Southeast Asian auto sales skyrocket in 2000

Southeast Asian auto sales skyrocket in 2000

SINGAPORE (AFP): New vehicle sales in Southeast Asia's four
largest markets climbed 53 percent in the first 11 months of
2000, despite a sharp downturn in the Philippines late in the
year, according to a survey released Friday.

The number of new vehicles sold in Indonesia, Malaysia, the
Philippines and Thailand totaled 896,690 between January and
November last year, compared to 586,369 in the same period in
1999, marketing strategy company Automotive Resources Asia (ARA)
said in a monthly report.

Malaysia remained the biggest market in the region with
315,386 vehicles sold in the first 11 months of 2000, up 21
percent on the previous year.

Indonesia showed the most explosive growth with sales up 250
percent to 274,864, while Thailand sold 228,863 vehicles in the
11 months, up 26 percent.

Increased sales at the start of the year pushed the
Philippines to sales of 77,577, a 16 percent increase.

Thailand showed the biggest percentage growth in November,
with sales increasing nine percent from October to 23,214.

Indonesia, with sales of 31,859 was up two percent in November
compared to October, while Malaysia rose one percent to 30,892.

However, November vehicle sales in the Philippines plummeted
25 percent to 5,600, continuing a downward spiral which began in
July.

"Declining confidence in regional economies caused new vehicle
sales in the second half of 2000 to be lower than the first half
of the year," said ARA executive director John Bonnell.

"The region could see slower vehicle sales next year if the
region's economic situation remains gloomy."

Japan's Toyota Motors Corp. remained the brand leader with a
21 percent share of the market, followed by Proton of Malaysia
and Mitsubishi.