Market Intelligence & Forecasting — What OEMs and Dealers Must Know to Stay Ahead in the Next Decade

The automotive market in Asia is changing rapidly. Some areas are growing fast, while others are slowing down. This means OEMs and dealers need to rethink their plans. The old ways of making and selling cars don’t work anymore because what buyers want, new rules, and technology are changing all the time.

For OEMs, it’s hard to know where to focus. For dealers, it’s tough to use information to make smart choices about what cars to sell. Now, both need reliable information they can use right away – not just reports, but up-to-the-minute insights.

To understand this change, we talked to Ammar Master, Former Director, South Asia – Automotive at GlobalData Plc, in Bangkok. He has over 20 years of experience in market research and advising OEMs in Asia. Ammar combines his practical knowledge with a clear view of what’s coming in the future.

Read on to hear what he has to say.

Q1. You’ve been watching the car business in Asia for many years. What big changes will affect how OEMs and dealers do business in the next few years?

Some big changes are already happening. First, the economy is growing at different rates in different countries. Places like Vietnam and the Philippines are growing quickly, but Thailand is not.

OEMs and dealers need to pay attention to local trends, not just regional ones. It’s also tougher to get loans these days. In places such as Thailand and Indonesia, fewer people are buying cars because it’s harder to get a car loan.

This situation means dealers are holding onto cars longer and earning less on each sale. Electric cars and car sharing are also gaining ground. The old way of selling cars needs an update, or dealerships will struggle.

Q2. Everyone talks about electric cars. What are they missing, especially in places like India?

Many assume electric cars will take charge without problems, but it’s not that easy. In India, things hinge on stable regulations, affordable payment options, and consumer confidence.

Sudden rule changes can increase expenses, which might force smaller OEMs to quit. There are also not many charging stations, and the used electric car market isn’t taking off just yet.

Many buyers are still unsure and have basic questions about how to take care of electric cars and how much they’ll be worth later. Until these problems are fixed, electric cars will grow more slowly than people predict.

Q3. Dealers often have information but don’t know what to do with it. What should they be watching closely?

I’d start with three things:

• First, see how consumer spending is changing. That’s the best way to know if people are likely to buy cars soon.

• Second, watch for economic and political news that could disrupt the supply of car parts.

• Third, keep track of how ready the area is for electric cars: how fast charging stations are being built, what incentives are offered, and how people feel about electric cars.

When dealers and OEMs watch these things together, they can stop just reacting to what’s happening and start planning ahead.

Q4. How can AI or online tools help dealers make better predictions?

These tools have already changed how we plan. A good computer system doesn’t just store information – it helps you make decisions faster.

For example, a dealer might know which car models are selling best in one area. With the right system, they can move those cars there before everyone else wants them. That’s when forecasting becomes useful – when it’s connected to what you do every day, not just putting together reports.

Q5. Looking ahead, will the car business be shaped more by what customers want or by new rules?

Both are important, but rules will have a bigger impact in the long run. What customers want creates interest, but rules give direction.

We’re already seeing it. Rules about being sustainable, using local parts, and recycling are quietly changing how cars are made, paid for, and sold. The smart companies will pay attention to both: knowing what customers want and following the rules before they’re forced to change.

Wrapping Up

As Ammar Master says, having foresight is now essential. OEMs and dealers who make it a habit to gather information will adapt faster, avoid surprises, and serve their customers better.

When forecasting is connected to the systems dealers use every day, it becomes more accurate. Those who combine their gut feelings with data will lead the way in Asia’s fast-changing car markets.

About The Expert