July 29, 2008
Bangkok - Thailand will be able to become the world’s 10th automaker by 2016 and Asia’s 4th automaker as targeted, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Industry Minister Suwit Khunkitti.
Thailand has continuously promoted the auto industry.
Eco-car project is one of the examples of auto industry promotion. The project is in line with the direction of the oil prices.
Thailand’s auto industry has an advantage over its competitors because there are strong supporting industries to serve.
Thailand is considered the auto hub of Indochina and South China.
The FTAs with Japan and Australia were said to make Thailand export more automobiles.
Thailand currently exports autos to several countries. Its one-ton pickups were exported to 130 countries and accepted well.
The industry ministry assigned its policy to the auto companies to speed up the eco-car production by the end of this year.
It is expected some firms will be able to manufacture the eco-cars early next year.
