Thailand: The market picked up in May, and sales of plug-in hybrid models increased significantly
According to foreign media reports, Thailand’s domestic car sales in May 2025 will be 52,229 units, an increase of 10.67% month-on-month and 4.73% year-on-year. The sales of pure electric, plug-in hybrid and fuel vehicles in passenger cars increased by 118.64%, 234.68% and 3.19% respectively, showing that Thai consumers have increased their acceptance of pure electric models, the market demand for plug-in hybrid technology is strong, and the main driving force of the market has shiftedNew energy vehiclesThe growth of the fuel vehicle market is relatively weak.
In May, Thailand was pureElectric vehiclesales were 12,034 units, up 119.8% month-on-month and 91.5% year-on-year, accounting for 25.6% of total vehicle sales this month. Among them, BYD DOLPHIN sold 1,681 units, making it the best-selling model with a market share of 14.0%. The runner-up was the BYD SEALION7 (BYD Hiace 07 EV) with 1,380 units sold, and the third runner-up was the Tesla Model Y with 1,056 units.
From January to May, a total of 43,733 pure electric vehicles were sold, with BYD selling 13,860 units, the runner-up was MG with 4,664 units, and GAC Aion won the third place with 3,887 units.
Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur’s future buses lead travel, and GAC Trumpchi starts local assembly and production
A few days ago, Malaysian Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced at the launching ceremony of the Kuala Lumpur 2040 Local Plan (PTKL2040) that public transport will replace private cars as the core pillar of the capital’s development. The government will promote new infrastructure projects such as MRT and bicycle lanes to ensure that “cities serve the majority”. Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif has set a clear target of increasing bus utilisation to 70% by 2040. PTKL2040 plan will create a more livable “people-friendly Kuala Lumpur” through transportation restructuring, green space expansion (20 square meters of open space per capita) and digital management.
WTC Automotif, the general agent of GAC Trumpchi Malaysia, announced that the new C-segment SUV model Emkoo has officially started local assembly and production at the Segambut plant in Kuala Lumpur and is expected to be launched in the third quarter of this year. This move will fill the gap in the brand’s C-segment SUV in the Malaysian market and provide consumers with new choices. With its large space, intelligent configuration and localized production strategy, Emkoo is expected to become the new focus of the Malaysian B-segment SUV market.
Indonesia: Xpeng Indonesia has started localized production, and BYD’s expansion faces three challenges
A few days ago, Xpeng Motors announced the launch of its world’s first overseas localized production project in Indonesia, and the X9 right-hand drive version will be put into production at the Cikarang plant in Jakarta in July, and will be assembled by partner PT Handal Indonesia Motor (HIM), becoming Xpeng’s first overseas production base. Indonesian dealer Erajaya Active Lifestyle (ERAL), as an official partner, leads the construction of sales and service networks, emphasizing that the products will promote the popularization of electric vehicles in Indonesia. Sam Chu, head of Xpeng’s Southeast Asia business, said that Indonesia’s localization is a milestone in brand globalization, and will accelerate technology equality and market penetration in Southeast Asia in the future.
Local media said that BYD’s expansion in Indonesia faces three challenges: first, consumer cognitive barriers, Indonesian users are generally unfamiliar with the logic of electric vehicles, and there are misunderstandings such as battery life anxiety and safety doubts. BYD needs to invest a lot of energy in cultivating the market, explaining that “electric vehicles are essentially lifestyle changes” rather than simply replacing vehicles.
Second, the competition and after-sales shortcomings in the Red Sea, the surge in Indonesian electric vehicle brands, and the fierce price competition. Although BYD endorses the “global sales champion” technology, its after-sales network coverage is far less than that of Japanese brands such as Toyota, and consumers are worried about maintenance convenience; Third, regional penetration is insufficient, and the acceptance of second-tier cities and remote areas is sluggish.
Philippines: 97% of consumers rely on digital channels to research models
Differential Singapore, a Singapore-based consulting firm focusing on customer experience research, recently released its first Philippine Customer Experience Index (CXI) research report, pointing out that the average score of product satisfaction (total score of 1,000 points) of Chinese auto brands is 841 points, narrowing the gap with Japanese brands (866 points) and becoming the fastest growing force in the Philippine market. Chinese brands such as BYD have won a significant share among young consumers with electrification technology, innovative design and cost-effective strategies.
The study also pointed out that 97% of Filipino consumers rely on digital channels to research models before purchasing a car, and social media and brand official websites have become the core positions for Chinese cars to spread the technological advantages of Chinese cars. Sigfred M. Doloroso, Regional Manager of Differential Singapore, pointed out that the speed of innovation of Chinese brands is reshaping the rules of competition, but the long-term reputation of Japanese brands remains a challenge. The future outcome depends on localized service capabilities and electrification ecological construction.
