Japan May Produce 'eco-cars' In Thailand

Japan may produce 'eco-cars' in Thailand

TOKYO: -- Six leading Japanese auto manufacturers have expressed interest to invest in manufacturing eco-cars -- fuel-efficient automobiles -- in Thailand, according to Kosit Panpiemras, deputy prime minister and minister of industry.

Mr. Kosit made the announcement after visiting three Japanese cities and meeting six major Japanese auto manufacturers regarding the Thai Ministry of Industry policy to promote eco-car manufacturing in Thailand.

The Japanese auto makers will propose their initial plans to the Thai government before the end of this month and will send details of their plans by the end of March, he said. Eco-car qualifications set by the Industry Ministry are that they must consume on average only five liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, or less, and target new generations as major customers, to use the eco-car as a second car for the family.

Thailand will remain a key auto production base for the next decade, Mr. Kosit said confidently.

Meanwhile, Satit Chanjavanakul, secretary general of Board of Investment, said as Japanese auto manufacturers have until next March to submit details of investment as well as manufacturing process, he believes the manufacturers would have about two years to prepare for production lines and start manufacturing eco-cars.

Mr. Satit said he was optimistic that Thailand could become a production hub for eco-cars in the region within the next five years.

--TNA 2006-12-03