The novel coronavirus heavily hit the production and export of Thai automobiles and the production plunged by 35.53% year-on-year last month.
Surapong Paisitpatanapong, vice chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, said that in October Thailand produced 149,360 vehicles, down by 2.24% from the same period of last year. Of the amount, 82,157 or 55.01% were produced for local markets. The number rose by 18.81% year-on-year and showed an increase for the second consecutive month.
The increase resulted from the production of pickup trucks for local use. That reflected economic recovery after the government had eased business lockdowns related to COVID-19, he said.
Meanwhile, export-oriented production dropped by 19.65% to 67,203 vehicles which formed 44.99% of total production in October.
From January to October this year, Thailand produced 1,112,426 vehicles, down by 35.53% year-on-year.
Of them, 576,626 vehicles were produced for export and from 51.83% of total production. The amount fell by 35.83% year-on-year. Meanwhile, 535,800 vehicles were manufactured for local use and formed 48.17% of the total production. The amount decreased by 35.20% year-on-year.
Local car sales in October amounted to 74,114, down by 1.4% month-on-month. The decline slowed down thanks to eased lockdowns, economic stimulus measures, income insurance for farmers and promotions from car makers.
In October, 71,372 vehicles were exported, down by 16.57% year-on-year. The decline happened in all markets except North America where the export of pickup trucks rose by 172.23% year-on-year.
From January to October, Thailand exported 592,829 automobiles, down by 34.61% year-on-year. The export value stood at 329,020.34 million baht, down by 29.85% year-on-year. (TNA)
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