ASEAN Big 3’s Automobile Production Results in YTD June 2023

In the ASEAN Big 3 countries, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, automobile production in the first half of 2023 increased compared to the same period of the previous year. In Thailand and Indonesia production went up 5.9% and 5.1% to 922,000 units and 697,000 units respectively, while in Malaysia production saw a double-digit rise to 363,000 units, up 14.0%.

In Thailand, as a condition for the provision of BEV promotion incentives introduced by the government in early 2022, companies are required to commit to future local production of eligible models.In order to meet the requirements, BEV production plans are steadily taking shape with Chinese OEMs taking the lead.The country also aims to meet the needs of OEMs which intend to engage in local production of BEVs. There is an ongoing trend among Thai companies to expand investment in production.

In Indonesia, production of new models equipped with hy brid powertrain system has begun.In addition, several plans have been revealed, mainly by Chinese manufacturers, to start local production around 2024.The production share of Japanese manufacturers was 92% as of the first half of 2023, but there is a possibility that it will drop below 90% by around 2025.

In Malaysia over the past year, it is noticeable that Chinese manufacturers are moving into the country and introducing green energy in their factories.In addition to in-house production, Chinese companies aim to outsource production to local partners.Greening initiatives include the introduction of solar panel systems to reduce CO₂ emissions.