(July 2010) Large pickups provided a small boost to U.S. light-vehicle sales in June, according to J.D. Power and Associates sales analysis. The sub-segment garnered an 11.66% share of industry sales in June, up more than 1 percentage point from 10.58% a year ago, and even slightly ahead of the 11.54% share of industry sales for the month of May, when overall industry sales were stronger.

Ford F-Series sales climbed nearly 30% in June from last year, while General Motors large pickup deliveries were up more than 26% from a year ago.
 
Thai light-vehicle sales climb significantly from 2009
 
Recent wire service news stories reported that passenger-vehicle sales in Thailand surged 50% in May from a year ago despite political unrest. In addition, vehicle exports more than doubled, according to media reports.  Ammar Master, senior market analyst in the J.D. Power Asia Pacific Bangkok, Thailand, office was asked to comment on Thailand’s auto sales forecast and for a breakdown of major players and performance in this growing market.
 
“Thailand’s light-vehicle sales in May rose by 53% year over year to 61,000 units, while year-to-date (January through May) sales were up 167% from last year to 278,000 units — rising from a low base last year,” Master said, noting that Ford Motor Company sales rose 17% in May from last year and were up by 84% to more than 3,000 unit sales in the January-May 2010 period. “We forecast that Ford’s sales in Thailand will reach 14,000 units, which is up 84% year over year,” he said.
 
Master said that J.D. Power’s forecast for Thailand’s light-vehicle sales in 2010 is 630,000 units, an increase of 18% from 2009 sales of 534,000 units. He also listed the top 10 automakers in the Thai market through May: