Thai January New Vehicle Sales Plunge 29.8% On Year -Toyota

Sales of new cars and trucks in Thailand tumbled 29.8% from a year ago to 32,085 units in January, according to a statement Wednesday by the local unit of Toyota Motor Corp. (7203.TO), which compiles figures for the sector.
In January, passenger car sales fell 10% to 13,527 units. Toyota had the largest market share of that segment at 49.8% while Honda Motor Co. (7267.TO) followed with a 36.7% share.
Sales of commercial vehicles, including one-ton pickup trucks, plunged 39.5% to 18,558 units, with Isuzu Motors Ltd. (7202.TO) and Toyota capturing 38.4% and 36.2% of the market, respectively.
Toyota Motor Thailand has previously said it expects domestic vehicle sales to fall by 15% this year to 520,000 units due to the sluggish economy. Sales shrank 2.5% in 2008 to 615,270 units.