Mazda reports 36% growth, attributed to GDP success

Mazda reports 36% growth, attributed to GDP success

Mazda is confident of hitting its target of 15% growth to sell 60,000 units in 2018, says president Chanchai Trakarnudomsuk.
Mazda is confident of hitting its target of 15% growth to sell 60,000 units in 2018, says president Chanchai Trakarnudomsuk.

Mazda Sales Thailand, a local unit of the Hiroshima-based firm, reported year-to-date sales reached 26,886 units, a rise of 36% from the same period last year, reflecting impressive economic growth in 2018.

The company is confident of hitting its sales target of 15% growth to 60,000 units in 2018.

President Chanchai Trakarnudomsuk highlighted Thailand's first-quarter economic growth of 4.8%, which beat many research houses estimates.

"This was because of a large number of positive factors, including growth in investments, production and exports, in addition to tourism," he said.

"For the automotive industry, investors from around the world have shown strong interest in the Eastern Economic Corridor scheme, which would dramatically strengthen Thailand's competitiveness in the global marketplace."

Mazda is the seventh car brand by sales volume in the Thai market, and its Mazda2 eco-car sales reached 16,979 units, growing by 45% from January to May, followed by the CX-5 sport utility vehicle (SUV) with 3,834 units, which saw the highest growth at 179%.

The BT-50 PRO pickup tallied 2,642 units, up by 2% over the first five month, but Mazda3 dropped by 7% to 2,099 units and the CX-3 SUV decreased by 24% to 1,321 units.

The MX-5 sport car went up from 9 to 11 units during January to May.

In May alone, Mazda posted total sales of 5,881 units, up sharply by 48%.

The company is confident of hitting its sales target of a 15% rise to 60,000 units in 2018, according to president Chanchai Trakarnudomsuk.

Mr Chanchai said Mazda has been involved in the automotive industry for a long period of time and has successfully gone through various challenges and obstacles.

"Mazda continues to produce vehicles that are fun to drive and offer pride in ownership," he said.

"Mazda has developed vehicles with the SkyActiv technology that offers low fuel consumption and eco-friendliness."

Mazda helps develop Thai employees and also creates income for Thailand, said Mr Chanchai.

He said Mazda is determined to develop its production process in order to produce high-quality vehicles from new technologies.

The AAT in Rayong produces the Mazda2, Mazda3, CX-3 and BT-50 PRO while the CX-5 is imported from its joint venture plant in Malaysia.

The MPMT in Chon Buri is the site where it makes 400,000 transmissions and 100,000 engines for its SkyActiv technology.

The site has gained prominence alongside Mazda's facilities in Hiroshima and Hofu, said Mr Chanchai.

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