Categories that top the chart were motorcycles and private cars seating less than 7 passengers.

Jantira Buruspat, Deputy Director-General of the DLT, said the number of new vehicles registered from January to June was about the same as the first half of last year but the number of registered passenger cars seating less than 7 went up by 8 per cent to 405,000 and pick-up trucks also saw a 6 per cent increase to 149,000.

Motorcycles were still the most registered type of vehicle but at 971,000 they were 4 per cent down on 2018.

The DLT also released data for the number of accumulated registered vehicles in Thailand at the end of June.

Among a total of 40.19 million registered vehicles, 21.05 million were motorcycles, 9.71 million personal cars with less than 7 seats and 6.70 million were private pick-up trucks. The small remainder were 1.13 million trucks, 422,000 passenger cars with more than 7 seats and 163,000 buses.

“To facilitate the registration process at the DLT, we recommend vehicle retailers to provide buyers with a complete set of the necessary documents,” said Jantira.

“Also, car buyers need to know the conditions and regulations regarding the use of red licence plate vehicles. Red license plates can be used temporarily for only 30 days after they received their vehicles and must be accompanied by the vehicle booklet issued by the DLT.”

Ashe added that those violating the rules would be subject to a maximum fine of Bt10,000.

The 10th-generation Accord was introduced in May in three versions – the Turbo EL priced at Bt1.475 million, Hybrid at Bt1.639 million and Hybrid Tech at Bt1.799 million.

The new Accord takes on a more dramatic appearance with an aggressive front end and a lower and wider stance, as well as a lighter body and more rigid body structure. Meanwhile, the chassis is also lighter and more complicated.

There being no test cars for the hybrid as yet, I borrowed the Turbo EL last week from distributor Honda Automobile (Thailand) and had a pretty good time, encountering several surprises.

First is the engine size. With a saloon the size of the Accord (think BMW 5 Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class), you’d expect at least a 2.0-litre or even a 3.0 V6 engine to be offered.

In fact, the new Accord comes with a 1.5-litre engine, same size as the Honda City subcompact. But relief soon follows when you read the rest of the specs.

The 4-cylinder twin-cam 16-valve engine is turbocharged and is capable of pumping out as much as 190 horsepower. The 243Nm of torque (available across the range from 1,500-5,500rpm) might not be a head-turner, but the low-loss CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) does make up for it with instant response and speedy acceleration.

This 1.5-ilitre direct-injection VTEC turbo engine actually generates more power than the previous 2.4-litre engine, and at the same time is more fuel-efficient than the 2.0-litre engine.

Acceleration from 0-100km/h is slightly over nine seconds, and the top speed is approximately 190km/h.

Fire up the engine and, although a slight ticking sound can be heard outside the car, the cabin remains quiet. The engine revs up smoothly too, which is another pleasant surprise, especially for someone who prefers a silky V6 in a car this size.

According to Honda, the new model is 56kg lighter than its predecessor and the centre of gravity is marginally lower.

There are economy, normal and sport modes to choose from, via buttons beneath the gearshift lever. In sport mode, the rev counter is optimised and the engine note is slightly more audible (not much), apart from the boost in performance.

At low speeds you can feel a good amount of comfort being offered by the damping system (the steering is also super-light). It’s actually so comfortable that you’d expect it to fail badly in sporty driving, but that wasn’t the case.

The steering (the steering wheel also had the right dimensions for my Asian hands) provided excellent turn-in response and precision compared to the previous model (instantly reminded me of Mercedes-Benz steering), and the front strut/rear multi-link suspension held on well to corners, offering great balance between holding the road and comfort.

I liked cruising in the Accord on the motorway, which was highly relaxing, especially with the music on. At 120km/h, the Accord provided a comfortable ride with low wind and road noise plus good visibility (small A-pillars up front help a lot).

The seats were also comfortable, with entry/exit function and two memory settings for the front pair.

There’s plenty of room in the cabin (beige or black depending on the exterior colour), which is so wide that a short person would have difficulty reaching for the front passenger door opener.

There are large seats at the rear and legroom is excellent (thanks to a longer wheelbase), a plus for company executives and, in case of families, the kids and in-laws (who are at their best when asleep).

I also fancied the new infotainment system, which is easier to use than the previous design, and another nice surprise is that the sound quality has also been improved.

Apart from the electronics, the quieter cabin (Honda did really well in this department) also allows you to hear smaller details in the music.

You get AppleCarPlay, two USB ports in front (the Hybrid gets two more at the rear), and Siri voice command as well. Unfortunately the Turbo trim does not have the Head-up display (info on the front windscreen), navigation system (doesn’t matter since Google Maps is easier to use), Honda Connect or subwoofer.

In terms of high-tech safety, you get Honda LaneWatch (rear sideview image appears on eight-inch centre display), driver-attention monitor and lots of airbags.

But again, the goodies are reserved for the more expensive hybrid models – things like automatic emergency braking, cross-traffic alert and self-parking (which I’d appreciate due to the Accord’s large dimensions).

After five days with the new Accord 1.5 Turbo EL, I started wondering why someone would want to purchase an expensive European luxury car like the BMW 5 Series or Mercedes E-Class when they can just buy the Accord at a much lower price and enjoy the benefits of a D-segment car.

Honda Accord Turbo EL specs

Engine: 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve with turbocharger

Displacement: 1,498cc

Bore and stroke: 73×89.5mm

Compression ratio: 10.3:1

Max power: 190ps/5,500rpm

Max torque: 243Nm/1,500-5,500rpm

Transmission: CVT

Ratios: 2.645-0.405

Final drive ratio: 5.363

Average fuel economy: 16.4km/litre

Average CO2: 147g/km

Suspension (f/r): McPherson strut, stabiliser/multi-link, stabiliser

Steering: powered rack-and-pinion

Turning circle: 12.2 metres

Brakes (f/r): vented disc/disc

Dimensions (mm): 4,894×1,862×1,450 in height

Wheelbase: 2,839mm

Track (f/r): 1,600/1,610

Weight: 1,464kg

Wheels: 17-in alloys

Tires: 225/50 R17

Fuel tank capacity: 56 litres

Price: Bt1.475 million

Distributor: Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co Ltd

According to distributor Honda Automobiles, sales are equally divided between regular and hybrid models. The company stated that deliveries would commence from July 12.

The Accord is priced at Bt1.475 million for the Turbo EL, Bt1.639 million for the Hybrid and Bt1.799 for the Hybrid Tech.

Notable features include adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, multi-view camera system, Honda smart parking assist system, head-up display, wireless smartphone charging and Apple CarPlay with Siri voice control.

The MG Extender will be officially launched in August, according to distributor MG Sales (Thailand) Co Ltd.

It will come with a 2.0-litre diesel turbo engine and a large number of safety features.

The Extender will be the highlight at the MG booth at this year’s BIG Motor Sale to be held at the Bangkok Trade and Exhibition Center (Bitec) from August 16-25.

The Extender is based on the Maxus T60 sold in China (MG is owned by SAIC Motoes of China), which is powered by a 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine developing 147 horsepower and 360Nm.

The Thai model will be assembled at the new MG plant at the Hemaraj Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate in Chon Buri, which is a joint venture between SAIC and Thailand’s CP Group.

The delivery volume in Western Europe was highly influenced by the core markets, Volkswagen said.

Sales in Germany remained stable at 68,100 units (down 0.3 per cent), but sales were up in the UK (26,100 units, up 6.3 per cent), in Spain (10,200 units, up 20.7 per cent), in France (10,100 units, up 1.5 per cent) and in Italy (7,200 units, up 9.6 per cent). Sales in eastern Europe went up by 16.5 per cent to 23,900 vehicles.

In North and South America, the brand has delivered 4,500 vehicles (up 23.7 per cent) to customers in Mexico (North American market) and 19,100 vehicles (down 15.5 per cent) to customers in South America.

In Africa, 11,700 vehicles were handed over to customers (up 43.8 per cent).

In the Asia-Pacific region, 11,800 vehicles were handed over to customers (down 11 per cent) and 5,500 vehicles (down 49.3 per cent) in the Middle East region.

In June 2019, Volkswagen delivered 44,400 vehicles worldwide (down 10 per cent). The company said this is due to the disproportionately high deliveries in June 2018 following the end of a temporary suspension of deliveries of T6 vehicles with passenger car registration.

In 2018, the brand sold around 500,000 light commercial vehicles, manufactured at its sites in Germany, Poland and Argentina.

The new Jimny sparked  a “Jimny fever” among compact SUV lovers, with all 90 units allocated for the Thai market being ordered online within six days of launch.

“This month, we will deliver 30 Jimny limited edition SUVs to our Thai buyers,  said Wallop Treererkngarm, sales and marketing director of Suzuki Motor (Thailand) Co Ltd, adding that the limited edition was sold out within three hours.

The Jimny Limited Edition comes with the Jimny Box Set and Jimny emblem serial number. This model has been around for 50 yeras and is currently on sale n 44 countries.

“We are confident that the new Jimny will be able to ignite a new trend for small SUVs in Thailand with its compact size and off-road capabilities,” Wallop said.

It comes with a 1.5-litre engine (102hp and 130Nm), 4-speed automatic transmission or 5-speed manual, as well as a 4-wheel-drive system with low transfer gear for difficult off-road conditions. Its narrow turning circle of 9.8 metres makes it easy to drive in tight spaces.

Prices range from Bt1.55 million to Bt1.65 million for manual and automatic transmissions models respectively.

The first Pajero Sport, coming with stylish design, a range of equipment as well as a practical interior, was launched in 2015 and classified as a PPV (Pickup Passenger Vehicle).

The new model features better design, quality as well as a step up in comfort and convenience.

Since its launch, 64,000 units of the Pajero Sport have been sold in Thailand.

The new model is fitted with two motors and is all-wheel-drive, doubling the output of the first at 240kW (326hp) and 640Nm. The first-generation model was rear-wheel-drive powered by a single electric motor in midship layout.

Nismo COO Motohiro Matsumura said: “We have achieved incredible acceleration with two motors applying torque to all four wheels and a lightweight frame”.

Thanks to the electric motor, electric vehicles are distinguished by their fine-tuned steering and maneuverability, Matsumura added.

“From a standing start, they also benefit from maximum torque that is well ahead of internal combustion engine-driven cars, resulting in an unparalleled sense of acceleration,” he said.

Yet no matter how well they perform, few people have an image of EVs as sporty, but Matsuyama said: ” The Nissan LEAF Nismo RC represents an attempt to build the sportiest possible concept using the mass-market Nissan LEAF battery and motor “.

Total weight of the new model has been reduced to 1,220kgs (electric vehicles suffer from heavy batteries), thanks to a lightweight frame and chassis, allowing the EV to halve the 0-100km/h time to approximately 3.6 seconds.

Nissan said it will market two cars each for Japan/Asia, Europe and the US, but did not discuss competition plans.

Lego is a Danish toy-production company based in Billund. It is best known for the manufacture of Lego-brand toys, consisting mostly of interlocking plastic bricks.

The two companies said in a joint statement that the Lego version of the Fat Boy features an astounding 1,023 pieces. The finishes, surfaces and design elements have been crafted to replicate the full-size version.

There are also some movable parts, for example: spin the rear wheel and the Milwaukee-Eight engine springs to life with moving pistons. Other movables include the handlebar, gearshift and brake levers, as well as kickstand.

“The authenticity of the Harley-Davidson design comes by sweating the details from start to finish.” said Brad Richards, vice president of Styling & Design, Harley-Davidson. “We looked at every nut and bolt on the bike, all the finishes, and every small detail”.

The Lego creator expert Harley-Davidson Fat Boy is available directly from Lego stores and shop.LEGO.com, exclusively for Lego VIP members, beginning July 17 while sales to the general public will start on August 1.

However, many potential buyers are still on the fence about converting to EVs, fearing that the current charging infrastructure is not comprehensive enough for long-distance trips. It’s the worst nightmare of EV owners to find their vehicles out of juice in the middle of nowhere, with no charging stations around.

To put their minds at ease, Energy Absolute Public Co Ltd (EA), one of Thailand’s largest EV manufacturers and charging-station operators, has developed the mobile application “EA Anywhere” to conveniently find charging stations nearby.

Available on both App Store and Google Play Store, EA Anywhere features the voice assistants Siri and Google Assistant to enable hands-free use while driving.

Simply open the app or visit https://www.eaanywhere.com to get started. The app will ask for confirmation of your current location from a map, then choose the type of charging you need (normal charge or quick charge).

If you pick normal charging, you have to select the type of connection based on your car’s specifications – Type 1, Type 2 or CCS 2.

The app will display available stations near you, ranked by distance. You then can proceed to select the station and let the app navigate you to there.

The EA website’s “maps” section offers a more traditional way of finding your way around and shows charging station throughout Thailand, including the locations of “coming soon” stations.

EA currently has more than 400 stations in Bangkok and is aiming for 1,000 throughout Thailand (500 in Bangkok and periphery, 500 upcountry).

Combined with charging stations from other operators, EV users should have no problem finding a station, especially in urban Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Songkhla.

As an alternative to EA Anywhere, check out https://www.pumpcharge.com, where you can register and locate hundreds of stations in the Bangkok area. It also has an app called “PumpCharge” that has some nice features like reserving the charging slot in case there’s a queue.

According to the Ministry of Land Transport, by December 2018, Thailand had 122,631 registered hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), while 1,454 were battery-electric vehicles (BEV). Only HEV can run on gas alone and doesn’t require a charging station, while PHEV and BEV need external plug-in sources.

The Energy Policy and Planning Office under the Ministry of Energy is supporting private entrepreneurs who want to invest in EV charging stations by providing funds to cover both gentrification of the area and construction of the station.

From October 2018 to May 2019, over 80 stations were built under this project with Bt46 million in funding paid to investors.