Thailand saw its vehicles and automotive parts exports grow 47.6 percent in 2005 to 297.6 billion baht (7.44 billion U.S. dollars) and the exports are projected to continue expanding this year, said Toyota Motor Thailand in a statement released Wednesday.

Exports of completely built cars rose 33 percent to 440,640 units worth 203.1 billion baht (5.07 billion U.S. dollars), while the export of auto parts surged 80 percent to 94.4 billion baht (2. 36 billion U.S. dollars), according to the statement.

"Thailand exported car and car parts to 80 countries worldwide and the growth, resulted from the expansion of completely built cars and parts in IMV projects (multi-purpose vehicles)," Toyota Motor Thailand said.

Toyota forecast vehicle exports to grow by 18 percent or 520, 000 units in 2006.

Source: Xinhua