The Toyota emblem is seen on the steering wheel of a vehicle during the media day of the 41st Bangkok International Motor Show after the Thai government eased measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19 ) in Bangkok, Thailand on July 14, 2020.REUTERS/Jorge Silva

BANGKOK, Jan 27 (Reuters) – Toyota Motor Corp’s Thai unit (7203.T) expects car sales in the Southeast Asian country to rise 18.5% to 284,000 vehicles this year, the company announced Thursday.

Toyota, which controls about a third of Thailand’s vehicle market, recorded sales of 239,723 in the country, down 1.9% in 2021, Toyota Motor Thailand Chairman Noriaki Yamashita said in a statement. declaration.

The company is targeting car exports of 371,000 vehicles this year, up 27% from the 292,000 cars shipped last year.

“COVID-19 may continue to impact the Thai economy, but we expect Thailand’s automotive industry to gradually return to normal, with all economic sectors resuming operations, and people have also learned to live together. with the COVID-19 outbreak safely,” Yamashita said.

There will also be a gradual recovery in spare parts shortages, he added.

Thailand is a regional vehicle production and export base for major global automakers including Toyota, Honda (7267.T) and Mitsubishi (7211.T).

The industry accounts for around 10% of Thailand’s gross domestic product and manufacturing jobs.

Reporting by Orathai Sriring and Satawasin Staporncharnchai Editing by Ed Davies

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