1 hour ago, LosLobo said:

Thailand’s BEV growth is impressive. But the top three — Toyota, Honda and Isuzu — still mainly ICE and HEV makers — have seen their share slip only from about 61% to 55%, despite more EV brands sharing the pie, with greater choice and aggressive discounting. This suggests buyers still prize an engine, reliability, dealer networks, parts and resale value.

https://www.motorexpo.co.th/en/news/5065

I don’t see that conclusion.

I see an accelerating market share of EV’s.

Even Toyota are worried about their future.

Multiple senior Toyota executives—including Chairman Akio Toyoda, former CEO (now Vice Chairman) Koji Sato, and current CEO Kenta Kon—have publicly expressed concerns about the company’s future, often framing them around competition (especially from Chinese EV makers), the need to avoid complacency, quality/productivity issues, and adapting to industry shifts.

https://www.automotiveworld.com/news/akio-toyoda-warns-a-sense-of-crisis-is-brewing-at-toyota/

6 minutes ago, JBChiangRai said:

I don’t see that conclusion.

I see an accelerating market share of EV’s.

Even Toyota are worried about their future.

Multiple senior Toyota executives—including Chairman Akio Toyoda, former CEO (now Vice Chairman) Koji Sato, and current CEO Kenta Kon—have publicly expressed concerns about the company’s future, often framing them around competition (especially from Chinese EV makers), the need to avoid complacency, quality/productivity issues, and adapting to industry shifts.

https://www.automotiveworld.com/news/akio-toyoda-warns-a-sense-of-crisis-is-brewing-at-toyota/

Agree, and Toyota seems to only be holding ground in markets that don't allow, or heavily tax imported vehicles from China ... while losing ground elsewhere, almost across the board, as are other ICEV maker.

@LosLobo

1 hour ago, JBChiangRai said:

I don’t see that conclusion.

I see an accelerating market share of EV’s.

Even Toyota are worried about their future.

Multiple senior Toyota executives—including Chairman Akio Toyoda, former CEO (now Vice Chairman) Koji Sato, and current CEO Kenta Kon—have publicly expressed concerns about the company’s future, often framing them around competition (especially from Chinese EV makers), the need to avoid complacency, quality/productivity issues, and adapting to industry shifts.

https://www.automotiveworld.com/news/akio-toyoda-warns-a-sense-of-crisis-is-brewing-at-toyota/

That’s a classic strawman. I’m making an observation about the current local Thai market, particularly the Big Three — Toyota, Honda and Isuzu — not claiming Thailand represents the wider global market. Your evidence about Toyota HQ and its wider concerns doesn’t rebut my point about Thailand. If you want to make a separate argument about Toyota’s wider prospects, that’s fine — but it doesn’t address mine.

4 hours ago, LosLobo said:

That’s a classic strawman. I’m making an observation about the current local Thai market, particularly the Big Three — Toyota, Honda and Isuzu — not claiming Thailand represents the wider global market. Your evidence about Toyota HQ and its wider concerns doesn’t rebut my point about Thailand. If you want to make a separate argument about Toyota’s wider prospects, that’s fine — but it doesn’t address mine.

At least Toyota is learning, since sales of BEV started taking off. Only year up, is after they started going hybid with electric motors and improving the performance and fuel economy. Pretty sure their 'Cross' line is a big part of that. Still way behind though in BEV sector.

Keep decent market share, which means the other ICEV maker have slid down even worse.

BEVs are kicking butt in this category. See weblink below for more info/details.

https://autolifethailand.tv/sales-report-b-suv-bc-suv-july-2026/

4 hours ago, LosLobo said:

That’s a classic strawman. I’m making an observation about the current local Thai market, particularly the Big Three — Toyota, Honda and Isuzu — not claiming Thailand represents the wider global market. Your evidence about Toyota HQ and its wider concerns doesn’t rebut my point about Thailand. If you want to make a separate argument about Toyota’s wider prospects, that’s fine — but it doesn’t address mine.

I did address your conclusion, I talked about accelerating marketshare IN THAILAND.

14 hours ago, LosLobo said:

That’s a classic strawman. I’m making an observation about the current local Thai market, particularly the Big Three — Toyota, Honda and Isuzu — not claiming Thailand represents the wider global market. Your evidence about Toyota HQ and its wider concerns doesn’t rebut my point about Thailand. If you want to make a separate argument about Toyota’s wider prospects, that’s fine — but it doesn’t address mine.

My only issue with your previous post was your reference to ice being “reliable”

That must be why there’s more mechanics than 7/11’s…

FTI urges government to overhaul imported EV excise to ensure fairness

Surapong Paisitpatanapong, adviser to the chairman of the Automotive Industry Club, said it was particularly concerning that, of the 406,162 vehicles sold in the first seven months of the year, 125,411 were electric passenger vehicles, an increase of 97.39%.

Only 46,924 electric passenger vehicles were produced domestically, equivalent to 37.42% of electric passenger-vehicle sales.

Imported EVs therefore accounted for 62.58% of electric passenger-vehicle sales, prompting calls for a review of tax arrangements that may be unfair to internal-combustion vehicles and EVs produced in Thailand.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/economy/40070233

Have seen some reports of Excise Department is considering increasing the excise tax on fully built-up (CBU) imported EVs from the current concessional 10% to 30%–40%.

Edited August 31Aug 31 by vinny41
added link

nationthailand

FTI urges government to overhaul imported EV excise to en...

Vehicle sales rose 15.39% to 406,162 from January to July 2026, but one-tonne pickup sales fell 17.38%, while domestic electric passenger-car production totalled 46,924 units.

4 minutes ago, vinny41 said:

FTI urges government to overhaul imported EV excise to ensure fairness

Surapong Paisitpatanapong, adviser to the chairman of the Automotive Industry Club, said it was particularly concerning that, of the 406,162 vehicles sold in the first seven months of the year, 125,411 were electric passenger vehicles, an increase of 97.39%.

Only 46,924 electric passenger vehicles were produced domestically, equivalent to 37.42% of electric passenger-vehicle sales.

Imported EVs therefore accounted for 62.58% of electric passenger-vehicle sales, prompting calls for a review of tax arrangements that may be unfair to internal-combustion vehicles and EVs produced in Thailand.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/economy/40070233

Have seen some reports of Excise Department is considering increasing the excise tax on fully built-up (CBU) imported EVs from the current concessional 10% to 30%–40%.

After dominated for decades, and forcing their overpriced ICE crap on us ... SCREW 'EM

Besides, tired of smelling their damn exhaust when out on the scooter. BEV advanced enough, there is no need for ICEV. Still got my eyes on that RD6, and y'all can jack up the excise tax after next year.

Their dominance is a thing of the past, and hope they keep shutting plants down worldwide. Keep selling that crap in JP & USA.

Edited August 31Aug 31 by KhunLA

22 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

After dominated for decades, and forcing their overpriced ICE crap on us ... SCREW 'EM

Besides, tired of smelling their damn exhaust when out on the scooter. BEV advanced enough, there is no need for ICEV. Still got my eyes on that RD6, and y'all can jack up the excise tax after next year.

Their dominance is a thing of the past, and hope they keep shutting plants down worldwide. Keep selling that crap in JP & USA.

RD6 is currently imported from China so its price would increase if they increase the import

tax from 10% to 30-40%

would you still consider a RD6 if the import tax was raised to 30-40% from the current 10%

24 minutes ago, vinny41 said:

RD6 is currently imported from China so its price would increase if they increase the import

tax from 10% to 30-40%

would you still consider a RD6 if the import tax was raised to 30-40% from the current 10%

Hell no, as on the fence as it is. It's 739k now, adding 20% and it wouldn't even be a consideration. Only reason we bought the ZS was the 240k incentive & no import tax.

Still a bit overpriced. Although only that and the Atto3 were only SUVs realistically available.

Extremely overpriced now after the price war. You can pick up a S5 for 650k now, and basically same specs.

Edited August 31Aug 31 by KhunLA

11 hours ago, HighPriority said:

My only issue with your previous post was your reference to ice being “reliable”

That must be why there’s more mechanics than 7/11’s…

I think you missed my point — I said ‘an engine, reliability, dealer networks, parts and resale value’, not ‘engine reliability’. The Big Three’s resilience suggests buyers still value the strength and reliability of Toyota, Honda and Isuzu’s overall ownership proposition, whatever the powertrain.

Don’t get me wrong — once range anxiety is solved and the trusted main players fully embrace EVs, bringing their strength and resale confidence to the market, I suggest the EV will become the only solution — and an elegant one at that — for personal transport.

2 hours ago, vinny41 said:

FTI urges government to overhaul imported EV excise to ensure fairness

Have seen some reports of Excise Department is considering increasing the excise tax on fully built-up (CBU) imported EVs from the current concessional 10% to 30%–40%.

The govt is always looking for ways to increase taxes...and "excise" taxes is one of the sneaky ways to raise tax revenue that many people don't understand. Doesn't occur to many people that it was the government that effectively increased the price of a product via import/excise taxes and it was not the manufacturer or some world event that caused prices to increase. The tax system in Thailand relies heavily on VAT, excise, and import taxes since a majority of the population does not pay any personal income tax/don't even file an income tax return.

Additionally, the FTI complains about any and everything that negatively effects Thai industries...in a way they are anti-import....only buy Thai made products. I would hate to live in any country that heavily taxes most all imports....and Thailand sure likes to tax most vehicles that are imported....tax revenue rules!!!

Will be interesting in how the government keeps foreign and domestic happy (or at least not too PO'ed) regarding various taxes on ICE and EV vehicles.

2 hours ago, LosLobo said:

I think you missed my point — I said ‘an engine, reliability, dealer networks, parts and resale value’, not ‘engine reliability’. The Big Three’s resilience suggests buyers still value the strength and reliability of Toyota, Honda and Isuzu’s overall ownership proposition, whatever the powertrain.

Don’t get me wrong — once range anxiety is solved and the trusted main players fully embrace EVs, bringing their strength and resale confidence to the market, I suggest the EV will become the only solution — and an elegant one at that — for personal transport.

I must be reading the figures wrong, I see a slip in the big 3 of 10%.

What is more telling is the sheer growth in EV sales here, currently running at around 80%.

That’s not resilience, that’s a disaster for the big 3.

1 in 3 new car sales is now an EV. We are not seeing many EV pickups yet.

Pointing to a decline of only 10% in ICE sales as some kind of indication of resilience is fanciful and doesn’t describe what is happening.

EV’s are a revolution, no less than when ICE replaced the horse and cart.

10 minutes ago, JBChiangRai said:

I must be reading the figures wrong, I see a slip in the big 3 of 10%.

What is more telling is the sheer growth in EV sales here, currently running at around 80%.

That’s not resilience, that’s a disaster for the big 3.

1 in 3 new car sales is now an EV. We are not seeing many EV pickups yet.

Pointing to a decline of only 10% in ICE sales as some kind of indication of resilience is fanciful and doesn’t describe what is happening.

EV’s are a revolution, no less than when ICE replaced the horse and cart.

But but but Transman said they won't catch on. And he knows everything about everything.

10 hours ago, josephbloggs said:

But but but Transman said they won't catch on. And he knows everything about everything.

Expatoily said the same!

13 hours ago, JBChiangRai said:

I must be reading the figures wrong, I see a slip in the big 3 of 10%.

What is more telling is the sheer growth in EV sales here, currently running at around 80%.

That’s not resilience, that’s a disaster for the big 3.

1 in 3 new car sales is now an EV. We are not seeing many EV pickups yet.

Pointing to a decline of only 10% in ICE sales as some kind of indication of resilience is fanciful and doesn’t describe what is happening.

EV’s are a revolution, no less than when ICE replaced the horse and cart.

Yep, and one of the things saving Toyota & Isuzu, are trucks sales, as only 1 real BEV alternative, the Riddara RD6. Those big 3 are hanging in, but the other ICEV maker's sales are dismal at best, and why they are closing some factories worldwide.

I think most Thais are looking strongely at BEV for the next purchase, when that time comes along. Others obviously have jump in already. Most does aren't going to be concerned about range, just quality at better price point, so ICEV lose big time.

15 hours ago, Pib said:

Doesn't occur to many people that it was the government that effectively increased the price of a product via import/excise taxes and it was not the manufacturer or some world event that caused prices to increase. T

I was quite surprised how much of an excise tax added to the price of 'made in TH' entry level vehicles. Pointed out when govt offered excise tax rebates on 1st time buyer, back around 2012.

We picked up a Mazda 2 in wife's now, as 1st time buyer, and got 100k THB rebate. Shy of 20% off the sticker price, of 530k (?). That's a big chunk of change.

43 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Most does aren't going to be concerned about range, just quality at better price point, so ICEV lose big time.

Especially when you can now find a BEV for under THB 500,000, I’ll soon be retiring my 20-plus-year-old Nissan Sunny VIP and am currently keeping an eye on the Geely EX2.

For my intended use - shopping, errands, and general driving around Buri Ram - the EX2 would seem to fit the bill perfectly. For longer journeys, however, I’ll keep using my Mitsubishi Triton until it's time to replace it.

For me, that combination makes a lot of sense: an affordable BEV for everyday local driving and the Triton for infrequent trips.

3 hours ago, CharlesHolzhauer said:

For me, that combination makes a lot of sense: an affordable BEV for everyday local driving and the Triton for infrequent trips.

... we also kept a petrol car as a backup in case of an emergency. but now, we only use it about once every two weeks, mainly just to keep the 12v battery charged and working ... :-(

we use only our ev on long-distance trips. for us, driving for around two hours followed by a 20-minute charging break works perfectly with the way we normally travel ... the charging stop simply fits naturally into our road trips ...

i think many ev owners will realize, once they have gained some real experience with electric mobility, that road trips are absolutely possible and, at least for us personally, do not result in any meaningful loss of travel time ... :-)

to all happy and safe ev driving!

My friend bought a new MG S5EV-X 2 months ago, he has been diagnosed with macular degeneration and advised not to drive.

It’s the light gold model, done 200 km only and is offering it at 100,000 THB off list if anyone is interested.

Cost for our latest little O&A ...

MG ZS EV vs ZS ICE ... owned both

Edited September 15Sep 15 by KhunLA

The margin between EV charging and ICE refueling keeps shrinking. Geely has just unveiled a '4 minute charging system'.

Geely turns to 4 minute EV charging, AI in battle with BYD

Geely said its new setup can charge a vehicle from 10% to 70% in 4.5 minutes, and from 10% to 97% in 8 minutes and 40 seconds under normal ambient temperatures.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/geely-turns-4-minute-ev-charging-ai-battle-with-byd-2026-09-23/

44 minutes ago, GroveHillWanderer said:

The margin between EV charging and ICE refueling keeps shrinking. Geely has just unveiled a '4 minute charging system'.

Geely turns to 4 minute EV charging, AI in battle with BYD

Geely said its new setup can charge a vehicle from 10% to 70% in 4.5 minutes, and from 10% to 97% in 8 minutes and 40 seconds under normal ambient temperatures.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/geely-turns-4-minute-ev-charging-ai-battle-with-byd-2026-09-23/

And it only needs a 2.2MW (2,200KW) charger to achieve that 4 minute charging time. Thai EV charging networks will need to get on the ball to upgrade their DC chargers where the great majority are a mere 0.12MW (120KW) to 0.18MW (180KW) chargers....or said another way around 12 to 18 times more powerful than current, typical 120KW-180KW chargers. Maybe put these 2.2MW chargers at PEA power plants.🙂

Supported by a 2.2-megawatt charging infrastructure and a high-rate battery capacity, Geely said its new setup can charge a vehicle from 10% to 70% in 4.5 minutes, and from 10% to 97% in 8 minutes and 40 seconds under normal ambient temperatures.