BANGKOK, Aug. 2026 - Chinese automotive brands achieved a historic milestone in Thailand: in January 2026, their combined market share reached 47.34%, surpassing Japanese brands for the first time in Thailand's automotive history. Chinese brands already command over 80% of Thailand's pure electric vehicle market, with BYD leading the charge.
Seven major Chinese automakers have established manufacturing facilities in Thailand, with cumulative investments exceeding $3 billion, transitioning from vehicle exports to localized production. BYD's Thai factory is operating at full capacity, while Chery's Vietnam factory officially began production in 2026. Across Southeast Asia, Chinese automakers sold over 800,000 vehicles in 2025, up more than 120% year-on-year, with average market share exceeding 35% and approaching 50% in some markets.
In Indonesia, Wuling, BYD, and Chery dominated the top five EV sales rankings, with Wuling holding over 50% market share. At the Bangkok International Motor Show, Chinese brands captured 77.62% of total orders. However, Thailand has recently raised compliance requirements, presenting new challenges for Chinese automakers' local operations.
Source: WeChat Official Accounts, Sina Finance, Baijiahao, 2026
