Thai Carmakers Expect 5- to 20-Percent Drop in Exports.

Oct. 4--Carmakers are bracing for a fall of between 5 percent and 20 percent in vehicle exports from Thailand next year because of the weakening global economy and the impact of American action against terrorism.

A senior executive of MMC Sittipol Co, the country's largest automobile exporter, warned of the possible 20 percent plunge, saying that in November carmakers would start projecting next year's exports.

The volume would definitely fall, given shrinking overseas orders, said the executive of the Mitsubishi exporter, who declined to be identified.

Ninnart Chaithirapinyo, vice-chairman of Toyota Motor Thailand Co, projected a 5 percent decline from the export target of 200,000 vehicles this year.

"We will feel the pinch from the crisis in the fourth quarter this year and face harder times next year that will force many car companies to revise their export targets," he said.

Mr Ninnart who is also chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries' automobile industry club, said that domestic sales would drop to 290,000 this year from the earlier target of 300,000 to 320,000 units, mainly because of the economic slowdown.

"Though the oil price and interest rates are falling, auto sales are slowing down, surprisingly," said Mr Ninnart, adding that club members would meet soon to plan corrective action.