BYD blowing by Japan for Thailand’s EV market

Chinese electric vehicle champion BYD is expanding its reach in Thailand, testing Japan’s long dominance of the local auto market as the two car-making giants increasingly compete head-to-head for developing Asian markets.

BYD only recently entered the Thai auto market – in July 2022 – but already accounts for about 4% of total new vehicle sales and more than a third of electric vehicle sales, according to Autolife Thailand.

Toyota, Isuzu and Honda remain the top three brands in Thailand, but BYD tops the list of EV makers, i.e. the wave of the automotive future. In terms of total vehicles sold in Thailand, BYD has surpassed four smaller Japanese competitors, namely Nissan, Mitsubishi Motors, Mazda and Suzuki.