Chevrolet Cars In Thailand, Why So Many Now ? Suddenly I See Chevrolet Cars Everywhere !

[anon210]

I knew someone would be silly enough to overlook the impact such things have on the WORLD market. Anyone who thinks this is exclusive to Thailand is naive, some customers are savvy enough to understand that Thailand is not just a market unto it's selves and nor is Honda or any manufacturer meaning it reflects poorly on Honda regardless of the market and is ALWAYS a potential in EVERY market smoke-fire and all that.. And Chevy's not going to get any gold stars either or help their interests any with stories like this..

http://autos.yahoo.c...-152707580.html

In the end it looks like GM may be coming around but their initial reaction BEFORE it went to the net was less then impressive..

Then what is the effect on Toyota's market shares of this event?

http://www.marketwat...cles-2012-10-10

Toyota Motor Corp. said Wednesday it is recalling 7.43 million vehicles globally due to a potential fire risk with power window switches, including 2.47 million vehicles sold in the U.S.

The recall affects cars made between July 2005 and May 2010--including the Camry, Corolla and RAV4 SUV--sold in Japan, North America, Europe, China, the Middle East and Oceania, the company said.

Japan's biggest auto maker called it the largest recall ever for a single part, although it is second to the 7.7 million vehicles Toyota recalled worldwide in 2009 and 2010 targeting floor mats. The company maintains that wasn't technically a recall in some markets, but rather, a "safety campaign."

Reading again maybe I've mistaken your post as being sarcastic instead of agreement..Or maybe not.. Who knows? But it's a fact too that they share parts, suppliers and manufacturing across the models and don't manufacture entirely new parts in every or any given assembly plant.. Ironic I posted that original post and then within 24 hours both manufacturers announce massive recalls...

My post was really half sarcastic, half abounding in your sense. I was wondering, if the small recall (limited to one model and one continent, if I read correctly) affecting Honda would cause issues to its image in Thailand, what should such repeated recalls by Toyota cause then?

And despite these issues, the common perception of Toyota in Thailand is that the brand has a very strong reputation of reliability and quality.

[WarpSpeed]

Firstly it's not a small recall if you read the link for either manufacturer and in Hondas case it's been ongoing seriously effecting their market and reputation in the largest market in the world that dwarfs little old Thailand. But since they manufacture a lot of the worlds cars here for export it's not possible for it NOT to effect the Thai market in some manner.

Secondly the fact that you suggest it may not effect the thinking or loyalty of Thai's speaks more about them then it does the quality of other car brands available, can they think for themselves or just follow a few in a crowd without wavering for generations regardless? Rhetorical question BTW..

[anon210]

Firstly it's not a small recall if you read the link for either manufacturer and in Hondas case it's been ongoing seriously effecting their market and reputation in the largest market in the world that dwarfs little old Thailand. But since they manufacture a lot of the worlds cars here for export it's not possible for it NOT to effect the Thai market in some manner.

Secondly the fact that you suggest it may not effect the thinking or loyalty of Thai's speaks more about them then it does the quality of other car brands available, can they think for themselves or just follow a few in a crowd without wavering for generations regardless? Rhetorical question BTW..

I will not do generalizations about Thais, but consider one moment that all they have to make up their minds are some pseudo articles, knowledge about presence of dealers and word of mouth. Some of them may be more independent (hi-so), but for the average thai driver, what happens outside of Thailand = non-existing.

Sent from my GT-N7000 using Thaivisa Connect App

[pieeyed]

I previously owned a 2006 Captiva 2.0l LT which we just sold to a used car dealer for 750k. It had just over 120km on it and we had no problems with the vehicle ever. I bought the 2012 Captiva 2.0l LTZ, because I love the little diesel motor, the wife loves the way it drives and I have been very happy with the service that Chevy has given us over the years. Many Toyota, Honda and Isuzu dealers do not want to give a farang the time of day, also their products are not any better than Chevy or Ford.

[IMHO]

All that said, they're still competing with Ford for last place in domestically produced cars, but times (and GM's fortunes in TH) are changing..

Actually, based on August and preliminary September numbers, they've now climbed a spot..

Market Shares currently look like something this (in brackets = market share 3 years ago):

Toyota: 34% (43.4)

Isuzu: 14.6% (20.5)

Honda: 14% (15.8)

Mitsubishi: 9% (3.5)

Nissan: 6.5% (5.5)

Chev: 5.7% (2.3)

Mazda: 5.6% (1.7)

Ford: 4.8% (1.5)

Suzuki: 2.1% (0.6)

[guzzi850m2]

It's good to see that Thais finally buys something else than Toyota's and Isuzu's, not that I got anything against the 2 brands but they properly realize that other manufacturers also can make good reliable vehicles too.

[stevenl]

I will not do generalizations about Thais, <cut> but for the average thai driver, what happens outside of Thailand = non-existing.

Yes, you're right, no generalisation about Thais, only about Thai drivers.

[ThaiBob]

Looks like others have gained at the expense of Toyota and Isuzu. Just a few years ago you hardly even saw a Ford or Chevy. Now Ford is producing the new Focus at the new plant in Rayong.

[WarpSpeed]

Firstly it's not a small recall if you read the link for either manufacturer and in Hondas case it's been ongoing seriously effecting their market and reputation in the largest market in the world that dwarfs little old Thailand. But since they manufacture a lot of the worlds cars here for export it's not possible for it NOT to effect the Thai market in some manner.

Secondly the fact that you suggest it may not effect the thinking or loyalty of Thai's speaks more about them then it does the quality of other car brands available, can they think for themselves or just follow a few in a crowd without wavering for generations regardless? Rhetorical question BTW..

I will not do generalizations about Thais, but consider one moment that all they have to make up their minds are some pseudo articles, knowledge about presence of dealers and word of mouth. Some of them may be more independent (hi-so), but for the average thai driver, what happens outside of Thailand = non-existing.

Sent from my GT-N7000 using Thaivisa Connect App

No, sure you don't? I'd suggest that the broader educated Thais most certainly do ..

Edit: I see that Steven beat me to it, well done Steven..

[IMHO]

That doesn't sound right to me.

Does the Chevy and Isuzu truck have the same chassis, engine and rubbing gear. ?

Dunno what rubbing gear is, but

Both D-Max and Colorado have the same chassis and basic running gear, the same body from the A pillar back, and same interior.

The differences are front end styling, rear tail lamp design, engines, gearboxes, transfer case, diff (LSD models) and minor packaging details (e.g. stereo, interior/exterior colors, rear bumper and rollover bar design etc).

The previous gen shared all of the above plus engines, transfer cases and gearboxes, but not the diff (Chev don't share their LSD).. If you have a good look under an older Colorado, you'll see they didn't even bother to get the 3rd party sourced parts GM branded - most parts have Isuzu stamped all over them still

Both have been made in the exact same GM Thailand factory since 2004.

[anon210]

I will not do generalizations about Thais, <cut> but for the average thai driver, what happens outside of Thailand = non-existing.

Yes, you're right, no generalisation about Thais, only about Thai drivers.

@Warp and @Steven... I take simple facts, namely that the access to (real) information outside of Thailand is pretty much unavailable, unless you master some degree of English. Considering that the majority of the population does not speak English, it is safe to assume that average thai drivers (and maybe I should further qualify and point to average thai driver who does not possess English at a fluent level etc) do not have access to common facts that you or me may possess. For non-car specialists, even the access to specialized information would have to be reinterpreted by someone "in the know". So, it is a safe assumption that most of the persons interested in owning a car, will go with word of mouth on what they hear about 1° reliability ; 2° quality; 3° impact of incidents out of Thailand.

They would go with Honda or Toyota because of the decade-long reputation for reliability and service. To be really impacted, there should be a number of incidents impacting thai people in Thailand (like terrible service, quality issues on a car, etc), for this to really start doing the rounds.

Anybody remember that female police officer who demolished a Cruze in front of a dealership? What impact did THAT have on sales of Chevy?

[IMHO]

Anybody remember that female police officer who demolished a Cruze in front of a dealership? What impact did THAT have on sales of Chevy?

Same effect all the other 'media stuntmen' wrecking their Toyotas, Hondas, Nissans etc on Thai TV over the years have had I expect - i.e. not a lot

[stevenl]

I will not do generalizations about Thais, <cut> but for the average thai driver, what happens outside of Thailand = non-existing.

Yes, you're right, no generalisation about Thais, only about Thai drivers.

@Warp and @Steven... I take simple facts, namely that the access to (real) information outside of Thailand is pretty much unavailable, unless you master some degree of English. Considering that the majority of the population does not speak English, it is safe to assume that average thai drivers (and maybe I should further qualify and point to average thai driver who does not possess English at a fluent level etc) do not have access to common facts that you or me may possess. For non-car specialists, even the access to specialized information would have to be reinterpreted by someone "in the know". So, it is a safe assumption that most of the persons interested in owning a car, will go with word of mouth on what they hear about 1° reliability ; 2° quality; 3° impact of incidents out of Thailand.

They would go with Honda or Toyota because of the decade-long reputation for reliability and service. To be really impacted, there should be a number of incidents impacting thai people in Thailand (like terrible service, quality issues on a car, etc), for this to really start doing the rounds.

Anybody remember that female police officer who demolished a Cruze in front of a dealership? What impact did THAT have on sales of Chevy?

I am not saying anything about the quality of the generalisation, only that you say: I am not making generalisations, to make a generalisation 2 lines further on.

[cowslip]

Aveo, Captiva, Cruze and Colorado are all "produced" or assembled in Thailand.

Their lineage is presumably partly Opel or Isuzu depending on the model.

the market is changing in Thailand as first time car ownership (equipment market) is replaced by those buying their 2nd or 3rd new vehicle etc etc.

Pickups have always had a price advantage as their regulations are subsidised by the govt - tax, specification etc.

it seems that these regs are being stetted - i.e. Fortuner, Pajero and the New Chevy Trailblazer

Also their arean increasing number of small basic saloons entering the market and the pick falls gradually becomes less fashionable.

[inov8]

That doesn't sound right to me.

Does the Chevy and Isuzu truck have the same chassis, engine and rubbing gear. ?

Dunno what rubbing gear is, but

Both D-Max and Colorado have the same chassis and basic running gear, the same body from the A pillar back, and same interior.

The differences are front end styling, rear tail lamp design, engines, gearboxes, transfer case, diff (LSD models) and minor packaging details (e.g. stereo, interior/exterior colors, rear bumper and rollover bar design etc).

The previous gen shared all of the above plus engines, transfer cases and gearboxes, but not the diff (Chev don't share their LSD).. If you have a good look under an older Colorado, you'll see they didn't even bother to get the 3rd party sourced parts GM branded - most parts have Isuzu stamped all over them still

Both have been made in the exact same GM Thailand factory since 2004.

you mean same goes with the Trailblazer and the future replacement of MU7?

who owns which part?

just asking.

[ignis]

Guess what your soon to see a lot more Chevy's next year, adding the Chevy Trax [small SUV] and the Chevy Spin [small MPV]

Price of the Chevy Trax around 800 - 900,000 baht, time will tell if this will be a better deal than the Mazda CX5, or the Subaru XV

Chevy Spin 700 - 800,000 baht, of course some people will spend a few hundred thousand more just to have a Honda badge on the front of there small MPV called Freed.

[IMHO]

That doesn't sound right to me.

Does the Chevy and Isuzu truck have the same chassis, engine and rubbing gear. ?

Dunno what rubbing gear is, but

Both D-Max and Colorado have the same chassis and basic running gear, the same body from the A pillar back, and same interior.

The differences are front end styling, rear tail lamp design, engines, gearboxes, transfer case, diff (LSD models) and minor packaging details (e.g. stereo, interior/exterior colors, rear bumper and rollover bar design etc).

The previous gen shared all of the above plus engines, transfer cases and gearboxes, but not the diff (Chev don't share their LSD).. If you have a good look under an older Colorado, you'll see they didn't even bother to get the 3rd party sourced parts GM branded - most parts have Isuzu stamped all over them still

Both have been made in the exact same GM Thailand factory since 2004.

you mean same goes with the Trailblazer and the future replacement of MU7?

who owns which part?

just asking.

The next MU-7 is still some time away, but there's been no suggestions it'll share anything specifically developed for the Trailblazer - i.e. it'll be built using the same chassis platform (GMI700/RT7), but all body and chassis mods are expected to be done in-house by Isuzu.

As for who does what, Isuzu developed the chassis for the current-gen, but outside of the differences listed earlier, the rest of shared dev work was done by GM Brazil.

[ignis]

with the 'done in-house' Chevy and Isuzu, will there be a next generation of these models done by TR ?

[IMHO]

with the 'done in-house' Chevy and Isuzu, will there be a next generation of these models done by TR ?

Production of the Thairung Allroader and Adventure models (Dmax/Colorado based) ceased earlier this year - so that leaves the Vigo-based Hummer lookalike, and the Dmax/Colorado Limo as their only current models.

No news on plans to re-introduce the Allroader/Adventure again, but can't see why not - there's always a going to be a market for an ~$800K diesel 7-seater..

[cowslip]

with the 'done in-house' Chevy and Isuzu, will there be a next generation of these models done by TR ?

Production of the Thairung Allroader and Adventure models (Dmax/Colorado based) ceased earlier this year - so that leaves the Vigo-based Hummer lookalike, and the Dmax/Colorado Limo as their only current models.

No news on plans to re-introduce the Allroader/Adventure again, but can't see why not - there's always a going to be a market for an ~$800K diesel 7-seater..

Doubt if they can sell it outside Thailand

[Bangkokhatter]

Can any-one tell me what the Colorado is actually like to drive ?

Just found out that due to waiting lists at Isuzu , my company have decided they are gonna buy me a Colorado, 4 door with AT, am pleased about the automatic but have heard a few horror stories about Chevrolet in the past.

[likewise]

I got no complaints driving the Colorado 4x4, it is a bit on the big side for city driving but I bought it for off road usage.

[bangsaenguy]

My wife saw a photo of the Trax and would buy one tomorrow I think. Apparently it's narak.

[keemapoot]

My wife saw a photo of the Trax and would buy one tomorrow I think. Apparently it's narak.

Yeah, I want to see that and also the new Escape, as my wife also wants one of the new smaller crossover SUVs coming out next year.

[Nordicdolphin]

Quote from the Top Gear home Page about the Chevrolet Cruze "cheap car, cheaply made" kind of says it all. Be careful when buying cars from a company in ressesion ods are they are trying to save a lot on production costs

[WarpSpeed]

Quote from the Top Gear home Page about the Chevrolet Cruze "cheap car, cheaply made" kind of says it all. Be careful when buying cars from a company in ressesion ods are they are trying to save a lot on production costs

Yes, quote a small group of TV car show hosts as the word of God, that's a top source ..

What is a "ressesion" BTW? And how does it pertain to an automotive company?

[ignis]

ods are they are trying to save a lot on production costs

What they appear to be doing [like others] have diffident bodies on basically the same car, in each group.

Eg: Just need to look at the Mini, how many body types are there for the same car.

[stevenl]

Quote from the Top Gear home Page about the Chevrolet Cruze "cheap car, cheaply made" kind of says it all. Be careful when buying cars from a company in ressesion ods are they are trying to save a lot on production costs

I agree with the conclusion, but the reason 'ressesion' has IMO nothing to do with this. I would even say one of the reasons they had problems during the 'ressesion' was the 'cheaply made' part of the opinion on the Cruze.

[WarpSpeed]

Quote from the Top Gear home Page about the Chevrolet Cruze "cheap car, cheaply made" kind of says it all. Be careful when buying cars from a company in ressesion ods are they are trying to save a lot on production costs

I agree with the conclusion, but the reason 'ressesion' has IMO nothing to do with this. I would even say one of the reasons they had problems during the 'ressesion' was the 'cheaply made' part of the opinion on the Cruze.

Not likely, the Cruise has come out post 'ressesion' and is one good reason they're making a solid come back.. But I've seen the Cruise and was quite impressed it seemed far more solid and well made then did anything else in it's class for similar money.

[stevenl]

Quote from the Top Gear home Page about the Chevrolet Cruze "cheap car, cheaply made" kind of says it all. Be careful when buying cars from a company in ressesion ods are they are trying to save a lot on production costs

I agree with the conclusion, but the reason 'ressesion' has IMO nothing to do with this. I would even say one of the reasons they had problems during the 'ressesion' was the 'cheaply made' part of the opinion on the Cruze.

Not likely, the Cruise has come out post 'ressesion' and is one good reason they're making a solid come back.. But I've seen the Cruise and was quite impressed it seemed far more solid and well made then did anything else in it's class for similar money.

My comment was about GM in general, not specific the Cruze.