Focus Taiwan
Date: 2018/02/02
By: Tien Yu-pin and Frances Huang

Taipei, Feb. 2 (CNA) Car sales in Taiwan for January rose more than 10 percent from a month earlier, with market analysts saying that with the Lunar New Year holiday approaching, strong buying has been sparked.

According to data compiled by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, car sales for January totaled 47,936 units, up 13.6 percent from a month earlier and also up 5.5 percent from a year earlier.

Analysts said the increase in sales also resulted from car manufacturers’ efforts to launch new models to boost buying, while the 2018 Taipei Auto Show, which ran Dec. 30-Jan. 7 also served as a catalyst for consumer interest.

Buying in January followed an increase in sales in 2017, when car sales on the local market totaled 444,469 units, up 1.1 percent from a year earlier, and although the increase was small, sales still hit a 12-year high and beat market expectations.    [FULL  STORY]