration was recorded. increase from Feb. year 2012 to 5,061.16% and accounted for 7.85% of total passenger car sales. If plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are included in other countries, it will account for 9.67% of the total registrations.
This is due to the government’s policy to promote the purchase of electric cars. As a result, the selling price of electric cars is reduced to a level that people can access. And build confidence in the top electric cars came to set up more production and distribution bases in Thailand Makes buyers confident and can choose to buy a car model according to their popularity.
For finished car exports in February 66 exported 88,525 units, an increase of 11.42% from February 2022 due to receiving more semiconductor parts (chips), therefore producing exports of passenger cars and pick-up trucks increased by 50.04% and 7.44% respectively, resulting in increased in the Asian market Australia and Oceania, Middle East, Central and South America
As for the global chip situation, it has improved since August 2022. As the COVID-19 subsides, the demand for chips for laptop production decreases. So the number of chips is enough to produce a car. As a result, Thailand’s exports from October 2022 to February 2023 are better, so it is expected that this year’s exports will be 1,050,000 units, close to 1,054,000 before the outbreak of COVID-19. The domestic sales target is set at 900,000 units, which is expected to be possible if the situation is like the last 2 months. But still have to keep an eye on the war situation. and the economy, however There was still a problem of insufficient space in the car transport ship (Ro-Ro) and delayed returning from the port of Australia to pick up the new car.
For the export value of 54,801.64 million baht, an increase from February. 65 at 20.34% while the total number of cars produced in February 66, there were a total of 165,612 units, an increase of 6.39% from February ’22, produced for export, an increase of 16.17% and produced for domestic sales, an increase of 6.39% and an increase from January. 66 at 2.02%, effective in the first 2 months of this year (Jan.-Feb.), with a total of 327,939 cars produced, an increase of 6.68% from the same period last year.
The domestic car sales in February. 66 with a total of 71,551 units, an increase of 9.11% from January 2023, but a 3.94% decrease from the same month last year, a decrease from the production of pickup trucks for transportation, down to 54.13% due to lack of chip parts. As a result, sales of pickup trucks fell 23.5%.
“During this period, the economic situation must be monitored. Both the Federal Reserve Announcing another 0.25% increase in interest rates, as well as a global banking crisis. If the situation escalates will result in financial institutions may grant credit Finance is more difficult, affecting sales As for the 2023 Motor Show, it is expected that car sales in this year’s event will surpass 40,000 units, more than in 2022 at 34,000-35,000 units, with electric car sales expected to increase this year. This boosted overall sales more than last year,” said Mr. Surapong.
Mr. Krisada Uttamote, president of the Thai Electric Vehicle Association, said that we see the growth of electric vehicles both from the popularity to reduce dependence on oil and the important issue is the government’s policy on tax support. resulting in cheaper car prices and in this year’s motor show Popularity has skyrocketed. However, what is expected of the new government is to continue producing EVs and parts locally. especially the investment promotion framework for battery factories That has already been approved Which, if done, will be beneficial to the overall automotive industry of the country.-Thai News Agency
Source: Thai News Agency