Auto sales in SE Asia rose in first quarter

Auto sales in SE Asia rose in first quarter

SINGAPORE (AFP): Vehicle sales in Southeast Asia's four biggest markets jumped 62 percent from a year ago to 202,220 units in the first three months of the year, an industry survey showed.

The Malaysian market topped sales for the first quarter posting growth of more than 21 percent from a year ago to 75,660 units, followed by Thailand, where auto sales, boosted by promotional campaigns, rose 51.2 percent to 54,786 units, a report by auto component maker Visteon said.

Indonesia ranked third but showed the biggest growth in percentage terms, with sales rising more than 475 percent to 50,794 units. Auto sales in the Philippines recorded a 20.6 percent rise to 20,980 units, the report received over the weekend said.

"We're seeing the region's customers gain confidence in the region's economic recovery. I expect the recovery to continue its progress, and in turn automotive sales to grow," said Terry Yanagisawa, manager for Visteon in Southeast Asia.

Toyota Motor Corp. of Japan maintained its leadership of the Southeast Asian market with a 22 percent market share from January to March this year, followed by Malaysia's Proton with a 20 percent share.

In terms of auto categories, first quarter commercial vehicle sales grew 88.6 percent from a year ago to 106,306 units, while passenger car sales rose 40 percent to 95,914 units, the survey showed.