Thailand's automobile exports jumped by nearly 14 per cent in August and the industrial confidence index for the next three months became positive, according to reports issued by the Federation of Thai Industries Monday.
The FTI's automotive industry club reported that the country shipped 101,982 motor vehicles last month, up 13.88 per cent from August 2014. The increase was attributed to a commencement of exports of new pickup-truck models and continued good export performance of eco-cars. By value, last month exports grew by 23.44 per cent to Bt52.86 billion.
FTI chairman Supant Mongkolsuthree said the Thai Industries Sentiment Index dropped to 82.4 in August, from 83.0 in the previous month, its eighth consecutive monthly decline. However, the sub-index on expectations on the next three months edged up to 102.0 from 101.2 in July. Scores above 100 indicate positive sentiment.
The automotive club said it would maintain this year's export production target at 1.2 million vehicles but might lower the domestic sales target.