AUTOMOTIVE PARTS AND SERVICES/EQUIPMENT
Thailand
Overview
Automobiles & Parts (US$ Millions)
2004 2005 2006*
Total Market Size (Estimate) 380,784 411,992 365,818
Total Local Production (Estimate) 381,734 506,673 461,434
Total Exports 202,089 325,367 254,545
Total Imports 201,139 230,686 158,929
Imports from the U.S. 2,214 2,872 2,172
Exchange rate used is US$ 1 = 36 Baht.
Note: * Jan–Oct 2006 Sources: Export & Import Figure from The Federation of Thai Industries
Thailand has the largest vehicle assembling capacity, and the highest quality parts manufacturing capability in ASEAN. The country’s 2006 vehicle production is expected to be about 1.2 million units, a 10 % increase from last year. Exports are expected to increase 25% with CBU exports reaching 550,000 units. Domestic sales are expected to be about 690,000 units. Rising oil prices and the unfavorable political and economic outlook are the major causes of this first time decline in Thailand’s vehicles market after its 8 years of continuing robust growth. Industry experts believe the slow down to be temporary and they confirm a positive intermediate and long term outlook for the industry. It is expected that Thailand’s vehicle output will reach 1.8 million units by 2010.
One-ton pickup trucks share 62% of the market with Isuzu and Toyota commanding 73% share of the segment. Passenger cars, mostly sub-compact and small family car, account for 28% of the market with Toyota and Honda sharing more than 83% of the segment. Market growth of Ford and GM in Thailand has been impressive, despites their small share with GM (Chevrolet) 5% and Ford 3%. Both Ford and GM have their regional assembling facility in Thailand of which the majority of their products are for exports.
• Thailand promises growing potential for U.S. exports in both the original equipment market (OEM) and after-market parts and services markets. Hosting regional assembling operations for most world major assemblers, Thailand presents opportunities to U.S. manufacturers of components and parts. Meanwhile, the growing demand for vehicles among local Thais along with an increasing affluence of the market in general should provide key export opportunities to U.S. exporters of relevant products and service in the after-sale markets.
Best Products/Services
Best prospects for the automotive parts and service equipment sector include:
Accessories & Performance parts
General automotive service equipment & tools
Tire (wheel) & brake service equipment
Body and paint repair service equipment
Resources
Trade Events:
Bangkok International Motor Show
Consumer show for automobile and accessories with primary focus on end users market Date: March 30 –April 8, 2007 Venue: Bangkok International Trade Exhibition Center (BITEC) Organizer: Grand Prix International 4/299 Moo 3 Lardplakaow 66 Road Anusaowary Bangkhen Bangkok 10220 Tel: 662-971-6450 thru 85, 662-522-1731 thru 8 Fax: 662-522-1730
Website: http://www.grandprixgroup.com/new/motorshow/2006/default.asp
Motor Expo 2007
Consumer show for automobile and accessories with primary focus on end users market Date: December 2007 Venue: Impact Exhibition & Convention Center, Bangkok Organizer: Inter-Media Consultant Co., Ltd 1143/1 Soi Suthiporn Rachadapisek Road Dindaeng Bangkok 10400
Tel: 662-641-8444
Fax: 662-641-8480
Website: www.autoinfo.co.th
Wanwemol Charukultharvatch
Commercial Specialist
U.S. Commercial Service - U.S. Embassy Room 302, 3rd Floor GPF Witthayu Tower A 93/1 Wireless Road Bangkok 10330 Thailand Phone: 662-205-5090, 662-205-5272 -Direct Line Fax: 662-255-2915
http://www.buyusa.gov/asianow/southeastasia home.html
Websites: