China’s sales volume of passenger vehicles (substituted with factory shipment data) in the first 10 months of 2022 increased by 13.7% year-on-year to 19.22 million units. The full-year outlook is around 23.55 million units, up 9.6%, surpassing the pre-corona level of 2019. In the first half of 2022, due to the corona lockdown in Changchun from March to May and in Shanghai from April to June, which are clusters of the local automobile industry, sales dropped sharply. From June to December, the central government reduced purchase tax from 10% to 5% for Read more...

In 2022, Malaysia’s automobile sales are expected to grow by about 38% year-on-year to around 700,000 units. Such large increase is forecast following weak sales results in 2020 and 2021 which were triggered by the corona crisis. The market is expected to reach record high levels thanks to the strong purchasing power of Malaysians, the fact that Perodua, which drives the market, resolved the shortage of semiconductors in September 2022, and the effect of the sales tax reduction that ended at the end of June 2022 will continue for the time being due to deRead more...

Kwang Yang Motor Co., Ltd. or KYMCO is a Taiwanese motorcycle manufacturer which has been shifting its focus to BEV motorcycles. Although KYMCO competes with another Taiwanese motorcycle maker SYM for the top spot in Taiwan’s total motorcycle market, Gogoro and its alliance brands maintain a 90% share of the BEV market, which makes up 10% of the total market. In order to become more competitive in the BEV market, in addition to promoting the introduction of new products, KYMCO has set out a plan to establish 2,000 battery swapping stations and 100 BEV deRead more...

The Indonesian automobile market is expected to recover to around 1.028 million units in 2022. In February 2022, Indonesia reintroduced tax reduction measures for the luxury tax imposed on automobiles, which was previously implemented from March 2021 to the end of the year. As the economy recovered from the pandemic, this tax cut boosted demand. Automobile sales in 2023 are expected to increase slightly from the previous year to around 1.03 million units. The global economy is projected to stagnate. For this reason, the International Monetary Fund andRead more...

In 2022, the automotive market of Thailand is expected to grow by approximately 7% compared to 2020 and by about 10% compared to 2021 to around 850,000 units, a recovery to just under 90% of the pre-coronavirus level. From the beginning of 2022, Thailand's exports expanded to a level above pre-coronavirus levels against the backdrop of a recovery in overseas demand and the depreciation of the Thai currency. Private consumption is also expanding as the economy is revitalized by the resumption of the tourism industry and an increase in investment. The GDP Read more...

The sales volume (substituted with factory shipment data) of NEVs (BEV, PHEV and FCEV) in China is expected to exceed 6.8 million units in 2022, nearly doubling from the previous year. Since 2022 was the final year of the NEV subsidy policy, it is forecast that last-minute demand likely boosted NEV sales. In addition, NEV sales in 2023 is expected to increase by 33% from 2022 to 9.1 million units. In recent years, in addition to the extension of cruising range by the performance improvement of NEVs, the installation of smart functions such as voice reRead more...

In 2022, the Indian automobile market is expected to reach a record high of 4.6 million units. The impact of production restrictions due to the supply disruption of semiconductors has been eased, and backorders are being processed at an accelerated pace. On the other hand, due to high fuel costs and other factors, the global trend of inflation has intensified since the beginning of 2022. In India, too, the consumer price index continues to rise and the policy interest rate continues to expand, and the depreciation of the national currency against the US Read more...

China's automobile sales (substituted with factory shipment data) in the first 10 months of 2022 increased by 4.6% year-on-year to 21.97 million units. Full-year sales are expected to rise by 2.4% to 26.91 million units. In the first half of 2022, the new coronavirus infection spread again in some areas of China, so the “zero corona” policy with strict restrictions on movement was thoroughly enforced, resulting in a decline in automobile production and sales. Since June 2022, the automobile market has returned to a growth trajectory due to the Chinese goRead more...

Lebanon's automobile sales in 2021 reached 11,000 units, up 2.0% from the previous year, avoiding a four-year decline. Although sales slightly increased in 2021, demand was significantly lower compared to the 2014-2017 period when annual sales were around 50,000 units on average. Toyota, the leading automaker in Lebanon, increased sales 68.4% to 4,286 units, raising its market share from 23.2% of the previous year to 38.3%. Second-placed Nissan saw a 21.1% drop in sales to 1,515 units. Lexus, ranked third in 2021, went up 2.5-fold to 1,068 units. LebaRead more...

Qatar's automobile sales in 2021 went up 11.8% year-on-year to 41,823 units, marking the first increase in six years. However, sales were down 7.8% compared to 2019 and over 40% compared to the recent peak in 2015. Toyota, the leading automaker in Qatar, decreased 4.1% to 12,789 units; however, it maintained its over 30% market share. Second-placed Nissan saw a 7.4% drop in sales to 4,295 units. On the other hand, the next three brands, Mitsubishi, Kia and Hyundai, increased doubled digits. Qatar: Recent Developments Market Trends ・In 2021, sales roRead more...

Automobile sales in Oman increased by 0.2% year-on-year to 72,000 units in 2021. Although sales slightly increased after six years of decline, demand was still at one of the lowest levels of recent years. The introduction of value-added tax and the increase in electricity and water charges in April 2021 are thought to have cooled consumer sentiment. Toyota, the leading automaker in Oman, increased 3.3% to 33,712 units, expanding its market share from 45.3% in the previous year to 46.7%. On the other hand, The market share of Nissan, ranked second, decreaRead more...

Jordan's vehicle sales in 2021 increased by 1.3% year-on-year to 29,679 units, remaining nearly at the same level as the previous year. However, the number of automobiles sold in the first quarter of 2022 was 7,440 units, down 5.6% from the same period of the previous year. Toyota, the leading automaker in Jordan, increased 12.2% to 11,577 units and its market share was 39.0%. Meanwhile, the market share of Hyundai, ranked second, was 17.6% in 2021. The South Korean automaker sold 5,223 units, an 11.1% increase compared to 2020. Jordan: Recent DevelopRead more...

In 2021, Kuwait's automobile sales increased by 21.7% year-on-year to 102,000 units. However, it is just around 60% of the peak level of over 150,000 units of 2013-2015. Looking at the top four brands, Toyota increased sales by 4.1% year-on-year to 29,295 units, maintaining its top position. Meanwhile Nissan raised sales 45.1% year- on-year to 11,383 units. Chevrolet ranked third with 7,578 units, up 20.6% year-on-year, and Mitsubishi ranked fourth with 6,981 units, up 32.5% year-on-year, both going up double digits. Kuwait: Recent Developments MarkeRead more...

The automobile industry of Turkey (Republic of Türkiye) in 2021 was affected by the shortage of semiconductor supply and rising raw material prices, so the number of automobiles produced shrank by 1.7% from the previous year to 1,276,140 units. Vehicle sales fell by 2.9% year-on-year to 772,722 units. On the other hand, automobile exports recovered to 937,005 units, up 2.2% year-on-year, due to strong demand in Europe. Vehicle production fell for the second year in a row in 2021. Passenger vehicle sales decreased 8.4% year-on-year to 782,835 units, whileRead more...

The ECV (electric chargeable vehicle = BEV / FCEV / PHEV / EREV) market in 30 European countries (EU + EFTA + United Kingdom, excluding Malta and Liechtenstein) increased 7.5% year-on-year to 1,690,607 units in the first nine months of 2022. European governments, which are trying to strengthen environmental regulations, are aiming to expand the BEV sales, and are considering / implementing various support measures. Due to product shortages and supply not catching up with demand, the growth rate in Europe as a whole decreased significantly compared to theRead more...

Iran’s automobile production decreased 3.7% in FY 2021 from the previous year to 900,794 units. Since the resumption of economic sanctions by the United States in 2018, production has remained below 1 million units. Since domestic production is not meeting the Iranian government's projected domestic demand of 1.5 million units, some models are being sold through a lottery system. In an effort to improve production scale and competitiveness, the privatization of state-owned automakers Iran Khodro and Saipa, which account for 90% of all domestic automobileRead more...

The PHEV / BEV light vehicle market in the first half of 2022 in 42 countries around the world is estimated to have grown 64.0% year-on-year to 4,332,979 units. The market size was estimated based on sales data and public relations materials of automakers. The 42 countries covered by this report account for about 85% of the world's total automobile market. The global automobile market fell about 10% year-on-year due to insufficient supply of vehicles triggered by semiconductor shortages and the Russia-Ukraine War. Meanwhile, PHEV and BEV sales showed solRead more...

Saudi Arabia's automobile sales in 2021 increased to 567,711 units, up 24.2% from the previous year. Although sales went up by 5.7% compared to 2019 before the outbreak of the corona pandemic, demand remained at just over 60% of the 2013-2014 level of around 850,000 units. Toyota maintained its top position with 160,964 units, up 26.1% year-on-year, and its market share increased by 0.5 pp to 28.4%. The No. 1 model was the Toyota Camry, going up 26.6% to 33,420 units. Saudi Arabia: Recent Developments Market Trends ・Vehicle sales in 2021 increased bRead more...

In the United Arab Emirates,192,445 vehicles were sold in 2021, up 26.4% from the previous year. However, sales were down 10.9% from 2019, and were only half of the record high level of 415,897 units in 2015. Toyota maintained its top position with 58,845 units, up 14.8% year-on-year. The No. 1 model was the Toyota Land Cruiser station wagon with 13,101 units. United Arab Emirates: Recent Developments Market Trends ・Automobile sales in 2021 increased by 26.4% year-on-year to 192,445 units, but decreased 10.9% compared to 2019. - Toyota went up 14.Read more...

In the first half of 2022 in Japan, the number of foreign-brand imported vehicles sold decreased by 14.7% year-on-year to 116,408 units. Automobile groups selling more than 1,000 units in Japan saw a double-digit decline across the board, pushing down the overall sales of overseas brands. The supply of new vehicles was delayed due to semiconductor shortage and other issues, which led to the decline in sales. Pie charts: Japan: Sales Composition of Foreign Brands by Powertrain Type (YTD Jun. 2021 / 2022) Table data: Japan: Number of Foreign EVs on theRead more...

The United States’ EV (HEV, PHEV, BEV, FCEV) market grew 18.9% year-on-year to 822,478 units in the first half of 2022. The ratio of EVs to all light vehicles increased by 3.8 percentage points to 12.2%. Due to the Biden administration's policy of tightening environmental regulations, automakers launched new BEV models one after another, boosting overall sales. The government has set a goal of raising the ratio of EVs (excluding HEVs) in new car sales to a maximum of 50% by 2030, so PHEV and BEV sales are expected to increase significantly in the future.Read more...

Kazakhstan’s light vehicle sales increased by 27.1% year-on-year to 114,281 units, exceeding 100,000 units for the first time in seven years since 2014. The top sales brand was Chevrolet, going up 2.9-fold to 29,111 units. Automobile production went up 23.3% year-on-year to 92,764 units, setting a record high for the third consecutive year. The country’s largest automaker SaryarkaAvtoProm increased production 49.9% to 60,016 units. Kazakhstan: Recent Developments Market Trends ・Light vehicle sales in 2021 increased by 27.1% year-on-year to 114,281 uRead more...

In 2021, automobile sales in Israel increased by 35.3% year-on-year to 306,012 units, reaching an historic high level. Passenger vehicle sales went up 34.7% to 272,646 units while commercial vehicles rose 40.5% to 33,366 units. Hyundai maintained the top position in the Israeli automobile market for the sixth consecutive year, but its market share decreased by 0.8 pp year-on-year to 14.1%. Israel: Recent Developments Market Trends ・Automobile sales in 2021 increased by 35.3% year- on-year to 306,012 units, exceeding 2016’s record high level of 302,4Read more...

ASEAN’s share in Toyota Motor's global production and sales volume peaked in 2012 and has been on a downward trend ever since. In 2021, ASEAN accounted for about 10% of Toyota’s global production and sales. Among the five ASEAN countries where Toyota manufactures automobiles, Thailand, where the automaker has an annual production capacity of 770,000 units, accounts for 60% of Toyota’s production in ASEAN. Meanwhile, in terms of sales, Toyota's largest market in ASEAN is Indonesia, accounting for nearly 40% of all sales in the region, followed by ThailandRead more...

In Uzbekistan, Uzavtosanoat, a state-owned automobile company, accounts for the bulk of the sales in the domestic automobile market. In 2021, automobile production in Uzbekistan dropped 15.2% year-on-year to 241,649 units, the first decrease in six years. Passenger vehicle production declined 15.5% to 236,667 units, while commercial vehicle production slightly increased, up 3.7% to 4,982 units. Uzbekistan: Recent Developments Market Trends ・In 2021, UzAuto Motors, a state-owned subsidiary of Uzavtosanoat, delivered 235,900 units for the domestic marRead more...

In 2021, total exports of new vehicles, used vehicles and KD kits (calculated as 1 kit = 1 vehicle) increased by 4.7% year-on-year to 5,007,458 units. Exports of new vehicles, whose production was delayed due to shortages of parts such as semiconductors, decreased slightly by 1.4% year-on-year to 3,534,373 units, of which passenger vehicles, which account for more than 90% of all exports, went down by 3.4% year-on-year to 3,255,864 units. Exports of cargo vehicles rose 47.2% year-on-year to 225,179 units due to rising transportation demand driven by the Read more...

Automobile sales in Laos in 2021 increased by 16.7% year-on-year to nearly 17,000 units, the first increase in six years. Passenger car sales went up 34.9% to 5,531 units of which SUVs rose 42.3% and the sedan / hatchback category increased 23.5%. Commercial vehicle sales went up 9.5% to 11,330 units. Although bus sales fell, truck sales increased double digits driven by rising demand for freight transportation. Laos: Recent Developments Market Trends ・Automobile sales (substituted with import license data) in 2021 increased 16.7% year-on-year to 16Read more...

Automobile sales in Asia (covers 16 countries and regions*) in 2021 increased 5.1% from the previous year to 40,203,498 units. Although sales fell below Asia’s peak level of over 44 million units, achieved in 2017 and 2018, it was the first time in four years that the market saw an increase in demand. In China, the world’s largest automobile market, sales increased 3.8% to 26.3 million units. India saw the largest rise, going up 28.0% to 3.8 million units while sales in ASEAN went up 13.3% to 2.9 million units. In contrast, sales in Japan dropped 3.3%Read more...

In the first half of 2022, Taiwan’s automobile production decreased 11.6% year-on-year to 121,584 units. While Taiwan’s ratio of imported vehicles to sales is increasing, automobile production has been on a downward trend since 2016, when it fell below 300,000 units. For OEMs with local production bases, maintaining plant operating rates is a challenge. Kuozui Motors, which manufactures the Toyota and Hino brands, aims to expand exports, while Ford Lio Ho, which manufactures the Ford brand, introduced a smart production line in 2020 to improve productionRead more...

South Korea's automobile production in the first half of 2022 decreased 2.0% year-on-year to 1,779,039 units. Due to the continued shortage of semiconductors and disruptions in wire harness and airbag control unit supply triggered by the COVID-19 lockdown in Shanghai, China, sales decreased from the same period of the previous year. The Hyundai Motor Group has continued to make large-scale investments in the BEV segment, while GM Korea and Renault Korea are moving ahead with facility expansion and tie-ups. Graph: South Korea: Production Volume of AutoRead more...

India's automobile production in the first six months of 2022 increased by 19.7% year-on-year to 2,668,478 units, surpassing the production volume of the first half of 2018, which marked a record high for the entire year. Looking at monthly passenger vehicle production in the first half of 2022, with the exception of May (297,000 units), monthly production exceeded 300,000 units. It appears that semiconductor shortage had very limited impact on production. In the first half of 2022, sales increased by 21.6% year-on-year and exports went up by 30.6% year-Read more...

In the first half of 2022, Malaysia’s automobile production increased 31.8% year-on-year to 317,933 units. In Malaysia, investment in automobile production by foreign manufacturers such as Chinese-owned Proton, Kia and Stellantis is noticeable. The main investment areas include starting production of highly efficient engines, upgrading equipment for electric vehicle production and raising capacity for export to ASEAN. Looking at recent investments, the construction of Proton’s new engine shop is a major move toward boosting its presence in the domestiRead more...

In the first half of 2022, Indonesia’s automobile production increased 28.0% year-on-year to 658,285 units. The impact of semiconductor shortage was not significant and the reintroduction of the luxury tax cut on automobiles boosted domestic demand, resulting in a 10% increase compared to the same period of 2019. The country’s combined production capacity of automobiles is about 2.15 million units, and the operating rate has recovered to about 60%. Indonesia: Production Volume of Automobiles (January 2019-June 2022) Line graph: Indonesia: ProductioRead more...

ASEAN is the most important overseas market for Honda Motor after North America and China, but the automaker’s market share has been sluggish in the region in recent years. Honda’s combined market share in the five major ASEAN markets peaked at 14.3% in 2017 but has continued to decline ever since, dropping to 9.7% in 2021. Honda aims to revive sales from 2022, by launching the fully redesigned BR-V and HR-V SUV models in Indonesia, and by expanding its HEV lineup in Thailand and Malaysia. Pie chart: Honda Motor: Composition Ratio of Overseas Sales byRead more...

In response to rising popularity of SUVs in Indonesia, Honda Motor launched the fully-redesigned BR-V compact SUV in September 2021. In addition to the BR-V, the fully-remodeled HR-V compact SUV was released in March 2022. Unlike in Malaysia and Thailand, where Honda has already launched HEV models, the automaker does not have any HEVs on the market in Indonesia; however, the automaker indicated that it intends to roll out HEVs in Indonesia soon. In Thailand the HR-V e:HEV was released in November 2021 and the Civic e:HEV was launched in June 2022, inRead more...

Motorcycle sales in India in the first half of 2022 increased by 4.5% year-on-year to 7.07 million units (SIAM members only). Unless demand recovers significantly in the second half of the year, it is unlikely that full-year sales will return to pre-corona level of around 20 million units. Motorcycles, which are cheaper than automobiles, are more susceptible to inflation. Since January 2022, India's consumer price index has been above the 6% permissible upper limit, set by India’s central bank, for six consecutive months, and has remained at a high levelRead more...

Nissan's business operations in Asia are centered on strengthening the production and export of electric vehicles with a special focus on Thailand. The Kicks, one of the core models of Nissan, is produced in Thailand and exported to Japan. In June 2022, production of e-POWER batteries for the Kicks e-POWER electric vehicle started at a factory in Samutprakarn province, Thailand. It is Nissan's fourth e-POWER battery plant, and the first one outside Japan. The Kicks e-POWER, which is produced in Thailand, went on sale in the Philippines in August 2022, anRead more...

In 2017, Daihatsu Motor and its parent company Toyota Motor established the Emerging Markets Compact Car Company. Along with the establishment of the company, they have set up a system so that Toyota concentrates on the sales of mid- and large-sized vehicles, while Daihatsu concentrates on compact vehicles in emerging countries. Daihatsu intends to develop compact cars that are widely accepted not only in the major markets of Malaysia and Indonesia, but also in emerging markets. The company is expanding its model lineup based on its global platform DNGA.Read more...