Hotai Motor: This Year's New Car Market Revised Down to 430,000 Units, Second Half Market Expected to Be Strong

(CNA Reporter Chung Yu-fen, New Taipei, July 1) Hotai Motor General Manager Su Chun-hsing stated today that due to the unresolved tariff policy and shortages of some car models in the first half of the year, Taiwan's new car sales for this year will be slightly revised down from the original forecast of 440,000 units to 430,000 units. The market situation in the second half of the year is expected to be better, while Hotai Motor's overall sales target remains unchanged, with sales performance remaining stable.

Su Chun-hsing pointed out that Hotai Motor is still experiencing shortages for some hybrid and electric vehicle models, which may lead to longer delivery times. The company is continuously negotiating with the original TOYOTA factory in Japan to secure supply. The TOYOTA RAV4 and some hybrid models are already sold out. The market for hybrid vehicles continues to look strong. As for the luxury car market, sales momentum is good, and the company aims to further increase its overall market share this year.

TOYOTA's general agent, Hotai Motor, unveiled the new sports pickup truck ALL NEW HILUX this morning. It officially goes on sale today with an annual sales target of 1,500 units. Following the event, Su Chun-hsing briefly spoke with the media.

Regarding tariff uncertainties, Su Chun-hsing noted that the tariff policy for imported cars from the US remains unclear, and some consumers are continuing to wait and see until the tariff policy is finalized.

Hotai Motor estimates that sales in the third quarter have the potential to grow compared to the same period in 2025. Currently, hybrid vehicles and other electric vehicles account for nearly 50% of sales for both the TOYOTA and LEXUS brands.

Hotai Motor explained that the HILUX model, first introduced in 1968, has sold over 28 million units in more than 195 countries and regions worldwide. It was introduced in Taiwan in 2019, with cumulative sales exceeding 10,000 units. The new ALL NEW HILUX model launched today has already received 400 pre-orders from May to the present.

Hotai Motor previously estimated that the total new car market target for this year, including TOYOTA, LEXUS, and HINO, would be 165,000 units, with an estimated market share of 37.5%. (Editor: Yang Kai-hsiang) 1150701)