[REVISION HISTORY]

Thailand automotive industry market shift

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2026-10-30 17:38 UTC → 2026-11-01 23:35 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Thailand's automotive sector is experiencing a significant transformation as Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers displace traditional Japanese dominance. In the Rayong province manufacturing hub, companies like BYD and Great Wall Motors have established major footprints, with BYD opening its first overseas factory and Great Wall Motors acquiring a former General Motors facility. Chinese brands now hold 85% of Thailand's EV market share. This shift has pressured Japanese manufacturers, leading to plant closures by Subaru and Suzuki, and production reductions by Nissan and Honda. Supavud Saicheua, Chairman of the National Economic and Social Development Council, stated that negative impacts are occurring “faster than anticipated,” threatening the livelihoods of approximately 700,000 workers and the stability of the supply chain. In September, Thai automotive production fell by 6.08% to 120,319 units. While battery electric vehicle (BEV) production surged by 55.2%, internal combustion engine (ICE) production dropped by 27.78%. This decline was further compounded by supply chain disruptions from flooding and a 30.6% decrease in exports to the Middle East due to geopolitical tensions affecting shipping routes. On a global scale, Japanese automakers are facing shifting market rankings. Suzuki Motor Corp. has overtaken Honda Motor Co. as the second-largest Japanese automaker by global sales for the April to September period, supported by performance in ~~India.~~ India, where it holds approximately 40 percent of the passenger car market share. Suzuki recorded a 19.9 percent increase in global sales, reaching 1,824,006 units. Meanwhile, Toyota Motor Corp. reported its first decline in global sales and production in two ~~years. Although~~ years, with sales falling 4 percent to 5,059,014 units. While Toyota saw growth in North America and Europe due to hybrid demand, its sales in China fell by approximately 20 percent, marking eight consecutive months of ~~decline due to intense competition from local EV manufacturers. Honda and Nissan also face substantial production and sales decreases in the Chinese market.~~ decline.

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