Phuket car sales on the rise

PHUKET: Car dealerships in Phuket are reporting that first quarter sales are up about 40 percent year-on-year, with sales to foreigners accounting for as much as half of sales at some showrooms.

Buyer preference is shifting from pick-ups and SUVs to passengers cars, which are easier to park on the island’s increasingly congested streets, several dealerships report.

Among dealerships the Gazette spoke to, most said increased sales to foreigners helped boost overall sales.

Toyota Pearl Sales Manager Eakaphob Boon-prasarn said his dealership had the highest sales rate in Southern Thailand, with foreigners accounting for about 40 percent of sales.

“We have found that the car to pick-up selling ratio is at about 60:40 in the favor of cars, the most popular of which is the Vios model,” Mr Eakaphob said.

Similar sales figures were reported from the Isuzu Andaman Sales showroom in Koh Keaw, where representatives said about 10 to 20 percent of their first quarter sales were from foreigners, an improvement on last year.

Charnchai Mahantakhun General Manager at BMW Barcelona Auto Phuket said the sales ratio between Thai and foreigners was ‘almost equal’ and that his dealership has also experienced a first-quarter sales increase.

— Kitima Pornmongkhonwat