The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has confirmed that scarcity of parts caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and lockdown measures in China continued to impact Thailand’s automobile industry in April.
FTI Vice President and Spokesperson Surapong Paisitpattanapong reported that the production, local sales, and export of cars and motorcycles decreased by 31.79% in April compared to March, due to a shortage of parts that caused manufacturers to delay production.
Surapong revealed that the total number of vehicles manufactured last month was 117,786, while total vehicles produced in the first quarter was 597,864 – an increase of 4.85 percent year-on-year.
Despite the fact that this year’s situation is better than last year’s, when the pandemic was at its peak, Surapong said the protracted conflict in Ukraine and lockdown crisis in China have disrupted the global supply chain.
In April, 63,427 units were sold domestically – a decrease of 27.30% compared to March but an increase of 9.11% compared to the same month last year due to the easing of restrictions and the conclusion of the Bangkok International Motor Show on April 3.
According to the FTI, sales of 294,616 automobiles and 569,992 motorcycles increased by 16.79% and 0.12%, respectively, from the same period last year.
The FTI spokesperson said the government’s support program has played a major role in increasing electric vehicle registrations by 145.31% in the first quarter compared to the same period last year.
Surapong added that the agency will continue to closely monitor the situation, as there are still concerns that the rise in oil prices and a weaker baht will increase the cost of goods and household debt, thereby reducing consumers’ purchasing power.
Thailand’s car exports in March had already dropped by 10.2% year-on-year to 93,840 units due to a shortage of semiconductors and auto parts, which could become even more scarce because of the Russia-Ukraine war, says the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).
Information and Source
- Reporter: Paul Rujopakarn
- Rewriter: Paul Rujopakarn
- National News Bureau : http://thainews.prd.go.th
