Automotive Summit 2026: Opportunities for Thailand's Future Automotive Industry
Thailand's Automotive Institute will host the Automotive Summit 2026 on June 17-18 to help local entrepreneurs seize opportunities in the evolving automotive sector, as the country strengthens its position as Asia's fifth-largest vehicle ma
The Automotive Institute has announced its readiness to organize the 'Automotive Summit 2026' on June 17-18, preparing Thai entrepreneurs to capitalize on future automotive industry opportunities. Kriengsak Wongpromrut, director of the Automotive Institute, revealed that despite Thailand facing multifaceted challenges, the country continues to maintain its powerful position as the world's 11th largest vehicle manufacturer, Asia's 5th largest, and ASEAN's leading automotive producer. In 2024, total vehicle production reached 1.45 million units, a decline of approximately 1% from the previous year, with alternative energy vehicles (xEV) comprising over 20% of production. Domestic sales reached 620,000 units, up 9% with xEV accounting for 44%, while exports totaled 927,000 units, down 9% compared to the previous year.
In the first quarter of 2025, recovery signals are emerging, with vehicle production reaching 370,000 units, up 5%, domestic sales increasing 19%, while exports stood at 220,000 units, down 2%. The 2025 production target is set at 1.45 million vehicles, with domestic sales of 550,000 units and exports of 950,000 units. The electric vehicle (BEV) market is experiencing explosive growth due to the EV 3.0 and EV 3.5 measures. Last year, domestic BEV production reached 70,914 units, a sixfold increase from the previous year, with sales hitting 121,415 units, up 81%.
Tailand's automotive industry is fully entering the Smart Mobility era, reflected in the adoption of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in new vehicle models. Major export markets have announced GSR safety measures aligned with the Vision Zero goal of eliminating road fatalities by 2050. A Deloitte survey found that Thai consumers today prioritize quality and smart technology at 62% and 59% respectively. The Automotive Institute is promoting a national roadmap through four key dimensions: 'Safe, Convenient, Economical, and Environmentally Friendly'—concepts gaining global importance. The Automotive Summit 2026, held under the theme 'Smart Mobility – Smarter is Future,' will be conducted in Thai and English, covering these four dimensions across 19 seminars including topics such as 'Driving Safer Roads: Smart Mobility Solutions for Thailand's Traffic Challenges' and 'How Smart Passive Safety Systems Save Lives.'
