BRIEFING: ASEAN automotive market review

The six-nation ASEAN trading bloc has suffered in line with the global economic downturn, with overall vehicle sales down 21.6% in the first half of 2009 to 844,000 units, and all markets reporting declines. But the fall has not been consistent across the region. Some markets have outperformed others, as their governments have acted positively to stimulate the market with measures such as tax cuts, scrappage schemes or relaxed credit rules. In this month's briefing we review the nations' car market performances and the latest manufacturer activity across the region.