21 June 2023

Thai Pickup/SUV Production : 2015-22










Thailand is a major manufacturer of pickup trucks and their SUV derivatives. The trucks are the big selling side of the business but using them as a basis for an SUV is cost effective. They do lose some refinement but they are getting better in that regard.

Between 2015 and 2019 (not shown here due to display limitations), volume was consistently in the 1 to 1.1 million units. 2020 dropped to just over 800,000 with GM, Mazda, and Fiat departing as well as a general downturn. 










In 2021, the million mark was nearly reached and 1.2 million in 2022. They are listed below in descending volume. It needs to be noted that this data is for production in Thailand so in this doesn't necessarily represent global output.

Toyota has produced over 3 million units since 2015, 91% were the Hilux model (top picture) and 9% the Fortuner SUV. Isuzu is next at 2 million with a similar mix of volume. The MU-X SUV is pictured just above. Mitsubishi follows at 1.6 million and with a quarter of the production for the Pajero Sport SUV. The Triton or L200 is shown below. 











Ford reached 1.2 million units with 87% for the Ranger pickup truck. The Everest SUV is pictured below the chart. GM had an 80-20 split with its quarter of a million vehicles made, but that finished in 2019 so just five years of production. Mazda was similar in timeframe and without an SUV option. Finally, the Fullback from Fiat which two years before being phased out. 

Summary: Love them or hate them, they sell. In some countries, the pickup variants are the best selling models. I certainly do not aspire to own anything like these vehicles but for many, they are just the ticket. 

No comments:

Post a Comment