Thai Mitsubishi’s exports down 3.9 per cent in 2019

BANGKOK, Feb 11, 2020, Bangkok Post. Mitsubishi Motors Thailand exported 332,700 vehicles last year, a 3.9% drop, the company said on Tuesday, Bangkok Post reported.

Of the total volume, 284,000 vehicles were shipped as completely built-up units in 2019, down 0.9% year-on-year, while the remaining 48,200 units were exported as completely knocked-down kits, down 18.6%.

President and chief executive Morikazu Chokki said last year’s completely built-up volume made Mitsubishi the largest car exporter among local manufacturers.

“Although there was a year-on-year contraction, Mitsubishi was satisfied with last year’s performance amid economic difficulties worldwide, particularly the completely built-up shipment,” he said.

Mitsubishi posted local sales in 2019 of 88,244 units, up 4.4%, overcoming a Thai car market that fell 3.3% to 1,007,552 units sold last year.

Of Mitsubishi’s total sales in 2019, the Thai-made Triton pickup sold 35,807 units while the Indonesia-made Xpander SUV delivered 16,196 units.

Mitsubishi forecasts the Thai car market at 920,000-950,000 units sold in 2020.

“We expect to capture a 9% market share this year,” Mr Chokki said.