Mazda optimistic for sales after strong first half
Mazda Sales Thailand, a local distribution unit arm of the Japanese carmaker, is upbeat on its sales prospects this year, expecting a rise of 20% to 51,000 cars this year after a strong performance over the first half, according to company president Chanchai Trakarnudomsuk.
Yesterday, Mazda reported that its local car sales in the first half of this year (January-June) rose 12.92% to 23,893 units with the market share rising to 5.8% during the period.
The “Mazda 2” model was a major revenue contributor with 14,284 cars, up by 26.1%, while the BT-50 Pro pickup truck followed with 3,099 units, down by 1.56%.
The remaining models that contributed to sales were passenger cars and SUVs such as Mazda 3 (2,677 units), CX-3 (2,219 units), CX-5 (1,604 units) and MX-5 (10 units).
Mr Chanchai said 2017 will be a golden year for Mazda again, with double-digit growth in sales.
“Mazda’s sales have been in line with rising sentiments in the overall car market, where total sales have risen by 11% to 410,000 cars sold over the first half,” he said.
Mr Chanchai forecasts overall Thai auto sales throughout 2017 will be at 820,000 units, up by 7-10%, revised up from the previous forecast of 800,000 units.
Mazda has revised its sales target for this year from 50,000 units to 51,000 units.
“The Thai economy is recovering, largely due to rising farm exports, hefty tourism and the government’s stimulus measures,” he said.
“The auto market faced a tough time during 2013-2016. I think the market has bottomed out,” he said. He expects the market will start rising gradually from now on.
Mazda posted an all-time-high sales in 2012 at 74,140 vehicles, rising sharply by 76.6%, propelled by the government’s first-time car-buyer scheme. Sales then dropped sharply by 28.6% to 52,943 in 2013 and 35.2% to 34,326 in 2014.
Sales surged 15% in 2015 to 39,471 vehicles and increased by 7.8% to 42,537 units in 2016.
Mr Chanchai said Mazda will launch two new models and other refreshed models in the fourth quarter, one of which will be the CX-5 SUV. However, he did not give further details about other models.
He added that Mazda will add another 20 outlets and service centres in different locations by 2019.
Mr Chanchai said the company also plans to renovate all existing 147 outlets and service centres during 2017-2019 and improve Mazda’s service standards in the long run.
According to Mr Chanchai, Thailand is one of the top ten most important countries worldwide for Mazda Motor Corporation in terms of both sales performance and operation development.
Mazda’s total sales in Thailand ranked eighth among Mazda’s worldwide sales in 2016. However, Thailand topped sales performance in the year.
Mazda’s operation facilities in Rayong and Chon Buri are the largest global production hubs for Mazda outside Japan, covering car production, engines and transmissions.