The automobile industry in Thailand is in full swing, having completely recovered from the 2011 floods that forced major producers to close down factories around Bangkok.
Domestic car and pickup truck production this year will reach 2.4 million units, with local sales of 1.4 million and more than 1 million units exported, the Kasikorn Research Center said in a release.
Thailand could become the world’s ninth largest car maker, up from 13th place at present, due to the substantial increase in output, the center added.
Thailand’s entry into the ASEAN Economic Community will present a even more opportunities for Thai auto manufacturers. The government will set a strategy to achieve the goal of producing more than 3 million vehicles annually by 2017.
The current Thailand International Motor Expo, which opened on November 30 and runs until December 11, is creating further demand for new cars, especially among Thailand’s first-time buyers who are driven by the government’s tax-break scheme.
“The automotive and auto-parts industries plays a very significant role in the generation of national income,” said Vitoon Simachokdee, permanent secretary in Thailand’s industry ministry .
“The companies in the automotive sector are also major players in the social development of Thailand, employing more than 800,000 skilled labourers, with the subsequent transfer of high-technology production techniques and knowledge,” he added.
by ARNO MAIERBRUGGER
SOURCE / Investvine