Thai auto exports in June hit record in 25 years

BANGKOK, July 19 (TNA) – The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) says Thailand’s auto exports in June exceeded 94,000 units, setting highest record in the past 25 years and also soared 25 per cent from the corresponding period of last year. Surapong Paisitpattanapong, FTI auto industry spokesman, said Thursday that if auto exports for the calendar 2012 met the target at one million units, or an increase of 36 per cent year-on-year, it would help export growth target sets by the Thai government to expand at 15 per cent. Auto production in June stood at 205,600 units, setting record for the second time in 50 years, up 33 per cent from the same period last year, Surapong said. June’s sales stood at over 123,000 units, also setting a new high record as it soared 75 per cent year-on-year, he said. Sales in the first six months this year rose sharply by 40 per cent as manufacturers had to deliver cars booked before severe flood hit the country late last year. On Industrial Confidence Index (ICI), Suparat Sirisuwannangkura, vice chairman of FTI, said ICI for June this year fell to 102.7 from the previous month on declines of purchase and sales. Production and earnings of operators also dropped due to rising production costs, worries over local political conflict and natural disaster. Suparat said business operators’ confidence also declined due to ongoing financial crisis in Europe. The operators have urged the government to find ways in exporting more to new markets including India, fellow member countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Middle East to compensate for the decline in purchasing orders in Europe and to also help them in borrowing access, Suparat said, adding that operators have said they are also heavily affected by the daily wage increase to 300 baht, supported by the government. (TNA)