They include 12,916 passenger cars, down 8% from May, 10,325 commercial vehicles, up 0.1%, and 1,180 special-purpose vehicles, down 30%.

While 18,014 units sold were assembled domestically, a 6% decrease from the previous month, 6,407 were completely built units (CBU) imported from other countries, dropping by 7% month on month. 

However, overall sales turnover in the first half of this year surged 31% compared with the same period last year. The sales of passenger cars, commercial cars and special-purpose cars rose 24%, 40% and 50%, respectively. 

From July 1, 2016, under the latest Law on Special Consumption Tax, cars with a cylinder capacity of 1.5 litres and lower will now be taxed at 40% – 5% lower than previously.

Auto businesses said car sales in June decreased as consumers waited to buy cars after the Government tax came into effect.