Thais downsized to lower capacity, smaller cars in 2009

BANGKOK, Feb 13 (TNA) — Rising petroleum prices and a sluggish economy in Thailand have forced more consumers to switch to using low capacity and smaller cars in 2009, a senior Ministry of Transport official said Saturday.

Land Transport Department director-general Chairat Sa-nguanchue said 140,646 new cars with engine capacities ranging between 1,301 to 1,600 cc were registered in 2009, up 10,126 cars from 2008.

A total of 98,903 new cars with capacities above 2,000cc were registered last year, down 23,004 cars from the previous year, said Mr Chairat.
Generally speaking, registration of new pickup sedans registered in 2009  fell most of over 30 per cent compared to the previous year followed by motorcycle which dwindled more than 10 per cent and private sedan of nearly seven per cent, he said.

During 2009, a total of 2,108,596 new  passenger vehicles were registered, down 302,376 from 2008, said Mr Chairat.