
BANGKOK -- Thailand's automobile output shrank for four straight months through August, an industry group reported on Sept. 17, as a result of weakened domestic spending and downward pressure on exports that could spell trouble for Japanese automakers.
Overall auto production last month shrank 8% on the year to 166,361, the Federation of Thai Industries reported. This follows data from June that shows auto purchases dipped below the year-earlier number for the first time in 30 months. Sales in July receded by 1%.