BYD outsold Toyota at Bangkok International Motor Show 2026
BYD overtook Toyota at BIMS 2026 to become the best-seller there, with seven other Chinese EV brands in the Bangkok event's top 10.
The Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) 2026 officially wrapped up with a staggering 132,951 bookings. Thailand's long-standing champion, Toyota, was knocked out from the top spot by BYD and slid into second place.
While the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) in Thailand had been predictable, the recent volatility in domestic fuel prices acted as a massive catalyst. This shift accelerated the Thai market's transition from ICE to electric, surprisingly pushing several legacy Japanese brands off the leaderboard.
Top 10 bookings by brand at Bangkok International Motor Show 2026:
- BYD: 17,354 units
- Toyota: 15,750 units
- Omoda & Jaecoo : 15,088 units
- MG: 10,537 units
- DEEPAL & NEVO: 8,573 units
- Geely: 7,811 units
- Chery: 7,509 units
- Great Wall Motor (GWM): 6,819 units
- GAC: 6,287 units
- Honda: 5,907 units
Toyota was #2 at BIMS 2026, despite its evergreen appeal to motorists in Thailand's SUV and pickup segments.
The takeaway is clear: demand for EVs in Thailand has reached a fever pitch, with 8 out of the top 10 spots now occupied by Chinese EV manufacturers. Toyota, which once held an undisputed lead in the SUV and pickup segments, has been relegated to second position at this point, while Honda - the only other Japanese brand in the top tier - barely held on at the #10 spot.
However, it is important to remember that these figures represent "bookings" and do not yet reflect "actual registrations" in the coming months.
Omoda-Jaecoo was #3 at BIMS 2026, with about 4,500 more bookings than 4th-placed MG.
Toyota was #2 at BIMS 2026, despite its evergreen appeal to motorists in Thailand's SUV and pickup segments.
Nevertheless, these numbers serve as a powerful indicator of the Thai automotive industry's direction. Interestingly, this surge in the country's crucial automotive sector seems to be moving in stark contrast to the broader economic climate.
For those who missed BIMS 2026, mark your calendars for the next Bangkok battle of the Thai automotive industry, slated for 2 to 13 December 2026 at Thailand International Motor Expo 2026 in IMPACT Muang Thong Thani. This upcoming car-sales battle for the 2026 year-end is guaranteed to be even more intense than BIMS 2026, as every car brand races to refine their sales strategies and seize their share of Thailand's rapidly expanding EV pie.
Read More: BYD was Singapore's best-seller in 2025 for the second year running, with 11,184 units registered
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