vinny41

31 minutes ago, Bandersnatch said:

 

 

No one knows the March 2024 sales figures yet as they only appear in the DLT registrations data 4 weeks later

so January registrations are December sales, February registrations are January sales and March registrations are February sales figures

6 minutes ago, JBChiangRai said:

 

I asked CoPilot to compare the Volvo EX30 dual motor with the MG4 X-Power, it got the performance figures wrong which I corrected to 3.8 seconds, but otherwise I think they are similar size, performance and same segment although the X-Power is 37% cheaper.

 

Let’s compare the Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance and the MG4 XPOWER electric hatchbacks. Here are the key differences between these two models:

1. Size and Dimensions:

   • Both the MG4 XPOWER and the Volvo EX30 are practical for their class. They are built on dedicated EV platforms, allowing for greater interior space relative to their external footprint.
   • The MG4 XPOWER is longer by 54 mm, while the Volvo EX30 is wider by 33 mm¹.

2. Range and Performance:

   • On paper, the Volvo EX30 offers more claimed WLTP range (additional 75 km) and is also more efficient than the MG4 XPOWER, despite being 65 kg heavier.
   • The Volvo EX30 Twin Motor Performance accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, outperforming the MG4 XPOWER (which takes 3.8 7.9 seconds)¹.

3. Battery and Charging:

   • The MG4 XPOWER offers slightly faster DC charging than the Volvo EX30.
   • Only the MG4 XPOWER features V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) capability, allowing you to use the car’s battery as a mobile power bank. This feature can be useful for camping, road trips, and emergencies¹.

4. Driver Technology:

   • Both vehicles offer similar levels of driver-assist technology features.
   • The Volvo EX30, however, provides a larger screen, higher-resolution camera system, and auto park assistance.

5. Infotainment and Connectivity:

   • The Volvo EX30 boasts superior infotainment and connectivity features:
     • Larger 12.3-inch center screen powered by Android Automotive.
     • Snappy user-friendly interface.
     • High-quality sound system.
   • Both vehicles support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
   • Mobile apps allow functionalities such as remote lock, pre-heating/cooling, and charge monitoring¹.

6. Other Features:

   • Both vehicles offer additional features like a heat pump (standard).
   • Warranty and Servicing:
     • The MG4 XPOWER has a longer vehicle warranty based on the number of years.
     • The Volvo EX30 has a longer battery warranty duration¹.

In summary, the Volvo EX30 offers better performance, a longer range, and superior infotainment, while the MG4 XPOWER is lighter and features V2L capability. Consider your priorities when choosing between these two electric hatchbacks! 🚗🔌

 

I am biased when it comes to the MG4 but I think it's a compelling option considering it's 770,000 baht cheaper and a very similar car.

 

The other issue is price wars, Volvo hasn't joined that yet and I would be worried that they do that this year.  I would definitely be wanting 12 months price protection if I ordered a Volvo.

 

 

 

I can't see any brand car dealership offering a 12 months price protection

I can't see any auto manufacturer offering a 12 months price protection

I know when Toyota 1st started selling hybrid and buyers were cautious about buying hybrid they did introduce Guaranteed Future Value so after 4-5 years they would buy the vehicle back at agreed price subject to a number of conditions

for starters most  brand car dealership's are franchise's and they have no control over the price of the vehicle as that it set by the manufacturer 

When you purchase a car your contract is with the dealer,  not the  manufacturer

the  manufacturer may intervene on your behalf to resolve an issue that you may have with the dealership but they wouldn't get involved in pricing or price protection guarantees

4 minutes ago, JBChiangRai said:

 

I think we should stick to a single source of statistics, so we're comparing apples to apples, let's not start to try to compare apples to pears

This website https://web.dlt.go.th/statistics/

is the DLT  which is the same source that autolifethailand is using except for their figures that are taking 

 R.Y.1 Private passenger car with no more than 7 people plus R.Y.6 Vehicles for hire carrying no more than 7 passengers plus an unknown vehicle class or classes  as there is 11 vehicles missing

Someone asked me once do I believe everything that journalist writes it does help when  you understand how they are producing figures

February 2024 registrations January Sales

Total number of R.Y.1 Private passenger car with no more than 7 people 48,774 all fuel types

Total number of R.Y.1 Private passenger car with no more than 7 people EVs  3,530  approx market share 7.3%

https://web.dlt.go.th/statistics/

2 hours ago, KhunLA said:

What ... ฿38+/- per liter (91) isn't high enough.  Need to go back up to ฿45 for some to open their eyes, and close their wallets to petrol conglomerates.

 

Cost to go 360 kms with our MG ZSs

EV ... ฿231 if using PEA @ ฿5 per kWh

ICEV ... ฿977  using 91 @ ฿38 per Liter

 

Driving 20k kms a year

EV ... ฿12,333

ICEV ... ฿54,285

 

That starts to add up (petrol alone), over 5-10-20 years 

 

Your wallet has been open and still open for many years by the petrol conglomerates with petrochemicals by product

if you want to stick one up on the petrol conglomerates see if you can buy Fred Flintstone car similar to this one

https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/yabba-dabba-shotts-man-puts-7654559

1 hour ago, Bandersnatch said:

 

 

Or maybe something closer to home?

 

 

Diesel prices have already started to creep over ฿30/L with Shell the first to raise prices. 

 

 

 

Everyone knows Shell fuel prices are higher than any other Brand

Everywhere else Diesel B29.94 per litre

https://www.bangchak.co.th/en/oilprice/historical

1 hour ago, Pib said:

Yea...bad month for ICE and EV.   I figure the buying spree from late 2023, cut-throat pricing causing people to be gun-shy right now, and increasing debt levels have sidelined a lot of potential buyers.  And of those three factors I just mentioned I think the increasing debt level is having the "least" impact because debt level has been high for a long time and it just don't seem to stop many people from buying a new vehicle when they really shouldn't due to debt level.

 

I figure around mid year sales will pickup a lot but I also think "total" vehicle sales for 2024 (ICEV and EV) in comparison to 2023 will be flat.   I think EV will gain a "little" more market share and I say "little" because cut-throat pricing in ICEV will mostly balance-out with the cut throat pricing of EV at bay which will keep EV sales growth at bay for a year or so.   All this cut-throat pricing in EV and ICEV will make a MAJOR change in new and used vehicles pricing for years to come....it's good something has finally breaking the back of  high pricing of "new and used" vehicles in Thailand. 

 

Now if some world event like another oil price shock comes about then that will cause EV sales to surge...it has been around two years (back in early 2022) since the last oil price surge...and the beginning of another one may be underway.  Time will tell said my wishy-washy crystal ball.

 

Debt levels are the largest hurdle that is preventing people from buying new cars

At the moment the average interest rate on new cars is 10% per year as dealers tend to advise customers to take out a 7 or 8 year finance agreement lower monthly payments for customer higher commission fees from Finance lenders to dealers

At the moment 50% of all car loan applications are rejected

F.T.I. reveals 50% loan rejection for car purchases

https://www.bangkokbiznews.com/business/economic/1114429

Thailand's household debt in the third quarter of 2023 came in at 16.2 trillion baht, marking a 3.3% year-on-year increase and accounting for 90.9% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/economy/40036098

300,000 additional  cars were repossessed in 2023 over and above the normal repossessed rate of 150,000-180,000 and its forecast that between 250,000-300,000 cars over and above the normal repossessed rate will be repossessed in 2024

https://theactive.net/news/economy-20230229/

It expected there will be a number of repossessed EV's going to auction in 2024 and will be sold for firesale prices cash buyers only

1 hour ago, KhunLA said:

What ... ฿38+/- per liter (91) isn't high enough.  Need to go back up to ฿45 for some to open their eyes, and close their wallets to petrol conglomerates.

 

Cost to go 360 kms with our MG ZSs

EV ... ฿231 if using PEA @ ฿5 per kWh

ICEV ... ฿977  using 91 @ ฿38 per Liter

 

Driving 20k kms a year

EV ... ฿12,333

ICEV ... ฿54,285

 

That starts to add up (petrol alone), over 5-10-20 years 

 

A somewhat misleading post as the price of E91 over the past 8 years has ranged from lowest B16.68 in April 2020 to current high of B40.18

if we apply the lowest figure of  B16.68 for the years of ownership of your ICE MG ZS you get a different calculation

https://www.bangchak.co.th/en/oilprice/historical?year=2020

3 hours ago, Bandersnatch said:

 

So March was a bad month for all car sales in Thailand, but worse for ICE cars as the relentless growth of EVs here replace ICE cars. 

These are February car sales data as it is registration data and normally takes 4 weeks to go from sales data to to enter the registrations as for the  relentless growth of EVs here replace ICE cars you qualify for a job with tat

with approx 12 million ice cars on the road

13 hours ago, ExpatOilWorker said:

2,000,000 km, but there are a few buts....

 

 

Background Article

This Is The Highest Mileage Electric Car In The World

A German man has driven his 2014 Tesla Model S over one million miles across the world.

https://www.topspeed.com/highest-mileage-electric-car-in-the-world/

The Tesla just needs to do another 2,828,032 km to catch up to this Volvo P1800

Here’s A Close Look At Gordon's Volvo P1800 With Three Million Miles

https://www.motor1.com/news/529418/gordon-volvo-p1800-close-look/

13 hours ago, ExpatOilWorker said:

That is shocking 😲 low, but maybe the promotional numbers only show up in April. I believe the DLT numbers don't include cars on red plates, which could easily include most March sales.

You have to remember that March registrations are actual February sales  so Suzuki promotion from March 1st to April 7th wouldn't show up in the DLT report until week 1  of May for March sales and week 1 of June for April sales figures

Hence why little change in current report as Suzuki promotion hadn't started

15 hours ago, JBChiangRai said:

 

How do March 2024 EV sales compare to March 2023?

 

I am sure Vinny is watching with baited breath

I think some brands will be in for a shock this year

If we look at BYD sales for 2023 from February 1st 2023 to 31st Jan 2024 the total sales were 37,334

https://autolifethailand.tv/register-ev-bev-thailand-dec-2023/

Byd sales for 2024 from February 1st 2024 to 31st March 2024 are 2,218

Rever has set "cautious, but realistic targets" for this year, after delivering 40,000 BYD cars in 2023. "Best case scenario is 100,000 units, worst case is 60,000.

Their worst case projection figure means selling 5,000 cars every month x 12

Their best case projection figure means selling  8,333 cars every month x 12

January 2024 sales figures ( February 2024 registrations ) were 1,068

February 2024 sales figures ( March 2024 registrations ) were 1,132

30 minutes ago, Pib said:

 

Perfect example of cost cutting making people gun-shy of buying right now.  However, the price cuts during the ongoing motor show are definitely BIG and will result in short term high sales for certain models.  But I figure right after the motor show many potential buyers will go to the sidelines waiting for more price cuts which will probably continue to come for EV "and" ICEV.   Me thinks the price-cutting is not over for 2024...lot of throats being cut right now as the price war continues.

Problem for sales is a number of factors

Interest rates for new cars 2024 is on average 10% per year if a person opts for a repayment plan over 7/8 years that's like buy one car pay for 2

Banks and finance are talking about 30% minimum down payment of 30%

Huge increase in repossessed cars up from 150,000 to 300,000 in 2023 forecast for 2024 repossessed cars is 300,000 cars

depressed used car market due to extra stock available ( repossessed cars)

Banks and finance sell for what ever they can get and then go after the owner for the balance if the auction price doesn't clear outstanding debt

Bank of Thailand has stated that household debt to gdp is currently 190.9% they want this reduced to 180% or below

FTI stated that finance rejections are at all time high of 50% rejection rate

inflation

cost of living 

Interest rates for new cars 2022 was on average 3% per year

'Pok Phonprapha' opens up about the reason for cutting the price of BYD up to 250,000 baht, insists it's according to market forces - he's not the one who started it.

https://autolifethailand.tv/byd-price-war-discount/

1 hour ago, Bandersnatch said:

I am sorry I don’t have an info on the financing for the Atto 3 but maybe @Pib our Atto 3 expert can help you.

 

Here is the finance for the BYD Seal which is a more expensive car, but should give you some idea. It’s not a lease but finance purchase for less than ฿20k per month.

 

@Yodarapper has previously posted both himself and his wife are on temporary assignments in Thailand for another 12 months or 24 months max 

He currently renting a MG ZS for 18K per month 10 days ago he was thinking about replacing the MG ZS rental with a 2011  Chevrolet captiva with 68km for B250K

so if he sticks with his MG ZS rental for the next 24 months is going to cost B432,000 including road tax, insurance, maintenance only additional cost is fuel

or buy the 2011 Chevrolet captiva with 68km for B250K budget 24 months road tax, insurance, maintenance

cost of fuel 

If you thinking about buying an EV suggest you look at

Neta V B499k

NETA V II LITE 549,000 baht

NETA V II SMART 569,000 baht if you take into account your fuel savings these models will have a similar cost outlay over 24 months  to your existing MG ZS for 18K

EV used car market is a huge unknown at the moment as finance and banks aren't lending on used EV at the moment

At the end of your stay in Thailand put the ev on facebook marketplace for cash buyer you should recover any money the car owes you

Purchasing a B1.4 million car for a 2 year stint in Thailand is not advisable  with  having to offload car, pay back finance balance  unknown values

• https://autolifethailand.tv/official-price-neta-v-ii-minorchange-ev-thailand/

MG EP

The company has inspected the vehicle. The cause was found to be due to high humidity in the compressor of the air conditioning system, causing the insulation resistance to be lower than standard. In this regard, the company's technical staff has taken action to fix the vehicle to return to normal operation at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 31, 2024.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=25088022010813602&set=pcb.7299101756877025

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2389905174463399/permalink/7299101756877025

25 minutes ago, Yodarapper said:

Does anyone know if I can lease an electric car like the BYD Atto 3 for a year at around 18-20k a month?

 

or am I dreaming?

I think you are dreaming you posted the same question 24th January 2024 and for atto3 rental is around 28-30k per month

https://aseannow.com/topic/1257405-electric-vehicles-in-thailand/page/154/#comment-18641254

9 hours ago, Gweiloman said:

So far so good. Over 30,000 km driven, no rattles or creaks. It appears to be a well made car.

 

China haters talk about Chinese crap goods but it’s the supplier that determines the price point and thus the final quality, not the factory. 

Here is a website that explains the relationship between OEM ( GWM being an OEM ) and there suppliers

At the end of the day it is always the OEM that has the final call on  the price point of each component part

Tier 1 suppliers are the top dogs. They manufacture and supply automotive-grade parts and systems directly to the OEMs. They have built their businesses on long-term relationships with these OEMs, with whom they often jointly set cost targets and share product developments.

https://www.indx.com/en/posts/driving-innovation-for-automotive-suppliers#:~:text=The automotive supply chain can,parts needed by Tier 1.

OEM will have contracts with Tier 1 suppliers

Tier 1 suppliers will have contracts with Tier 2 suppliers

Tier 2 and 3 suppliers normally don't have any contracts with the OEM 

3 hours ago, Furioso said:

I think these cars sell for way less than half in China what than the price here in Thailand. I wonder what the import tax is? 

I think made in Thailand so no import tax GWM think current Thailand price is to low and should be B300,000 higher

https://www.nationthailand.com/pr-news/perspective/40001877

1 hour ago, JBChiangRai said:

 

I am not surprised.  I was somewhat suspicious of the last motorshow results, first 2 days BYD outsold Toyota then the cheating started...

I think this year brands wouldn't be focused on bookings so much and instead focus on completed sales as the FTI are stating at the moment rejection rate for finance is 50% so expect completed sales will be down

some brands have already downgraded their forecast total number of sales for the year 2024 due to current sharp economic contraction

Neta was reporting 20% finance rejection last August 

1 hour ago, KhunLA said:

That's not the upgraded ZS, but pre-2022, easy from the front grill ... 

Earlier post, though I didn't note where I sourced it from.

 

EDIT:  Hard to believe, I actually found the source, that took some searching

 

These below are what popped up w/G search:

 

 

 

the ip67 rating I found for current MG ZS EV and MG EP+ were from MG Thailand current pages

there isn't a huge difference between IP67 and IP69

IP69K adds protection Powerful high-temperature water jets

14 minutes ago, Gweiloman said:

I have a Haval H6 PHEV. It wasn’t cheap, Thb 1.7 million but I believe GWM has reduced the price to around Thb 1.4 million. 
 

I absolutely love the car. It smooth, comfortable, spacious especially when the back seats are down. 4 dogs plus luggage in track, no problem. I get a real world range of about 160-170 km on a full charge, normal city driving with occasional dual carriageway speeds of 100 kmh. I have hardly spent any money on petrol except when I do long distance trips. As @sirineoupointed out, I would probably never recover the premium price over an equivalent ICE but I have no regrets as it’s an extremely well made car, easily comparable to much more expensive European imports.

 

To me, it’s currently the best PHEV available, in part due to its electric range.

It seems that GWM is not happy with the price war between Brands and is planning to ask Chinese Government to operate a cartel regarding price reductions

There are other reports ( can't link here due to forum rules)  that GWM is planning to operate a price we publish is the price you pay no price reductions or discounts

I think Tesla use to have a similar policy while their sales were high and no competition 

My own personal view is sometimes manufacturers when they launch a new product in a new country they simply pick a price out of the air and run with that or reduce the price if there not getting the sales numbers they were expecting

https://autolifethailand.tv/gwm-chinese-brand-price-war/

21 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Really ... well ain't I special, IP69K & encased in steel ❤️

 

Sounds like a keeper.

IP67 according to MG

https://www.mgcars.com/th/mg-models/new-mg-zs-ev/maintenance

I have seen non mg sites use ip69K but no information on how they arrived at that rating

Interesting MG video shows how zs ev battery built does state IP67