Thai automobile, parts manufacturers urged to adopt new technology

[webfact]

Auto, parts makers urged to adopt new technology
By The Nation

 

BANGKOK: -- Thai automobile and parts manufacturers have been advised to adopt new technology and innovative production processes urgently to serve rising demand for energy saving, environmental protection, and waste management while responding to increasing demand for electric vehicles.

 

At a recent seminar on “Automobile Technology for Future: Opportunities and Challenges for Thai Automotive Industry”, panellists agreed that the Thai automobile industry should adopt new technology and innovation to ensure their business survives and can compete in the international arena.

 

Vichai Jirathiyut, president of the Thailand Automotive Institute, said that amid higher concern about the environment and safety, demand for electric vehicles had increased greatly in the past few years. 

 

“Giant automobile manufacturers have adopted new technology and innovation to produce not only electric vehicles, but also hybrids and other kinds of energy saving cars. Not only should local carmakers adopt new technology, but autoparts manufacturers should produce parts that serve rising market demands,” he said.

 

A recent survey by the International Energy Agency found that global sales of electric vehicles had increased significantly in 2015, by 70 per cent year on year. Most of the 1.2 million EVs sold in 2015 – some 80 per cent – were purchased in five markets: the United States, China, Japan, the Netherlands and Norway.

 

Vichai said that as Thailand is one of the world’s top car manufacturing nations, enterprises here should learn to adopt technology to serve global demand. They should shift away from economies of scale or lowcost production so Thai manufacturers can remain competitive and maintain their position as the centre of car production in the Asean region.

 

Thanawat Koomsin, president of the Thai Automotive Industry Association, said Thailand would produce about 2 million vehicles this year. 

 

Of these, 800,000 would be for the domestic market and 1.2 milฌlion for export. 

 

“With higher demand for autoฌmated cars and more concern about toxic waste management and environment friendly products, Thai manufacturers should learn new technology and adopt automation to serve the higher demands of the market,” he said. 

 

He added that learning about new technology would help enterprises of all sizes survive in the automobile business.

 

Thailand is the world’s ninth largest auto producer. Last year, total production globally reached 90 million automobiles.

 

Sanchai Noombunnam, deputy managing director for events at UBM Asia (Thailand), said Thai enterprises, especially auto and parts makers, could learn about the latest technology and innovations at “Intermach 2017”, a major showcase of sophisticated hightechnology industries, modern industrial procurement, and machinery parts. 

 

Intermach 2017 will be held from May 1720 under a concept of “Advanced Technology: The Smart Way to Success” at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Bang Na district. 

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/news/business/30313857

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2017-05-01

[Srikcir]

10 hours ago, webfact said:

Thai automobile industry should adopt new technology and innovation

Fine if Thailand wants to continue just being a manufacturer that uses someone else's (ie., USA, Japan) technology. Better to Innovate and create new technology. Wasn't that part of Thailand 4.0?

[Enoon]

7 hours ago, Srikcir said:

Fine if Thailand wants to continue just being a manufacturer that uses someone else's (ie., USA, Japan) technology. Better to Innovate and create new technology. Wasn't that part of Thailand 4.0?

 

Thailand isn't a "manufacturer".

 

Japan and South Korea are manufacturers.

 

Thailand is a place where manufacturers locate their factories.

 

 

Edited May 1, 2017 by Enoon

[rosst]

On 5/1/2017 at 11:33 PM, Enoon said:

 

Thailand isn't a "manufacturer".

 

Japan and South Korea are manufacturers.

 

Thailand is a place where manufacturers locate their factories.

 

 

At the moment but unless they are careful even that will change. many manufacturers are actively seeking alternatives.

[Srikcir]

4 minutes ago, rosst said:

At the moment but unless they are careful even that will change

Change has already started.

Over the past few years, a handful of Japanese light manufacturers have started production in Cambodia, including auto-components and electronics. Yoshiyuki Sato, president of Nikko-Kinzoku in Cambodia, says “If we focus on Asia, Thailand also is a little bit expensive,” Sato said. “Therefore we try to choose a cheaper labor cost,” he added, referring to Cambodia’s labor market.

http://www.voanews.com/a/cambodia-aims-higher-in-manufacturing-sector/3184557.html

 

[MarkusAUST]

33 minutes ago, rosst said:

At the moment but unless they are careful even that will change. many manufacturers are actively seeking alternatives.

Indeed. All of the neighbours right now would seem to look more attractive for investment than here.

Undemocratic military Government is not something most investors favour.