ASEAN auto sales up despite economic slowdown<\/p>\n
SINGAPORE (AFP): Motor vehicle sales in the four biggest
\nSoutheast Asian markets rose 7.8 percent from a year ago to
\n489,676 units in the first six months of 2001, according to an
\nindustry monitor.<\/p>\n
Regional sales are expected to maintain their pace for the
\nrest of the year despite an economic slowdown and a steady
\ndecline in Philippine sales, Automotive Resources Asia (ARA) Ltd.
\nsaid in a report received here Monday.<\/p>\n
The report covers Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and
\nThailand.<\/p>\n
Malaysia posted the highest sales numbers in the period with
\n182,222 units sold, an 11.3 percent increase.<\/p>\n
Thailand registered the highest percentage growth at 14.45
\npercent with 140,018 units sold.<\/p>\n
In Indonesia, 132,057 units were sold, up 4.34 percent from a
\nyear ago, while sales in the Philippines plunged almost 15
\npercent to 35,379 units.<\/p>\n
"The region's automotive demand during the first half of 2001
\nhas met our expectations. Slow demand in the Philippines and
\nIndonesia has been outweighed by steady growth in Thailand and
\nMalaysia," said May Arthapan, associate at the Bangkok-based ARA.<\/p>\n
"We are looking for the regional vehicle industry to maintain
\nits pace through the end of the year," Arthapan added.<\/p>\n
Malaysian national carmaker Proton was the top seller in the
\nfour countries with a 20 percent share of the market, followed by
\nJapanese rivals Toyota at 16 percent, Mitsubishi at 11 percent
\nand Isuzu at 11 percent.<\/p>\n
Malaysia's second local manufacturer Perodua was in fifth
\nplace followed by Nissan and Honda of Japan.<\/p>\n
Passenger car sales amounted to 225,191 units, up 7.56 percent
\nfrom the first six months of 2000, while commercial vehicle sales
\nwere up 8.05 percent at 264,485 units.<\/p>",
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