Imported EVs and falling pickup sales raise concerns despite stronger July vehicle demand
Imported electric vehicles, predominantly from China, accounted for nearly two-thirds of electric passenger car sales during the first seven months, prompting the Federation of Thai Industries to call for tax reforms to protect domestic manufacturers. Automotive industry club chairman Suwat Supakarndechakul and spokesman Surapong Paisitpatanapong said only 46,924 of the 125,411 electric passenger…
The Federation of Thai Industries has expressed concern over the dominance of imported electric vehicles and a decline in pickup sales, despite a rise in overall vehicle demand in July. Out of the 125,411 electric passenger vehicles sold from January to July, only 46,924 were domestically produced, according to Suwat Supakarndechakul, chairman of the Automotive Industry Club.
He warned that the current tax system disadvantages locally manufactured vehicles, even as they contribute to employment and domestic supply chains. Chinese brands hold a 90% share of electric vehicle sales in Thailand, receiving tariff-free access to the market under a trade agreement with China. The federation also noted a drop in pickup sales, falling from over 30,000 vehicles per month to just over 10,000 due to tighter lending.
One-ton pickups saw a 16.22% year-on-year decline to 5,084 units in July, while double-cab sales rose 14.33% to 5,602 units. Suwat Supakarndechakul and Surapong Paisitpatanapong, both from the federation, suggested government-backed loan guarantees of up to 50,000 baht per vehicle to encourage banks to increase lending and support the manufacturing sector.
Written by urgent.news from Thai Enquirer's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
