While not related specifically to Thailand its quite interesting to see the trend in the US regarding its auto sales and which manufacturers are thriving. The Nikkei reported on July 4, 2012 that the U.S. auto market continues to rebound.  Sales figures are slowly returning levels not seen since the Bush Jr era. The total of number of cars sold by Asian makers — 7 Japanese and one Korean manufacturer (Hyundai + Kia) shared 45.7% of the total cars sold in U.S. during the first six months of 2012.  The ‘Big’ three, had but 45% market share.  That left about 9% held by EU producers..

Add the Chinese players, and they are now on the move– and it will not be long before Detroit is on the defensive again.

Remember, that the yen is at 80 to the USD.  Think through where this goes if the yen trades back to 90-100.

According to the report, the breakdowns of sales in U.S. during the first six months of 2012 by leading U.S. and Asian car manufacturers are as follows:

GM 1,315,713 (18.1%)
Ford 1,140,383 (15.7%)
Toyota 1,046,096 (14.4%)
Chrysler 813,362 (11.2%)
Honda 700,982 ( 9.6%)
Hyundai 645,376 ( 8.9%)
Nissan 577,721 ( 7.9%)

Source: Auto Data, Inc. (U.S.).